Reading Glasses Market

Growing prevalence of ocular disorders and increasing need of vision correction is driving the market growth

In the recent years, developed regions have seen a demographic shift towards an ageing population. There is a higher prevalence of this among people over 40. The globe Health Organisation predicts that by 2050, there will be 2 billion people in the globe who are 60 years of age or older, up from 900 million in 2015. As we get older, eye degeneration causes visual impairments include difficulty seeing small print or objects clearly. Presbyopia is becoming more common in adults at a noticeable rate.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology estimates that 1.8 billion persons worldwide (about 25%) had presbyopia in 2015. 

The overall unmet requirement for presbyopia correction among them was 45%. Furthermore, it has been widely observed that older persons are more likely to have corneal astigmatism than younger people. As a result, the market for reading glasses is expected to develop throughout the course of the forecast period due to factors such as an ageing population, an increase in the frequency of ocular illnesses, and rising utilisation of mobile devices, computers, and other technology.

During the projected period, the market expansion is likely to be fueled by rising sales of reading glasses through online retailers, rising internet usage in emerging markets, rising mobile phone usage, and shifting consumer purchasing patterns towards online retailers. Further boosting the sales in the near future would be reworking the sales and marketing strategies by the major players to address this purchasing behaviour and target the right distribution channel.

Reading glasses normally come in strengths of 1-3 and are rarely produced for powers greater than 4, as the majority of people only need low powered readers. In terms of type, the prescription segment now controls the market, and it is projected that it will maintain its control during the forecast period. The growing emphasis that customers are placing on obtaining reading glasses with improved vision correction and frame fit is the cause of this. OTC reading glasses are of lower quality and have the same corrective strength for both eyes because they are ready-made in nature.

Customers are increasingly choosing prescription reading glasses as a result. Thus, driving the Reading Glasses market revenue.

The Global Reading Glasses Market Industry is significantly influenced by the aging population, which is projected to increase substantially in the coming years. As individuals age, the prevalence of presbyopia, a condition that affects nearly everyone over the age of 40, rises. In 2024, the market is valued at approximately 42.7 USD Billion, driven by the growing need for vision correction among older adults. This demographic shift suggests that the demand for reading glasses will continue to expand, as older consumers seek solutions to maintain their quality of life and independence.

The expansion of e-commerce platforms is reshaping the Global Reading Glasses Market Industry by providing consumers with greater access to a variety of products. Online shopping allows for convenient comparisons of styles, prices, and features, enabling consumers to make informed choices. This trend is particularly appealing to younger consumers who prefer the convenience of online shopping. As e-commerce continues to thrive, it is likely to enhance market penetration and drive sales, further contributing to the industry's growth trajectory in the coming years.

The rise in screen time, particularly among younger demographics, is a notable driver of the Global Reading Glasses Market Industry. With more individuals engaging with digital devices for work and leisure, the incidence of digital eye strain has surged. This condition often necessitates the use of reading glasses to alleviate discomfort and improve visual performance. As awareness of eye health grows, consumers are more inclined to invest in specialized eyewear, contributing to the market's projected growth to 75.7 USD Billion by 2035.

The Global Reading Glasses Market Industry is poised for substantial growth, with projections indicating a market value of 42.7 USD Billion in 2024 and an anticipated increase to 75.7 USD Billion by 2035. This growth reflects a CAGR of 5.34% from 2025 to 2035, underscoring the industry's resilience and adaptability in response to evolving consumer needs. The upward trajectory of the market is indicative of the increasing importance of vision correction solutions in daily life, driven by demographic shifts and technological advancements.

Innovations in lens technology and frame design are propelling the Global Reading Glasses Market Industry forward. Advancements such as blue light filtering lenses and lightweight materials enhance user comfort and visual clarity. These developments cater to a tech-savvy consumer base that increasingly relies on digital devices, which can exacerbate eye strain. As a result, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.34% from 2025 to 2035, indicating a robust response to consumer demands for improved functionality and style in reading glasses.

Growing health awareness and a focus on preventive care are pivotal in shaping the Global Reading Glasses Market Industry. Consumers are increasingly recognizing the importance of regular eye examinations and proactive measures to maintain vision health. This trend is reflected in the rising demand for reading glasses as individuals seek to address vision issues before they escalate. The market's growth is indicative of a broader societal shift towards prioritizing health and wellness, which is expected to sustain momentum in the coming years.

By region, the study provides the market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. The North America Reading Glasses Market dominated this market in 2022 (45.80%). This can be linked to consumers' growing knowledge of the importance of vision correction and the accessibility of eyeglasses. In contrast, the market is anticipated to experience strong growth in developing regions like the Asia Pacific throughout the forecast period due to rising consumer disposable incomes, supportive government efforts, and increased awareness of the importance of eye care.

Further, the U.S. market of Reading Glasses held the largest market share, and the Canada market of Reading Glasses was the fastest growing in the North America region.

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The US, Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 2: READING GLASSES MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

Europe Reading Glasses market is expected to register significant growth from 2023 to 2032. This is mostly attributable to the top manufacturers' presence in nations like Italy, the U.K., and Germany, to the region's sizable geriatric population and high prevalence of refractive defects, and to the populace's high level of knowledge of cutting-edge technologies. Further, the German market of Reading Glasses held the largest market share, and the U.K market of Reading Glasses was the fastest growing market in the European region

The Asia Pacific Reading Glasses market accounted for the healthy market share in 2022. This is due to factors like players focusing more on breaking into unexplored markets and product launches in the semi-premium and lower price range to be accessible to economically underdeveloped regions. Moreover, China’s market of Reading Glasses held the largest market share, and the Indian market of Reading Glasses was the fastest growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the market of Reading Glasses, grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to expand their global footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, Reading Glasses Industry must offer cost-effective items.

Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics used by manufacturers in the global Reading Glasses Industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. In recent years, the Reading Glasses Industry has offered some of the most significant advantages to medicine. Major players in the Reading Glasses market, including Bausch & Lomb Incorporated., EssilorLuxottica, Carl Zeiss, Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., Hoya Corporation, De Rigo Vision S.p.A., ZENNI OPTICAL, INC., and ThinkOptic Inc, are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.

Manufacturer of ophthalmic optical goods is FGX International. The company's ophthalmic optical goods include reading glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, and prescription frames that can be used to treat astigmatism, presbyopia, hyperopia, and myopia. In an effort to raise awareness of the dearth of reading glasses in developing nations and the effects that vision correction with reading glasses has on people's lives, FGX International and Restoring Vision collaborated to launch the first reading glasses day on June 7, 2019.

The owner of an online optical platform for different types of eyewear is Lenskart. The company's platform allows clients to purchase prescription eyewear, branded contact lenses, sunglasses, and accessories while also receiving free home delivery of the newest eyewear collections. The California-based manufacturer of reading glasses Thinoptics Inc., which produces reading glasses that may be worn on the nose, attached to a smartphone, keychain, or laptop, received a $500,000 investment from Lenskart Solutions in May 2018.