USA Eyewear Market Outlook to 2030

USA Eyewear Market Overview

• The USA Eyewear Market is valued at USD 35 billion, driven by increasing demand for prescription glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses. The market is experiencing continuous growth due to the aging population, heightened awareness of eye health, and the increasing trend of wearing eyewear for fashion purposes.

• The major cities that dominate the market include New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. These cities contribute significantly due to their large urban population, high disposable income, and fashion-forward consumers. Additionally, the presence of flagship stores of major global brands in these cities ensures a higher level of brand penetration and consumer engagement, making these regions key hubs for eyewear demand and trends.
• The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continues its efforts in collaboration with eyewear manufacturers to combat the growing threat of counterfeit products. In 2024, enhanced anti-counterfeit measures and technology are projected to reduce the circulation of fake products by up to 30%, protecting both the industry and consumers from fraudulent goods.

USA Eyewear Market Segmentation

By Product Type: The market is segmented by product type into prescription glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, frames, and eyewear accessories. Prescription glasses currently hold a dominant market share, driven by increasing incidences of vision-related issues such as myopia and presbyopia, especially among the aging population. The accessibility of affordable prescription glasses through both online and offline channels further solidifies the dominance of this segment in the market.

By Distribution Channel: The market is segmented into optical stores, online stores, supermarkets & hypermarkets, and specialty stores. Optical stores dominate the market as the preferred distribution channel due to their strong physical presence, expertise in offering customized solutions, and trust built over the years. Additionally, consumers value the in-person fitting and consultation services provided by optical stores, making them the most reliable choice for eyewear purchases.

USA Eyewear Market Competitive Landscape

The market is highly competitive, with key players such as Luxottica Group and Essilor International holding market power. These players dominate the market due to their vast product offerings, strategic mergers and acquisitions, and strong distribution networks.

USA Eyewear Market Analysis

Market Growth Drivers

• Aging Population and Vision Impairment Increase: As of 2024, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that over 54 million Americans are aged 65 and older, driving demand for corrective eyewear products like prescription glasses. Vision impairment issues rise with age, with over 12 million adults requiring vision correction. This growing demographic is a key driver of eyewear sales, particularly prescription lenses.
• Increased Screen Time Leading to Digital Eye Strain: The American Optometric Association reports that more than 70 million people in the U.S. experience digital eye strain, which is directly related to prolonged screen time. With over 291 million smartphone users and an increasing number of remote workers, demand for eyewear solutions like blue light-blocking glasses is growing steadily.
• Health Awareness and Preventive Eye Care: Rising awareness of eye health as part of overall wellness is leading to more frequent eye exams and earlier corrective lens adoption. In 2024, more than 50 million Americans are expected to undergo routine eye exams. Increased health awareness has spurred a growing focus on preventive care, driving consistent demand for prescription and non-prescription eyewear products in the USA.

Market Challenges

• Increasing Competition from Online Retailers: Traditional eyewear retailers face intense competition from online platforms. In 2024, the U.S. eyewear e-commerce market has expanded, with over 25 million pairs of eyewear sold through digital platforms. This shift presents challenges for brick-and-mortar stores that are losing market share due to more competitive pricing and convenience offered online.
• High Cost of Prescription Lenses: he rising cost of prescription eyewear remains a challenge for consumers, with the average cost of a pair of prescription glasses reaching $300 in 2024. Many consumers face financial barriers, limiting access to premium eyewear. The market sees reduced demand for high-end products, especially in the absence of comprehensive vision insurance coverage.

USA Eyewear Market Future Outlook

Over the next five years, the USA Eyewear industry is expected to see growth, driven by increasing consumer awareness of eye health, the rise in digital eye strain due to higher screen time, and the fashion-forward shift in eyewear.

Future Market Opportunities

• Growth in Personalized Eyewear Solutions: Over the next five years, personalization will become a key trend in the eyewear market, with consumers increasingly demanding customized frames and lenses based on facial structure, lifestyle, and preferences. In 2029, it is expected that over 4 million pairs of customized eyewear will be sold annually, particularly through direct-to-consumer models.
• Sustainability to Dominate Product Innovation: By 2029, the market will witness a sharp rise in sustainable products, with over 8 million units of eco-friendly eyewear projected to be sold annually. Companies will increasingly adopt recycled materials and sustainable production processes, responding to consumer demand for environmentally conscious products.