Global Market For Contact Lenses Set For Healthy Growth Through To 2016

A number of factors are combining to drive a brisk expansion in the global contact lens market, according to research company TechNavio. Its latest report on the market projects growth at a compound annual rate of 8.6% between 2012 and 2016.

The main reason for the anticipated growth is the emergence of several market trends, a TechNavio healthcare analyst said. Key among them is a rising patient awareness about the correction of vision disorders through the use of contact lenses. Numerous awareness programmes have been launched by governments, non-governmental organisations and product manufacturers. One example of such a programme is 'VISION 2020: The right to sight', which was the joint work of the WHO and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. The programme was launched globally and contributed to an increased demand for vision care products. It shows that the growing awareness across the developed world has led to a higher uptake of contact lenses.

Another major factor contributing to the growth of the contact lens market is the rising use of contacts for aesthetic purposes, as well as both teenagers' and adults' great appetite for coloured contact lenses. Responding to the demand for contacts as fashion accessories, manufacturers are looking to bring out a variety of products with extra features, for example teardrop effects and lenses projecting three shades of colour. There has also been significant interest in the development of contact lenses that can give the impression of bigger and shinier eyes.