Clinical Report: Contact Lens Market and Trends in 2025
Overview
The global contact lens market experienced slower growth in 2025, expanding approximately 4% year-over-year compared to higher growth rates in prior years. Key developments include the US approval of the first spectacle lens for myopia control and ongoing optimism for specialty lens adoption and market recovery in 2026.
Background
Contact lenses remain a vital component of vision correction, with a $12 billion global market. After several years of robust growth, 2025 saw a deceleration influenced by macroeconomic uncertainty and shifts in purchasing behavior. Advances in specialty lenses, including torics, multifocals, and scleral lenses, continue to drive practitioner interest. The approval of spectacle lenses for myopia control marks a significant milestone that may impact future contact lens fitting and management strategies.
Data Highlights
Parameter
2025
2024
Global Soft Contact Lens Market Growth (y/y)
~4%
7%
SiHy Lens Usage in Fits
66%
Not specified
Hydrogel Lens Usage in Fits
21%
Not specified
GP Lens Usage in Fits
10%
Not specified
Hybrid Lens Usage in Fits
2%
Not specified
Soft Spherical Lens Fits
41%
45%
Soft Toric Lens Fits
31%
24%
Soft Multifocal Lens Fits
14%
15%
Scleral Lens Fits
7%
7%
Spherical Corneal GP Fits
3%
3%
Practitioner Estimates of Patient Contact Lens Purchases from Practice
61%
59%
Practitioner Estimates of Patient Purchases Online
28%
23%
Practitioner Optimism for Practice Growth in 2026
54% expect increase
64% expected increase in 2025
Key Findings
Global soft contact lens market growth slowed to approximately 4% in 2025, down from 7% in 2024 and an average of over 8% during 2022-2024.
The US approval of the first spectacle lens for myopia control in 2025 represents a major advancement with potential to influence pediatric care and contact lens fitting.
Silicone hydrogel lenses accounted for 66% of fits in 2025, with hydrogels at 21%, GP lenses 10%, and hybrids 2%.
Soft toric lens fits increased to 31% in 2025 from 24% in 2024, while soft spherical lens fits decreased slightly to 41%.
Practitioner optimism remains positive, with 54% expecting growth in their contact lens practice in 2026 despite a slight decline from 64% in 2025.
Scleral lenses are viewed as having the greatest growth potential in 2026 by 58% of practitioners, followed by custom soft lenses and orthokeratology.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should anticipate a gradual market recovery and consider expanding specialty lens offerings, particularly scleral and toric lenses, to meet patient demand. The introduction of spectacle lenses for myopia control may alter management strategies for pediatric patients, necessitating updated fitting protocols. Awareness of shifting patient purchasing behaviors and rebate structures can help optimize practice revenue and patient compliance.
Conclusion
Despite a temporary slowdown in market growth, the contact lens field remains dynamic with promising innovations and expanding specialty lens adoption. Continued practitioner engagement and adaptation to new technologies and patient preferences will be key to success in 2026 and beyond.
References
Baird Contact Lens Market Data and Survey 2025 -- Contact Lenses 2025
