Sales share of the sunglasses market in the U.S. 2010-2011, by retail channel
Eyewear Market
Increasing usage and acceptance of eyewear products in general, and prescription eyewear in particular, is a critical driver for market growth. With a large percentage of the population afflicted with conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, the demand for corrective eyewear is on the rise.
Spectacles enjoy widespread global popularity owing to high degree of penetration in developing and developed economies alike. Due to lifestyle changes, which involve increasing formal employment and extensive usage of computers, the number of individuals using corrective eyewear is also on the incline. Contact lenses are gaining user acceptance due to increased awareness and convenience of use. Daily disposable and weekly disposable contact lenses are expected to be the preferred modality, due to their cost effectiveness and low dependency on eye care products.
Plano sunglasses, which are sunglasses fitted with non-Rx lenses, provide protection for the eyes against harmful UV radiation. These non-prescription products are expected to witness lower demand in the organized sector in developing geographies; however, they contribute largely to the overall revenue due to high retail prices.