Soft contact lenses market seen reaching $13.49 billion by 2030

The Business Research Company says the soft contact lenses market will grow from $10.28 billion in 2026 to $13.49 billion by 2030, driven by myopia growth, silicone hydrogel adoption and online sales. North America led the market in 2025, while Asia-Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing region.

Why it matters: - Soft contact lenses are gaining demand as more consumers seek comfortable vision correction options. - The market’s projected growth points to steady demand across daily wear, cosmetic and therapeutic uses. - Rising myopia rates are expanding the addressable market worldwide.

What happened: - The Business Research Company released a 2026 report on the global soft contact lenses market. - The report projects the market will rise from $9.57 billion in 2025 to $10.28 billion in 2026. - The report forecasts the market will reach $13.49 billion by 2030. - The report was published in London on Aug. 27, 2026. - Download a free sample of the report. - View the full market report.

The details: - The report ties 2026 growth to rising refractive vision problems, greater eye care awareness and hydrogel lens advances. - Wider access to daily disposable lenses and the growth of optical retail chains also support the market. - The report puts the market’s 2025-2026 CAGR at 7.4%. - The long-term forecast through 2030 implies a 7.0% CAGR. - The report points to silicone hydrogel lenses, cosmetic and colored lenses, online sales, smart and connected lens technologies, and therapeutic and specialty lenses as key growth drivers. - Soft contact lenses are made from flexible hydrogels or silicone hydrogels. - These materials absorb water, mold closely to the eye and allow higher oxygen flow to the cornea than rigid lenses. - The report says that helps reduce dryness and supports short-term and extended wear. - The report also highlights personalized lenses, improved oxygen permeability and stronger water retention as trends shaping product development. - North America held the largest share of the global market in 2025. - Asia-Pacific is forecast to be the fastest-growing region. - The report covers Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East and Africa.

Between the lines: - Myopia is emerging as one of the clearest demand drivers because screen time and less outdoor activity are contributing to higher rates in children and adolescents. - The shift toward online sales and daily disposable products suggests buyers want convenience as much as clinical performance. - The report’s emphasis on smart and connected lenses signals that product innovation is moving beyond basic vision correction. - A February 2025 NIH report predicted global myopia prevalence will reach 36.59% by 2040 and 39.80% by 2050, with more than 740 million people affected by 2050.

What's next: - The market is expected to keep expanding through 2030 as silicone hydrogel use grows and specialty lens categories widen. - The report says future demand will likely be shaped by cosmetic, medically oriented and myopia-control lenses. - The Business Research Company says its 2026 reports now include market attractiveness scoring, TAM analysis, company scoring matrix graphics, Excel forecasting dashboards and hotspot infographics.

The bottom line: - Soft contact lenses are moving from a mature vision-care category into a broader growth market shaped by comfort, convenience and new lens technology.