PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1706072
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1706072
Photochromic lenses are specialized optical lenses that darken when exposed to UV light and lighten when UV light diminishes. They are used in eyewear to provide adaptive sunlight protection, eliminating the need to switch between regular glasses and sunglasses.
These lenses are made from materials such as glass, polycarbonate, and plastic. Glass photochromic lenses use high-quality glass that changes tint in response to sunlight. They employ various technologies such as UV and visible light absorption, mass imbibing, and trans-bonding. Photochromic lenses are available through online channels, optical chains, and independent eye care professionals (ECPs), catering to diverse applications including corrective and preventive eyewear.
The photochromic lenses market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides photochromic lenses market statistics, including photochromic lenses industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a photochromic lenses market share, detailed photochromic lenses market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the photochromic lenses industry. This photochromic lenses market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The photochromic lenses market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $6.56 billion in 2024 to $7.02 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increased awareness about eye protection, a rise in disposable income, a growing aging population, the prevalence of vision-related disorders, urbanization and changing lifestyles.
The photochromic lenses market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $9.17 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for convenience, rising adoption of smart eyewear, expanding middle-class population, heightened focus on eye health, and favorable government regulations. Major trends in the forecast period include the integration of photochromic lenses with digital devices, increasing use of eco-friendly materials, advancements in anti-reflective coatings, expanding application in sports eyewear, and growth in the use of augmented reality (AR) in lenses.
The growing prevalence of eye-related disorders is expected to drive the expansion of the photochromic lenses market. Eye-related disorders encompass a variety of conditions that can affect vision and overall eye health, such as myopia, cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. The rise in these conditions is largely attributed to aging populations, increased screen time, environmental pollution, poor dietary habits, and higher rates of chronic diseases like diabetes. Photochromic lenses help reduce eye strain and provide UV protection, offering comfort and enhancing visual health for those suffering from eye-related issues. For example, in September 2022, the National Institutes of Health, a US-based government agency, reported that in the UK, around 2.5 million people experience some form of visual impairment, with an additional 350,000 individuals classified as partially sighted or blind. These numbers are projected to grow by 40% by 2050. As a result, the increasing prevalence of eye-related disorders is fueling the growth of the photochromic lenses market.
Leading companies in the photochromic lenses market are focused on innovating new products to improve user experience, offering enhancements such as clearer vision, faster transition times between light conditions, and enhanced UV protection. Innovative photochromic lenses automatically adjust their tint based on changing light conditions, providing optimal visual comfort and protection. For example, LensCrafters introduced Transitions GEN S in May 2024, featuring ultra-responsive light adaptation, a range of vibrant colors at different darkness levels, and improved UV and blue-violet light protection. These advancements cater to consumer demands for seamless visual transitions and robust eye care.
In November 2022, SDC Technologies Inc. (SDC), a US-based company specializing in specialty coating solutions, acquired Coburn Technologies Inc. to expand their offerings in ophthalmic lens processing. This acquisition enables SDC to provide comprehensive solutions, including advanced lens surfacing and marking equipment, finishing systems, diagnostic instruments, automated coating equipment, and premium coatings for various applications. Coburn Technologies Inc., also based in the US, is renowned for its expertise in computer-integrated optical lens processing systems, including those for photochromic lenses.
Major companies operating in the photochromic lenses market are EssilorLuxottica SA, Corning Incorporated, Mitsui Chemicals Inc., Carl Zeiss AG, HOYA Corporation, VSP Vision Care Inc., Rodenstock GmbH, Shanghai Conant Optics Co. Ltd., Younger Optics Inc., Vision Ease LP, Signet Armorlite Inc., SEIKO Optical Europe GmbH, Vision Dynamics LLC, S.T International Ltd, Optiswiss AG, GKB Optic Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Nikon Lenswear, BBGR Ltd, Norville Opticians Co, Tokai Optical Co. Ltd., Zenni Optical Inc.
North America was the largest region in the photochromic lenses market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the photochromic lenses market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.
The countries covered in the photochromic lenses market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The photochromic lenses market consists of sales of high-index lenses, blue-light filtering lenses, progressive lenses, mirrored lenses, polarized lenses, and anti-reflective coated lenses. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Photochromic Lenses Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on photochromic lenses market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for photochromic lenses ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The photochromic lenses market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.