PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1731014
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1731014
Reading glasses are non-prescription, over-the-counter eyewear designed to temporarily improve near vision for individuals with presbyopia. These glasses function by magnifying close-up objects, enabling users to read, write, or perform other near-vision tasks with greater clarity.
The primary types of reading glasses include prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) reading glasses. Prescription reading glasses are custom-made to meet specific vision requirements, offering clear close-up vision for activities such as reading, based on a doctor's prescribed lens power. They are made from various materials, such as plastic, metal, hybrid, and others, and are designed for different age groups, including those under 18 years, 18-64 years, and 65 years and older. These glasses are available through multiple distribution channels, including online retail, optical stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, and more.
The reading glasses market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides reading glasses market statistics, including the reading glasses industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the reading glasses market share, detailed reading glasses market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the reading glasses industry. This reading glasses market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.
The reading glasses market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $41.01 billion in 2024 to $43.54 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2%. The growth during the historic period can be attributed to an aging population, increasing urbanization, a higher prevalence of presbyopia, a growing need for vision correction, and a rising incidence of ocular diseases.
The reading glasses market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $54.58 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the expansion of online sales channels, increased adoption of premium branded products, rising demand for reading glasses, growing consumer disposable income, greater use of mobile devices, computers, and other technology, increasing demand for stylish designs and branded products among younger consumers, and the continued growth of e-commerce platforms. Key trends expected in the forecast period include the increasing use of digital devices, evolving consumer purchasing behaviors, technological advancements, innovations in eyeglass frame materials, and the integration of AI into reading glasses.
The increasing prevalence of presbyopia is expected to drive the growth of the reading glasses market in the coming years. Presbyopia is an age-related vision condition that causes difficulty in focusing on nearby objects, typically affecting individuals over 40. This condition arises due to the natural aging process, which gradually reduces the elasticity of the eye's lens, making it harder to focus on close-up tasks. Modern lifestyle habits, such as prolonged screen time and reduced outdoor activities, may contribute to an earlier onset or more severe symptoms. Reading glasses assist individuals with presbyopia by providing the necessary magnification to enhance clarity and reduce eye strain. For example, in September 2023, the Ophthalmology Times Europe, a UK-based journal, reported that approximately 1.8 billion people were affected by presbyopia worldwide in 2022, with projections indicating this number could reach 2.1 billion by 2030. As a result, the increasing prevalence of presbyopia is fueling the expansion of the reading glasses market.
Leading companies in the reading glasses industry are focusing on developing advanced products, such as ultra-thin reading glasses, to meet consumer preferences for lightweight, comfortable, and stylish eyewear. These glasses are designed specifically for close-up vision and incorporate advanced materials and technology to minimize thickness and weight while maintaining optical clarity and durability. In February 2024, Read On, a Switzerland-based eyewear company, introduced Read On Light, a lightweight and highly flexible pair of reading glasses made from premium TR90 eyewear material. These glasses are designed for maximum comfort and style, featuring a matching hard case and five fashionable color options. They also include extra-long temples for easy adjustment and can fold flat for convenient storage. This innovation caters to the growing demand for stylish yet functional reading glasses, eliminating the need for integration into a smartphone case, as seen in the company's previous designs.
In April 2023, Blue Point Capital Partners, a US-based private equity firm, acquired Eyebobs for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, Blue Point Capital Partners aims to utilize its resources and expertise to accelerate Eyebobs' growth, enhance its brand presence, expand its product portfolio, and strengthen its position in the premium eyewear market. Eyebobs is a US-based company specializing in the manufacturing of reading glasses.
Major players in the reading glasses market are Bausch & Lomb, Specsavers, Carl Zeiss, Vision Express, Kate Spade, Rodenstock GmbH, Warby Parker, JINS Eyewear, De Rigo Vision S.p.A., Maui Jim Inc., Zenni Optical Inc., Izipizi, Foster Grant, Clic Eyewear, Peepers, Prive Revaux, Gunnar Optiks, Felix Gray, ThinkOptic Inc., Nooz Optics.
North America was the largest region in the reading glasses market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in reading glasses report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.
The countries covered in the reading glasses market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The reading glasses market consists of sales of bifocal reading glasses, half-frame reading glasses, and magnifying eyewear glasses. 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.
Reading Glasses 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 reading glasses 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 reading glasses ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The reading glasses 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.