Eyewear market seen topping $291.6B by 2030

The global eyewear market is projected to grow from $173.89 billion in 2025 to $193.58 billion in 2026, with The Business Research Company forecasting $291.65 billion by 2030. Growth is being driven by rising vision problems, more screen time, fashion demand, smart eyewear adoption and expanding online and retail channels.

Why it matters: - Eyewear demand is rising as eye-health problems, digital screen use and fashion spending reshape the market. - The forecast suggests a large, sustained opportunity for corrective, protective and connected eyewear products through 2030. - The market’s expansion also points to broader shifts in consumer behavior, including more online buying and interest in sustainable materials.

What happened: - The Business Research Company published an eyewear market report projecting the market will grow from $173.89 billion in 2025 to $193.58 billion in 2026. - The report forecasts the global eyewear market will reach $291.65 billion by 2030. - The company estimates 11.3% CAGR growth from 2025 to 2026 and 10.8% CAGR growth from 2026 to 2030. - The report was released in London on Aug. 6, 2026. - The company also made a free sample of the eyewear market report available.

The details: - Rising vision impairment, heavier screen exposure across age groups, fashion eyewear demand, optical retail expansion and lower-priced eyewear are cited as drivers of past growth. - Smart eyewear adoption, personalized vision care, sustainable products, online sales and stronger eye-health awareness are expected to support growth ahead. - Key trends include blue light blocking glasses, sustainable materials, connected eyewear, omnichannel retail and more functional fashion-focused designs. - Eyewear is described as devices and accessories that protect or enhance vision, while also serving as a fashion or beauty accessory. - Common eyewear types include spectacles, sunglasses, goggles and contact lenses. - The report says North America held the largest market share in 2025. - The Asia-Pacific region is expected to be the fastest-growing market over the forecast period. - Regional coverage includes Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East and Africa. - The company also highlighted the full eyewear market report.

Between the lines: - The forecast blends health demand with lifestyle demand, which shows eyewear is increasingly a hybrid medical-consumer category. - The emphasis on smart, sustainable and omnichannel products suggests competition is shifting beyond basic lens correction. - Regional growth patterns point to mature demand in North America and faster expansion in Asia-Pacific.

What's next: - The report expects demand to keep rising through 2030 as eye-health concerns and digital-device use continue. - Brands and retailers are likely to keep leaning into personalization, online sales and product features tied to both health and fashion. - The market’s fastest growth may come from products that combine utility, style and connected technology.

The bottom line: - Eyewear is moving from a necessity category to a broader health-and-lifestyle market, and the growth outlook remains strong through the end of the decade.