Global Prescription Sunglasses Market By Type (Glass, Plastic Lenses- CR-39, Solid material- Polycarbonate), By Application (Young Adults, Adults, Mature Adults), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 202...

Prescription sunglasses are manufactured in compliance with the recommendations of eye specialists. They are generally prescribed to correct issues like near-sightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism in addition to providing UV protection from the sun. These sunglasses are offered for almost all corrective prescriptions, including bifocals and progressive lenses. 

The global prescription sunglasses market was valued at USD 649 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 968 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.27% from 2024-2032. The demand for prescription sunglasses is rising due to an ageing population, increased awareness of eye health, and a higher prevalence of visual impairments. Additionally, market growth is fueled by the expanding e-commerce trend and the wide selection available online.

Premium Insights:

• Rapid development in new lens materials and coatings to enhance clarity, lessen glare and offer better defence against UV radiation. 

  
  

• Demand for polarized lenses has increased as they can effectively reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads. 

  
  

  
  

Global Prescription Sunglasses Market:

Drivers: Fashionable eyewear & evolving styles, technological advancements and heightened focus on eye health & sun protection.

-Prescription sunglasses are no longer purely functional. They are increasingly viewed as a fashion accessory. A wide variety of styles and designer options cater to diverse preferences and enhance personal style.

-Advancements in lens materials and coatings lead to the development of lighter, thinner, and more scratch-resistant prescription sunglasses with improved optical clarity and features like polarization for glare reduction.

-Growing awareness of the detrimental effects of UV radiation on eye health is prompting people to seek sunglasses with UV protection. Prescription sunglasses offer both corrective vision and protection from harmful rays.

Restraints: Competition from contact lenses, counterfeit products and brand awareness & marketing challenges.

-Contact lenses offer an alternative vision correction option, and transition lenses that adjust to light can reduce the perceived need for prescription sunglasses.

-The presence of counterfeit prescription sunglasses online can pose safety risks and undermine trust in legitimate retailers. Consumers may be hesitant to purchase online without proper verification.

-Smaller brands or independent opticians may struggle to compete with established brands when it comes to marketing and brand recognition for prescription sunglasses.

Opportunities: Partnership with eye care professionals & insurance companies, focus on customisation and emphasis on eye health awareness campaigns. 

-Collaborations with eye doctors and optometrists can raise awareness of prescription sunglasses and potentially lead to increased insurance coverage for these products.

-Offering customization options like frame engravings or personalized lens colours can enhance the appeal and cater to individual preferences. 

-Educational campaigns promoting the importance of UV protection and the benefits of prescription sunglasses can raise consumer awareness and drive market growth.

Market By Prescription Sunglasses Type Insights: 

Based on lens material, the market is segmented into CR-39, Polycarbonate, Polyurethane and Glass. CR-39 is leading the market as prescription glasses made from this plastic, have a very low distortion rate. A glass mould is optically treated and filled with liquid polymer to create this lens and the material is also much lighter and thinner than glass. 

Market By End-Use Insights:

Based on end-use, the market is mainly segmented into young adults, adults, mature adults and seniors. People between the ages 20-54 occupy a major portion of the market revenue due to their active lifestyle leading to more sun exposure. Adults within this age group also have a high disposable income compared to the younger demographics allowing them to invest in quality prescription glasses.

Market By Region Insights:

Based on regional coverage, the market can be segmented into North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. North America holds the largest share of the prescription sunglasses market due to the region's strong economy and brand-centric consumers, who prioritize quality, style, and brand reputation contributing to this dominance. The growing need for protective eyewear in dangerous environments such as those 

involving chemical splashes and radiation has led to a wide application of these sunglasses.

Competitive Scenario: 

Major players in the region include Luxottica Group S.p.A., Safilo Group S.p.A., Maui Jim, Oakley, Ray-Ban, Essilor International S.A., Marchon Eyewear, Inc.,  Rodenstock GmbH, De Rigo Vision S.p.A., Charmant Group,  Fielmann AG, Carl Zeiss AG, Marcolin Group, Silhouette International Schmied AG, Kering Eyewear among others.

Scope of Work-Global Prescription Sunglasses Market

Key Market Developments: 

• March 2024- Koji Horikawa is the son of Kaoru Horikawa, the founder of CHARMANT Group. Mr. Horikawa joins CHARMANT with over thirty years of devoted service, a wealth of leadership experience, and experience. He spent a few years in Hong Kong and China, where he was instrumental in managing the product planning and Chinese manufacturing divisions. He has been a Managing Director since 2010 and is in charge of the Chinese and Japanese manufacturing facilities. In addition, he became the COO in 2019 and is now in charge of the domestic business division.

  
  

• September 2021-Luxottica Group S.p.A. and Essilor International S.A. announced their merger, creating EssilorLuxottica, the biggest eyeglass company in the world. The goal of the deal is to strengthen the company's position in the global prescription Rx sunglass market while also expanding its product line.

  
  

• November 2020- Group S.p.A. introduced Blue Block Technology, a lens technology designed to protect eyes from blue light emitted by digital devices. The technology is suitable for use in prescription Rx sunglass lenses and is meant to address the growing issue of digital eye strain.

  
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What factors are driving the growth of the prescription sunglasses market?

Ans. Key drivers include fashionable eyewear & evolving styles, technological advancements and a heightened focus on eye health & sun protection.

2. What are the major challenges in the prescription sunglasses market?

Ans. Major challenges include competition from contact lenses, counterfeit products and brand awareness & marketing challenges.

3. Who are the key players in the market?

Ans. Key players include Luxottica Group S.p.A., Safilo Group S.p.A., Maui Jim, Oakley, Ray-Ban, Essilor International S.A., Marchon Eyewear, Inc.,  Rodenstock GmbH, De Rigo Vision S.p.A., Charmant Group,  Fielmann AG, Carl Zeiss AG, Marcolin Group, Silhouette International Schmied AG, Kering Eyewear among others.

4. What opportunities exist in the market?

Ans. Opportunities include partnerships with eye care professionals & insurance companies, a focus on customisation and an emphasis on eye health awareness campaigns.