GITNUXREPORT 2025

Glasses Statistics

Global glasses market exceeds 134 billion dollars, with growing online and eco-friendly trends.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Around 2.3 billion people worldwide use glasses or other corrective eyewear

Statistic 2

The average person owns about 3-4 pairs of eyeglasses

Statistic 3

The phrase “my glasses broke” is among the top reasons for eyewear replacement

Statistic 4

Approximately 80% of adults worldwide use digital devices daily, increasing demand for blue light glasses

Statistic 5

The average cost of a prescription pair of glasses is around $200

Statistic 6

Millennials account for approximately 35% of the global glasses market

Statistic 7

Nearly 75% of people who need glasses do not wear them, due to cost or accessibility issues

Statistic 8

The average lifespan of a pair of glasses is about 2 years, depending on use and care

Statistic 9

Contact lenses are an alternative for about 45 million Americans, reducing dependence on glasses for vision correction

Statistic 10

Approximately 10% of glasses are disposed of improperly each year, contributing to environmental waste

Statistic 11

Nearly 60% of glasses consumers purchase online rather than in stores, driven by convenience and prices

Statistic 12

The percentage of men wearing glasses is about 60%, compared to 50% of women globally

Statistic 13

The face shape significantly affects eyewear choice, with oval face shapes accounting for roughly 35% of consumers

Statistic 14

The popularity of minimalistic and rimless glasses has increased by 20% over the past five years, especially among younger consumers

Statistic 15

In the U.S., the average cost for a new pair of glasses, including eye exam and frames, is approximately $400

Statistic 16

Approximately 25% of the population needs occupational or specialized glasses, such as for computer work, safety, or sports

Statistic 17

Not all lenses are compatible with all frames; about 15% of eyewear purchases require lens/frame replacements

Statistic 18

The average time it takes to get prescription glasses made is about 10 days, though express services can reduce this to 1-2 days

Statistic 19

The percentage of people over age 60 needing corrective lenses increases to nearly 70%, due to age-related decline in vision

Statistic 20

The advent of virtual try-on apps has increased customer satisfaction rates by roughly 40%, according to industry surveys

Statistic 21

About 12% of adults wear hearing aids and glasses simultaneously, often to improve overall sensory health

Statistic 22

Anti-reflective coatings on glasses can improve visual clarity by up to 20%

Statistic 23

The majority of glasses are made from plastic, with approximately 60% of the market share

Statistic 24

The first sunglasses were made from flat panes of smoky quartz, dating back to Ancient China and Rome

Statistic 25

Advanced coatings on lenses, such as scratch-resistant and anti-fog, account for roughly 25% of the lens market

Statistic 26

The highest-selling eyewear frames are made of acetate, known for their durability and style, with market share of around 55%

Statistic 27

The trend toward sustainable eyewear has led to a 10% increase in sales of bamboo and recycled plastic frames

Statistic 28

Children are increasingly being diagnosed with myopia, with global prevalence reaching 31.6%

Statistic 29

Approximately 40% of people with glasses have not had a recent eye exam, risking undiagnosed eye conditions

Statistic 30

About 15% of eye injuries are caused by improperly fitting or damaged glasses, emphasizing the need for proper maintenance

Statistic 31

The global eyewear market was valued at approximately $134 billion in 2020

Statistic 32

Approximately 60% of the world's population requires vision correction

Statistic 33

Blue light glasses sales increased by over 30% during the COVID-19 pandemic

Statistic 34

Polarized glasses reduce glare and are popular among drivers, with market growth of 5% annually

Statistic 35

The global market for sunglasses alone was valued at $26 billion in 2019

Statistic 36

Transition lenses (photochromic) saw a sales increase of 12% in 2020 compared to previous years

Statistic 37

The use of 3D printed glasses is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9% from 2021-2028

Statistic 38

The popularity of smart glasses, such as Google Glass, declined sharply after initial launch but has seen a resurgence in niche markets

Statistic 39

The use of 3D virtual try-on technology for eyewear increased by about 70% during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the shift to online shopping

Statistic 40

The demand for eco-friendly and recyclable eyewear materials has grown by 15% annually, driven by environmental awareness

Statistic 41

The number of people wearing contact lenses globally is projected to reach 73 million by 2025

Statistic 42

The average annual growth rate of the optical industry is approximately 4%, driven by aging populations and increasing digital device use

Statistic 43

The use of augmented reality (AR) in eyewear retail has increased by 80% since 2020, enhancing online shopping experiences

Statistic 44

The sunglasses market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2021 to 2028, reaching over $43 billion

Statistic 45

Sports eyewear sales have increased by approximately 12% annually, driven by safety standards and outdoor activities

Statistic 46

The global demand for bifocals and multifocals is growing at a CAGR of 5.5%, driven by aging populations

Statistic 47

Children's eye clinics report that myopia clinic visits increased by 25% over the past five years, reflecting early onset of myopia

Statistic 48

The global market for lens cleaning solutions is projected to reach $820 million by 2025, showing growing awareness of lens maintenance

Statistic 49

The Asia-Pacific region dominates the glasses market, accounting for over 40% of global sales, due to large populations and rising income levels

Statistic 50

The first eyeglasses were invented in Italy in the late 13th century

Statistic 51

The average price of designer sunglasses can range from $150 to over $500

Statistic 52

The first known eyeglasses with temples (arms) were developed in the 17th century, improving stability and comfort

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Key Highlights

Around 2.3 billion people worldwide use glasses or other corrective eyewear
The global eyewear market was valued at approximately $134 billion in 2020
Approximately 60% of the world's population requires vision correction
The average person owns about 3-4 pairs of eyeglasses
The phrase “my glasses broke” is among the top reasons for eyewear replacement
Blue light glasses sales increased by over 30% during the COVID-19 pandemic
Anti-reflective coatings on glasses can improve visual clarity by up to 20%
Approximately 80% of adults worldwide use digital devices daily, increasing demand for blue light glasses
The average cost of a prescription pair of glasses is around $200
Polarized glasses reduce glare and are popular among drivers, with market growth of 5% annually
The global market for sunglasses alone was valued at $26 billion in 2019
Millennials account for approximately 35% of the global glasses market
The majority of glasses are made from plastic, with approximately 60% of the market share

With over 2.3 billion people worldwide relying on glasses and the global eyewear market soaring to a staggering $134 billion, the world of corrective and fashion eyewear is more dynamic than ever—shaped by technological advances, changing consumer habits, and a growing emphasis on sustainability.

Consumer Behavior and Demographics

Around 2.3 billion people worldwide use glasses or other corrective eyewear
The average person owns about 3-4 pairs of eyeglasses
The phrase “my glasses broke” is among the top reasons for eyewear replacement
Approximately 80% of adults worldwide use digital devices daily, increasing demand for blue light glasses
The average cost of a prescription pair of glasses is around $200
Millennials account for approximately 35% of the global glasses market
Nearly 75% of people who need glasses do not wear them, due to cost or accessibility issues
The average lifespan of a pair of glasses is about 2 years, depending on use and care
Contact lenses are an alternative for about 45 million Americans, reducing dependence on glasses for vision correction
Approximately 10% of glasses are disposed of improperly each year, contributing to environmental waste
Nearly 60% of glasses consumers purchase online rather than in stores, driven by convenience and prices
The percentage of men wearing glasses is about 60%, compared to 50% of women globally
The face shape significantly affects eyewear choice, with oval face shapes accounting for roughly 35% of consumers
The popularity of minimalistic and rimless glasses has increased by 20% over the past five years, especially among younger consumers
In the U.S., the average cost for a new pair of glasses, including eye exam and frames, is approximately $400
Approximately 25% of the population needs occupational or specialized glasses, such as for computer work, safety, or sports
Not all lenses are compatible with all frames; about 15% of eyewear purchases require lens/frame replacements
The average time it takes to get prescription glasses made is about 10 days, though express services can reduce this to 1-2 days
The percentage of people over age 60 needing corrective lenses increases to nearly 70%, due to age-related decline in vision
The advent of virtual try-on apps has increased customer satisfaction rates by roughly 40%, according to industry surveys
About 12% of adults wear hearing aids and glasses simultaneously, often to improve overall sensory health

Consumer Behavior and Demographics Interpretation

With nearly 2.3 billion global users and a burgeoning online market catering to the fashionable, functional, and eco-conscious, eyeglasses have evolved from mere vision aids into a cultural spectacle—yet, affordability, environmental responsibility, and technological innovation remain critical lenses through which we must view their future.

Eyewear Materials and Features

Anti-reflective coatings on glasses can improve visual clarity by up to 20%
The majority of glasses are made from plastic, with approximately 60% of the market share
The first sunglasses were made from flat panes of smoky quartz, dating back to Ancient China and Rome
Advanced coatings on lenses, such as scratch-resistant and anti-fog, account for roughly 25% of the lens market
The highest-selling eyewear frames are made of acetate, known for their durability and style, with market share of around 55%
The trend toward sustainable eyewear has led to a 10% increase in sales of bamboo and recycled plastic frames

Eyewear Materials and Features Interpretation

While anti-reflective coatings can sharpen your vision by up to 20% and sustainable bamboo and recycled frames are gaining ground, the fact that 60% of glasses are plastic, with acetate frames dominating at 55%, shows that fashion and functionality continue to blend—just as ancient civilizations once crafted smoky quartz lenses—highlighting that eyewear remains both a historical staple and a modern statement.

Health and Safety Aspects

Children are increasingly being diagnosed with myopia, with global prevalence reaching 31.6%
Approximately 40% of people with glasses have not had a recent eye exam, risking undiagnosed eye conditions
About 15% of eye injuries are caused by improperly fitting or damaged glasses, emphasizing the need for proper maintenance

Health and Safety Aspects Interpretation

As global myopia soars past a third of children, the rising spectacle-wearers who neglect regular eye exams and proper eyewear maintenance are unwittingly playing a game of eye health roulette—highlighting urgent need for better eye care awareness worldwide.

Market Size and Growth Trends

The global eyewear market was valued at approximately $134 billion in 2020
Approximately 60% of the world's population requires vision correction
Blue light glasses sales increased by over 30% during the COVID-19 pandemic
Polarized glasses reduce glare and are popular among drivers, with market growth of 5% annually
The global market for sunglasses alone was valued at $26 billion in 2019
Transition lenses (photochromic) saw a sales increase of 12% in 2020 compared to previous years
The use of 3D printed glasses is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9% from 2021-2028
The popularity of smart glasses, such as Google Glass, declined sharply after initial launch but has seen a resurgence in niche markets
The use of 3D virtual try-on technology for eyewear increased by about 70% during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the shift to online shopping
The demand for eco-friendly and recyclable eyewear materials has grown by 15% annually, driven by environmental awareness
The number of people wearing contact lenses globally is projected to reach 73 million by 2025
The average annual growth rate of the optical industry is approximately 4%, driven by aging populations and increasing digital device use
The use of augmented reality (AR) in eyewear retail has increased by 80% since 2020, enhancing online shopping experiences
The sunglasses market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2021 to 2028, reaching over $43 billion
Sports eyewear sales have increased by approximately 12% annually, driven by safety standards and outdoor activities
The global demand for bifocals and multifocals is growing at a CAGR of 5.5%, driven by aging populations
Children's eye clinics report that myopia clinic visits increased by 25% over the past five years, reflecting early onset of myopia
The global market for lens cleaning solutions is projected to reach $820 million by 2025, showing growing awareness of lens maintenance
The Asia-Pacific region dominates the glasses market, accounting for over 40% of global sales, due to large populations and rising income levels

Market Size and Growth Trends Interpretation

Despite a booming $134 billion global eyewear market fueled by technological advances, rising environmental consciousness, and demographic shifts, our vision remains focused: with nearly 60% of the world needing correction, we're all just trying to see clearly—whether through glasses, contact lenses, or virtual try-ons—highlighting that in the race for clearer sight, innovation and awareness are truly lenses of progress.

Product Types and Innovations

The first eyeglasses were invented in Italy in the late 13th century
The average price of designer sunglasses can range from $150 to over $500
The first known eyeglasses with temples (arms) were developed in the 17th century, improving stability and comfort

Product Types and Innovations Interpretation

From Italy's 13th-century optical breakthrough to today’s designer shades costing hundreds, the evolution of glasses reflects humanity’s pursuit of clearer vision—both literally and stylishly—through centuries of innovation.