Daily disposable contact lenses set to power market rebound in 2026

• Daily disposables command 30-50% price premiums over reusable lenses while generating recurring revenue through more frequent repurchasing
• Global myopia cases are projected to surge from 2.6 billion in 2020 to 3.36 billion by 2030, creating steady demand for vision correction products
• J&J's contact lens division grew 5.3% to $417 million in Q4, driven by premium silicone hydrogel and daily disposable lines

Contact Lens Market Summary

The global contact lens market is projected to rebound with steady growth of 4-6% annually in 2026, recovering from a post-pandemic slowdown after achieving 8-9% growth in 2022-2023.

Key Market Drivers

The industry's "big four" manufacturers—Johnson & Johnson, Alcon, Cooper Companies, and Bausch + Lomb—are driving growth through premium daily disposable lenses, which command prices 30-50% higher than reusable alternatives. These products offer superior margins and recurring revenue as consumers require more frequent repurchases.

Consumer preference is shifting toward the convenience of single-use lenses over traditional monthly options that require cleaning and maintenance. J&J's relevant division reported $417 million in Q4 revenue, growing 5.3% on strength in premium silicone hydrogel and daily disposable lines.

Global Myopia Trend

Rising myopia (near-sightedness) rates are creating a expanding customer base. According to WHO data, global myopic cases are expected to increase from 2.6 billion in 2020 to 3.36 billion by 2030, driven by increased screen time on computers and mobile devices. This demographic shift ensures steady patient influx regardless of eyewear preferences.

Market Risks

Analysts identified consumer confidence deterioration and employment downturns as primary risks. Regional weakness in Asia-Pacific markets has also applied pressure. Industry friction remains around converting monthly lens users to higher-priced daily options, though resistance is gradually declining.

The market outlook reflects normalized growth following exceptional pandemic-era performance, with structural tailwinds from product premiumization and expanding vision correction needs.