Europe Eyewear Market - By Product, By Type, By Material, By Shape, By Price, By Distribution Channel & Forecast 2024 – 2032

Europe Eyewear Market Size

Europe eyewear market size was valued at USD 55.5 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of 4.5% between 2024 and 2032. The growing use of digital devices like smartphones, computers, and tablets has led to an increase in cases of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
 

Prolonged screen exposure has resulted in conditions such as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), impacting both children and adults.  In addition to this, heightened awareness of eye health is motivating consumers to be more diligent in scheduling regular eye examinations, which further boosts the demand for high-quality prescription glasses and contact lenses.
 

Additionally, Europe’s aging population is a significant progression driver for the eyewear market. Europe has the world's oldest population, with individuals aged 65 years and older comprising approximately 19% of the total population, or nearly one in five, according to the Population Reference Bureau (PRB). This high percentage of older adults significantly influences the eyewear market. Additionally, eyewear is widely perceived as a fashion accessory globally. This perception encourages eyewear brands to regularly introduce new products incorporating the latest technologies and fashion trends, identified through analysis of customer behavior data.
 

The Europe eyewear industry, particularly in the luxury segment, faces significant challenges due to the prevalence of counterfeit products. These fake goods, often sold at lower prices, undermine the value of branded luxury eyewear and dilute their reputation. As a result, premium eyewear brands struggle to maintain their pricing power and justify higher costs, especially when consumers can find similar-looking counterfeit products at a fraction of the price. This is a major issue in markets where brand prestige and quality are central to consumer decisions.
 

Europe Eyewear Market Trends

As screen time continues to increase due to digital device usage, there has been a significant rise in demand for blue light-blocking eyewear across Europe. These specialized lenses help mitigate eye strain caused by extended exposure to blue light emitted from digital screens, which has become a common concern among both working professionals and students. The shift toward remote work and online education has further accelerated this trend, making blue light-blocking glasses a popular choice for individuals looking to protect their eyes from digital fatigue.
 

At the same time, growing environmental awareness has led to a surge in demand for sustainable eyewear. Many brands are now embracing eco-friendly materials, such as recycled plastics, biodegradable acetate, and natural resources like wood and bamboo, to create environmentally conscious eyewear collections. This move is appealing to the increasing number of consumers who prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions.
 

Europe Eyewear Market Analysis

Based on Product Type, the Europe eyewear market is segmented into spectacles, contact lens, and sunglasses. The spectacles dominated the market in 2023, generating a revenue of USD 25.4 billion and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4% during the forecast period from 2024-2032. The widespread adoption of smartphones and digital devices has led to a global increase in Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) cases. Furthermore, the growing trend of online learning and remote education has resulted in a higher incidence of CVS among children. This rise in digital screen usage across various age groups and educational settings has significantly contributed to the prevalence of CVS worldwide.
 

Based on distribution channel the Europe eyewear industry is categorized into online and offline. The online distribution channel dominated the industry in 2023, acquiring a market share of 63.9% and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2024-2032 due to increasing adoption of smartphone technology and the growing preference for online shopping. This shift is because of the convenience of services like doorstep delivery, easy returns and refunds, improved customer support, and various payment options. Additionally, e-commerce platforms attract customers with special offers for frequent buyers and subscribers. The integration of advanced technologies, such as virtual try-on features, is also drawing more consumers to purchase eyewear through online channels.
 

U.K. leads the Europe eyewear market with revenue of around USD 11.8 billion in the year 2023 and expected to reach around USD 16.2 billion by 2032. The U.K. business also benefits from strong consumer spending on fashion and premium eyewear, making spectacles and sunglasses both a necessity and a style statement. Moreover, widespread access to vision care services and insurance coverage enhances the accessibility and adoption of eyewear solutions.
 

Europe Eyewear Market Share

The Europe eyewear industry, with prominent players, such as Carl Zeiss AG, Luxottica Group SpA, Safilo and Hoya Corporation, holds a market share of ~10%. Manufacturers are adopting strategic steps, such as mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and collaborations, to meet the growing consumer demand and consolidate their position in the industry.
 

Europe Eyewear Market Companies

Major players operating in the Europe eyewear industry include:

• Carl Zeiss
• Luxottica Group
• Safilo
• Hoya
• Cooper Companies
• Johnson & Johnson Vision Care
• Bausch & Lomb
• Charmant Group
• CIBA VISION
• De Rigo Vision
• Fielmann
• JINS
• Marchon Eyewear
• QSpex Technologies
• Rodenstock
• Seiko Optical Products
• Shamir Optical Industry
• Silhouette International
• Warby Parker
• Zenni Optical
   

Europe Eyewear Industry News

• In February 2024, Carl ZEISS AG acquired an IP portfolio for electronic glasses from Mitsui Chemicals. This move should reinforce the company's commitment to remain at the forefront of technological development in the market.
   
• In October 2023, Bausch and Lomb launched SeeNa, an ophthalmic diagnostic system for refractive cataract patients. SeeNa records key measurements needed to evaluate patients' eyes and determine cataract lens (IOL) power calculations in one step. It also offers a user-friendly interface that allows doctors and staff to quickly acquire and manage operations and obtain results in a short time.
   

The Europe eyewear market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Thousand Units) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Product Type

• Spectacles
  • Single vision
  • Multifocal
  • Bifocal
  • Progressive
  • Reading glasses
  • Safety glasses
  • Others (Blue light glasses, etc.)
• Contact Lens
  • Soft contact lens
  • Rigid contact lens
  • Others (Toric Contact Lens)
• Sunglasses
  • Polarized
  • Non-polarized

Market, By Type

• Prescription
• Non-Prescription

Market, By Material

• Metal
• Plastic
• Polycarbonate
• Rubbers
• Others (Wooden, Nylon, Silicon etc.)

Market, By Shape

• Shape
• Oval & aviator
• Rectangular
• Round
• Square
• Others (Oversized, Shield, etc.)

Market, By Price

• Low
• Medium
• High

Market, By End User

• Male
• Female
• Unisex
• Kids

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Online
  • E-Commerce
  • Company site
• Offline
  • Specialty stores
  • Mega Retail stores
  • Others (Optical Camps, Opthalmic Centers, etc.)

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain