The contact lens market - Italy

1.1 Definition and presentation

Contact lenses are medical devices that are placed on the eyes to correct various types of vision problems. Contact lenses are made up of 75 percent water and 25 percent hydrogel.The main types of contact lenses are:

-Soft contact lenses: these are very thin and have a higher percentage of water

-Rigid/gas permeable contact lenses: are less flexible and have a smaller diameter

-Hybrid contact lenses: are better at correcting the visual problem and generally leave the eye very cool by allowing a large amount of oxygen to permeate

A further distinction that is made for contact lenses depends on the period of wear. In fact, there are daily, monthly, semi-annual and annual contact lenses.

As for the global contact lens market in 2020 had come to be worth $7.84 billion. It is estimated to reach $8.58 billion in 2021 and $12.56 billion in 2028 with an ad CAG growth of 5.6 percent. This growth is attributable to more people suffering mainly from myopia and astigmatism. According to the International Myopia Institute report, 30% of the world's population is nearsighted, and it is estimated that rates will become 50% by 2050.

Regarding the market, thanks to a survey conducted by the company Johnson & Johnson Vision, 74% of people who have vision problems and use eyeglasses intend to try contact lenses in the next 12 months. Geographically, most purchases of contact happens in Northern Italy while Southern Italy has the lowest sales numbers.

For daily lenses, one of the most widely used brands is.DAILIES AquaComfort Plus, for biweekly Acuvue Oasys and for monthly Biofinity.