Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
Back To Results
HEADLINES
Contact lenses and solutions records 3% retail value growth to reach USD6.8 billion in 2017
Daily disposable lenses (DD) achieves the strongest retail value growth of 15% in 2017
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care continues to lead contact lenses with a 36% retail value share in
2016
Contact lenses and solutions is expected to record a retail value CAGR of 2% at constant 2017
prices over the forecast period
TRENDS
Contact lenses and solutions registered retail value growth of 3% in 2017, driven by the strong
demand for daily disposable lenses (DD), as this lens type recorded strong 15% retail value growth over
the year. Daily disposable lenses (DD) are well received by contact lenses users primarily due to their
ease of use. Users wear fresh lenses for a limited time and then discard them after a day of wear.
Manufacturers and eye care professionals increasingly recommend new patients and existing users of
frequent replacement lenses (FRP) and conventional lenses to use daily disposable lenses (DD) in
order to keep their eyes safe and clean every day. The convenience and comfortable lens-wearing
experience are also well received by first-time contact lens users, as well as spectacle users who often
use contact lenses for outdoor activities and other special occasions. Moreover, the significant growth in
daily disposable lenses (DD) benefited from new product launches by major contact lenses
manufacturers on a regular basis. As a result, daily disposable lenses grew its retail value share of
overall contact lenses from 18% in 2012 to 41% in 2017.
Average unit prices of contact lenses continued to drop in 2017. This is primarily because of
consumer preferences shifting from conventional to daily disposable lenses (DD). The average unit
price of daily disposable lenses was much lower at USD1.00 per unit in 2017, in comparison to the
declining category of conventional lenses, which sell at an average of USD77.60. In addition, within
contact lenses, daily disposable lenses (DD) achieved much stronger retail value growth than frequent
replacement lenses (FRP), which sell at an average of USD7.00.
The average unit price of contact lenses is also influenced by changes in the unilateral pricing policy
(UPP). Major contact lens manufacturers, such as Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Alcon Laboratories,
Bausch & Lomb and CooperVision, have instituted a UPP to fix the minimum prices for certain products
across all retail channels, aiming to eliminate severe retail price competition. The aim was also to
restrict discount retailers, such as Costco and Walmart, as well as internet discount retailers, such as 1-
800 Contacts and LensDiscounters.com to offer products only at the discounted prices they are
allowed. In March 2015, these retailers filed an antitrust class action lawsuit against contact lens
manufacturers. During 2016-2017, while anticipating their loss, contact lens manufacturers discontinued
the UPP and replaced it with special discounts and rebates for eye care professionals and optometrists
to continue to encourage patients to visit and buy contact lenses from professional eye doctors who
have the deepest knowledge of their latest products.
With changes in lifestyle and technological advancement, more consumers have longer hours of
exposure to digital devices and increased concerns over the risk of developing eye strain and eye
dryness. In response to changing consumer lifestyles and environment, contact lens manufacturers
launched new products which are advertised as specifically designed for digital device users. For
example, CooperVision launched Biofinity Energys with Digital Zone Optics lens design in 2016,
targeting digital device users. It claims the multiple front-surface aspheric lens design helps reduce eye
strain, while Aquaform-Technology can retain moisture and help alleviate eye dryness. Johnson &
Johnson Vision Care also introduced Acuvue Oasys 1-day contact lenses with HydraLuxe Technology
in 2016, which features a high level of ultraviolet (UV) light blocking. With the expected growth in the
http://www.portal.euromonitor.com/portal/analysis/tab 1/9
9/25/2017 Euromonitor International - Analysis
number of digital devices users, more manufacturers are increasingly likely to promote their products as
protecting eyes against the harmful blue light emitted from computer screens and mobile phones. In
addition, consumers will likely be open to upgrade to a contact lens material which allows an all-day
comfortable wearing experience.
In terms of material, silicone hydrogel accounted for a 32% retail value share of daily disposable
lenses (DD) and an 83% value share in frequent replacement lenses (FRP) in 2017. These contact
lenses are considered to provide greater comfort in terms of wear and oxygen permeability, thus
reducing the occurrence of dry/red eyes. As contact lens manufacturers are pursuing all-day comfort for
their lenses, they are moving their focus towards a new generation of silicone hydrogel contact lenses.
New generation silicone hydrogel contact lenses contain less silicone, which is considered unnatural
and causes discomfort, whilst still offering the same benefits as traditional silicone hydrogel contact
lenses. Two examples of the new generation silicone hydrogels are CooperVision’s MyDay and Alcon’s
Dailies Total 1. MyDay lenses tap into a silicone technology which allows the company to blend the
benefit of hydrogel and silicone hydrogel together. The company claims the outcome is a 4.4% silicone
lens capable of bringing comfort, whilst being positioned as a high oxygen permeable contact lenses.
Dailies Total 1 uses water gradient technology; essentially, the material is silicone hydrogel at its core,
but it gradually changes to be a hydrogel-like surface. According to Alcon, with less than 1% of silicone
on the lens surface, this material is capable of bringing high oxygen permeability whilst offering comfort
to the consumer, improving wettability on the lens surface.
While some manufacturers are moving towards less silicone, others are revisiting hydrogel,
introducing premium hydrogel contact lenses. Premium hydrogel contact lenses are usually marketed at
a lower price point than silicone hydrogel contact lenses. Bausch & Lomb launched BioTrue ONEday in
the US in 2015. The lens is made from HyperGel material, which features conventional hydrogel and
silicone hydrogel. This material offers a higher water content and oxygen permeability than traditional
hydrogel, without the need for silicone, according to Bausch & Lomb. Menicon’s Miru 1day flatpack is
made from (HEMA-GMA) hioxifilcon A, ensuring greater wettability. The lens retains moisture, as the
company’s tests show that it exhibits a lower rate of evaporation when compared with other lenses with
similar water content. The category is expected to witness further development in premium hydrogel
material, which will likely drive demand for hydrogel contact lens material.
In terms of condition, spherical remains the most popular condition in both daily disposable (DD) and
frequent replacement lenses (FRP). Spherical accounted for a 59% value share of daily disposable
lenses (DD) and a 65% value share of frequent replacement lenses (FRP) in 2017. Toric and multifocal
lenses continued to register strong growth in daily disposable lenses (DD). Consumers’ needs and
preferences within contact lenses are becoming more complex due to changing lifestyles. Furthermore,
with the ongoing ageing population, more middle-aged and older consumers suffer age-related vision
conditions and choose to wear contact lenses. Toric and multifocal lenses sales grew in daily
disposable lenses (DD) as they cater to these growing consumer needs. In addition, manufacturers are
active in developing toric and multifocal disposable lenses, as these special types of lenses are
generally more profitable items than spherical lenses. Recent launches of toric and multifocal lenses
include Proclear 1 Day multifocal lenses by CooperVision (May 2012), Dailies Aqua Comfort Plus toric
and multifocal lenses by Alcon Laboratories (April 2014), Biotrue ONEday disposable multifocal lenses
by Bausch & Lomb (June 2014), and 1-Day Acuvue Moist Multifocal by Johnson & Johnson Vision Care
(July 2015), as well as Dailies Total1 Multifocal contact lenses by Alcon Laboratories (July 2016).
Contact lens solutions via retail channels recorded 2% retail value growth in 2017. Sales rose at a
slower pace than the average of the review period, primarily due to the shift in consumer preference
from conventional and frequent replacement lenses (FRP) to daily disposable lenses (DD) which do not
require the use of contact lens solutions. In terms of type of contact lens solutions, multi-purpose
solutions were the most popular type in the US. With the increasing usage of silicone hydrogel contact
lenses, hydrogen peroxide-based cleaning and disinfecting solutions have also entered the category.
For example, Alcon Laboratories launched Clear Care Plus, a hydrogen peroxide-based solution with
hydraglyde moisture matrix technology. Bausch & Lomb also introduced PeroxiClear 3% Hydrogen
Peroxide Cleaning and Disinfecting solution. However, Bausch & Lomb conducted a voluntary recall in
2016, based on its internal testing which showed occasional occurrences of residual peroxide remaining
in the lens care after neutralisation. This could cause temporary burning/stinging, irritation, red eye and
other problems, according to Bausch & Lomb.
In contact lenses types, clear contact lenses continued to dominate value sales in 2017, holding a
96% retail value share. Cosmetic contact lenses represent a very small share in the US, and this did not
witness significant changes over the review period. The US market has not welcomed major product
http://www.portal.euromonitor.com/portal/analysis/tab 2/9
9/25/2017 Euromonitor International - Analysis
launches for prescription colour contact lenses since 2014 when 1-Day Acuvue Define by Johnson &
Johnson and Air Optix Colors by Alcon Laboratories were introduced.
Optical shops (which includes both chained optical shops and optometrist’s offices in Euromonitor
International’s personal accessories and eyewear research) was the most common retail channel for
purchasing contact lenses and solutions in 2017, with a 35% retail value share. Modern grocery
retailers, including supermarkets and hypermarkets such as Wal-Mart and Target, held a combined 28%
retail value share in 2017, while warehouse clubs such as Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale
represented a 12% value share in same period. Internet retailing recorded the strongest growth to reach
a 13% value share in 2017. Online portals have become favoured by shoppers due to their convenience
as well as discounts and special offers. Daily disposable lens users in particular prefer purchasing their
contact lenses online, as they buy contact lenses more frequently than other contact lens users.
Frequent wearers of cosmetic contact lenses also prefer to shop online, as online retailers tend to carry
a wider selection of cosmetic lenses with different colours and designs than brick-and-mortar stores.
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
Contact lenses is much consolidated, as leading global players such as Johnson & Johnson, Alcon
Laboratories, CooperVision and Bausch & Lomb accounted for a joint 93% retail value share in 2016.
While being recognised as major players globally, these companies have built a strong presence due to
their extensive product portfolios, which cover multiple categories from daily disposable lenses (DD) to
frequent replacement lenses (FRP), as well as from clear lenses to cosmetic lenses.
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care was the leading player in contact lenses in 2016, holding a 36%
retail value share. The company registered retail value growth of 8%, mainly supported by new product
launches, particularly in the daily disposable lenses (DD) category. The company launched 1-Day
Acuvue Moist multifocal contact lenses in 2015 and Acuvue Oasys 1-day contact lenses with
HydraLuxe Technology in 2016. Under daily disposable lenses (DD), 1-day Acuvue Moist is the leading
brand by Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, holding a 30% retail value share of the category in 2016.
While Acuvue Oasys 1-Day was launched in 2016, 1-day Acuvue Moist remained the leading daily
disposable brand as the price is lower than Acuvue Oasys and appeals to budget consumers. Acuvue
Oasys 1-Day still established a strong presence in the overall daily disposable lenses (DD) category,
holding a 9% retail value share in 2016.
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care discontinued its unilateral pricing policy (UPP) for its Acuvue brand
in 2016. The company replaced it with a new rewards programme called MyAcuvue Rewards. The new
rewards programme allows patients to receive rebates after submitting the receipts and promo code
given by eye care professionals. By offering this rewards programme only at participating locations, the
company encourages consumers to visit eye doctors on a regular basis and buy contact lenses from
professionals who have the best knowledge of the company’s latest products and brands.
Alcon Laboratories was in second place in contact lenses, holding a 28% retail value share in 2016.
The company grew by 3% in retail value terms in 2016, thanks to the increasing advertising and
promotion campaigns under its core contact lenses brand, Dailies Total1. The company was also active
in new product launches with two new contact lenses in 2016: Dailies Total1 multifocal daily disposable
lenses and Air Optix plus HydraGlyde monthly-replacement contact lenses.
Following Alcon Laboratories, CooperVIsion represented a 21% retail value share of total contact
lenses sales in 2016. CooperVision grew by 4% in retail value terms to reach over USD1 billion in sales
in the US contact lenses category, due to the growth of Biofinity, Clariti and MyDay lenses. The
company also recorded an increase in toric lenses under its Biofinity and Clariti brands. With the
growing number of digital device users, CooperVision launched Biofinity Energys, a monthly-
replacement contact lens in 2016, specifically targeting digital device users.
Bausch & Lomb accounted for 8% of retail value sales of contact lenses in the US, with growth of
2% in 2016. While the company has a stronger presence in frequent replacement lenses (FRP), the
shift in demand towards daily disposable lenses (DD) challenged the company’s growth. In addition, its
lens care products also struggled as Bausch & Lomb voluntarily recalled PeroxiClear 3% Hydrogen
Peroxide Cleaning and Disinfecting Solution in the US and Canada in autumn 2016.
Bausch & Lomb launched its #OneByOne recycling programme. This allows users to recycle their
used lenses of any Bausch & Lomb and non-Bausch & Lomb contact lenses and blister packs free of
charge. The contact lenses and plastic blister packs components are then melted into plastic which can
be remoulded to make recycled products, according to Bausch & Lomb. The company partners with
http://www.portal.euromonitor.com/portal/analysis/tab 3/9
9/25/2017 Euromonitor International - Analysis
TerraCycle, which collects and repurposes hard-to-recycle post-consumer waste to sponsor the contact
lens recycling programme.
PROSPECTS
Contact lenses and solutions is expected to record a retail value CAGR of 2% at constant 2017
prices over the forecast period. Daily disposable lenses (DD) is expected to remain a key driver, with a
predicted value CAGR of 9% at constant 2017 prices to 2022. The shift from conventional and frequent
replacement lenses (FRP) to daily disposable lenses (DD) is expected to continue, as frequent
replacement lenses (FRP) and conventional lenses are expected to record negative constant retail
value CAGRs of 3% and 12%, respectively, over the forecast period.
Average unit prices of contact lenses are expected to decline over the forecast period when
measured at constant 2017 levels, as the category continues to move towards disposable lenses. The
conventional lenses category, which has the highest average unit price, is anticipated to continue losing
value share to disposable lenses. In addition, the outcomes of several lawsuits against contact lens
manufacturers for their UPPs are key factors behind the movement of contact lens unit prices in the US
over the forecast period.
The demand for prescription contact lenses is expected to continue in the US, partly due to
demographic changes. The expected rise in the number of middle-aged to senior consumers in the
country will increase the need for vision correction aids, including contact lenses, to treat presbyopia in
the long run over the forecast period. The population aged over 40 years is predicted to increase from
156 million people in 2017 to 165 million in 2022. Manufacturers have been active in launching
multifocal contact lenses under their key brands to accommodate those who have the symptoms of
age-related vision problems (presbyopia). More seniors have grown up with and are accustomed to
wearing contact lenses and thus demand for multifocal lenses is expected to rise. The US demographic
shift, along with longer lifespans, translates to an increasing number of consumers potentially needing
prescription contact lenses. In addition, the myopia rate is increasing, as the US population is more
exposed to digital technology. The young generation who are in the process of vision development will
likely spend more time in front of televisions, video games, computers and mobile phone screens, which
will increase the risk of vision problems occurring.
Optical shops is expected to remain the leading channel for purchasing contact lenses during the
forecast period. Manufacturers are offering rebates and special discounts to encourage consumers to
visit eye doctors’ offices and purchase contact lenses from eye care professionals. Price competition
among retailers is expected to become more severe. While optical shops offer products at regular
prices with rebate options by contact lens manufacturers, mass merchandisers, supermarkets,
hypermarkets, warehouse clubs and internet retailing are offering special offers/deals to target
consumers on a budget.
CATEGORY DATA
http://www.portal.euromonitor.com/portal/analysis/tab 4/9
9/25/2017 Euromonitor International - Analysis
http://www.portal.euromonitor.com/portal/analysis/tab 5/9
9/25/2017 Euromonitor International - Analysis
http://www.portal.euromonitor.com/portal/analysis/tab 6/9
9/25/2017 Euromonitor International - Analysis
http://www.portal.euromonitor.com/portal/analysis/tab 8/9
9/25/2017 Euromonitor International - Analysis
http://www.portal.euromonitor.com/portal/analysis/tab 9/9