Ireland was the largest exporter with 22% of the world total, and Japan was the largest buyer. Makers worldwide hold 495 FDA 510(k) clearances for cosmetic contact lenses devices.
What this market covers
Coloured and decorative contact lenses worn to change the look of the eyes, with or without vision correction. Consumers buy them through optical shops and online stores.
Typical segments
- Coloured lenses
- Circle lenses
- Costume lenses
- Prescription coloured lenses
Why this market is moving now
- World trade shrank 3% from 2019 to 2024, a direct read on cross-border demand.
- Singapore is gaining ground: its exports rose 50% from 2019 to 2024, the fastest among the ten largest exporters.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| World exports of contact lenses (HS 900130), the trade category that includes cosmetic contact lenses, were worth $6.97 billion in 2024. | 6.97 USD billion | 2024 | |
| World exports were 3% lower in 2024 than in 2019 ($7.19 billion), calculated from the annual totals. | -3 % since 2019 | 2024 | |
| Ireland was the largest exporter in 2024, with 22% of world exports ($1.54 billion). | 22 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The three largest exporters, Ireland, the United States and Germany, shipped 53% of world exports in 2024. | 53 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| Japan was the largest importer in 2024, buying $1.35 billion, or 19% of world imports. | 19 % of world imports | 2024 | |
| 45 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024. | 45 countries | 2024 | |
| The average world export price was about $141.38 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight. | 141.38 USD per kg | 2024 | |
| Countries exported 49.3 thousand tonnes of this product in 2024. | 49.3 thousand tonnes | 2024 | |
| Among the ten largest exporters, Singapore grew fastest, with exports up 50% from 2019 to 2024. | +50 % since 2019 | 2024 | |
| Makers worldwide hold 495 FDA 510(k) clearances for cosmetic contact lenses devices. | 495 510(k) clearances | 2026 | |
| 44 of those clearances were issued from 2021 to 2025. | 44 510(k) clearances | 2025 | |
| Coopervision holds 17 FDA 510(k) clearances for cosmetic contact lenses devices. | 17 510(k) clearances | 2026 | |
| Bausch & Lomb holds 14 FDA 510(k) clearances for cosmetic contact lenses devices. | 14 510(k) clearances | 2026 | |
| Contamac holds 11 FDA 510(k) clearances for cosmetic contact lenses devices. | 11 510(k) clearances | 2026 | |
| Visco Vision holds 11 FDA 510(k) clearances for cosmetic contact lenses devices. | 11 510(k) clearances | 2026 | |
| Acuity Polymers holds 10 FDA 510(k) clearances for cosmetic contact lenses devices. | 10 510(k) clearances | 2026 | |
| Innova Vision holds 10 FDA 510(k) clearances for cosmetic contact lenses devices. | 10 510(k) clearances | 2026 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- Consumers
- Optical retailers
- Online lens sellers
Largest exporting countries, 2024
Largest importing countries, 2024
Companies to watch
Coopervision
17 FDA 510(k) clearances for cosmetic contact lenses devices.
Bausch & Lomb
14 FDA 510(k) clearances for cosmetic contact lenses devices.
Contamac
11 FDA 510(k) clearances for cosmetic contact lenses devices.
Visco Vision
11 FDA 510(k) clearances for cosmetic contact lenses devices.
Acuity Polymers
10 FDA 510(k) clearances for cosmetic contact lenses devices.
Innova Vision
10 FDA 510(k) clearances for cosmetic contact lenses devices.
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
Included with the full report
- PDF report, 40 to 60 pages
- Excel data pack
- Ready-to-use charts
- Method note and assumptions
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Frequently asked questions
How big is the global cosmetic contact lenses market?
There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 900130 reached $6.97 billion in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.
Which countries export the most cosmetic contact lenses?
Ireland led world exports in 2024 with 22% of the total, followed by the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom.
Which countries import the most cosmetic contact lenses?
Japan was the largest importer in 2024, followed by the United States, China and Germany.
Is world trade in cosmetic contact lenses growing?
World exports were 3% lower in 2024 than in 2019.
What is the average export price of cosmetic contact lenses?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $141.38 per kilogram in 2024.
How many cosmetic contact lenses devices are cleared by the FDA?
Makers worldwide hold 495 FDA 510(k) clearances for cosmetic contact lenses devices.
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