Japan Myopia Control Lenses Market to Hit Valuation of US$ 422.09 Million by 2033
Spectacle lenses dominate Japan's myopia control market through cultural trust and accessibility, while multifocal and soft contact lenses gain traction via advanced technologies. Pediatric demand drives growth due to early intervention policies, urban tech innovation, and parental focus on prevention, reflecting a shift toward proactive, tailored vision management solutions.
Chicago, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to recent analysis conducted by Astute Analytica, the Japan myopia control lenses market was valued at US$ 123.16 million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 422.09 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 15.21% during the forecast period 2025–2033.
As of 2025, Japan's myopia prevalence remains among the world's highest, with 40-45% of children and 80-90% of young adults affected, and high myopia rising to 0.5-0.7% in children. Treatment options span corrective lenses, advanced control lenses (ortho-K, DIMS, HAL, multifocal contacts), and emerging pharmacological solutions like low-dose atropine, with Japan leading in optical innovation. Demand for myopia control lenses is strong across Japan driven by awareness, educational pressures, and post-COVID lifestyle shifts, with a market size of $123.16 million and growing. However, cost, accessibility, and workforce shortages temper full adoption, particularly outside urban centers. Japan's focus on slowing progression positions it as a leader in myopia management, balancing tradition with cutting-edge technology.
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Prevalence of Myopia in Japan
Japan continues to experience one of the highest rates of myopia globally, driven by its urbanized lifestyle, extensive educational demands, and aging population. As of 2025, here's the estimated prevalence:
Overall Prevalence: Studies in the Japan myopia control lenses market suggest that myopia affects approximately 80-90% of young adults in urban areas, a trend that has stabilized but remains exceptionally high compared to global averages. Among schoolchildren, prevalence is notable, with around 36.8% of children aged 14 or younger diagnosed with myopia as of 2020, according to nationwide claims data. This figure likely increased to 40-45% by 2025, reflecting a post-COVID-19 surge in screen time and reduced outdoor activity.
High Myopia: Defined as a spherical equivalent of ≤-6.0 diopters (D) or axial length ≥26 mm, high myopia prevalence among children aged 10-14 was 0.46% in 2020, with an upward trend to an estimated 0.5-0.7% by 2025 due to progressive cases. Among adults, high myopia affects roughly 10-15% of the myopic population, particularly those over 40, as aging exacerbates elongation of the eyeball.
Trends: The COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022) accelerated myopia incidence, especially among children aged 8-11, with a discontinuous increase noted in 2020 claims data. This trend likely persisted into 2025, driven by prolonged digital device use and limited outdoor time, despite efforts to mitigate it.
Regional Variation: Urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka report higher prevalence (up to 95% among junior high students) compared to rural regions, where rates may hover around 70-80% for similar age groups.
Key Findings in Japan Myopia Control Lenses Market
Market Forecast (2033)
US$ 422.09 million
CAGR
15.21%
By Product Type
Spectacle Lenses (56.25%)
By Lens Type
Multifocal Lens (44.81%)
By Material
Soft Contact Lenses (Silicone Hydrogel, Hydrogel) (47.45%)
By Age Group
Children (78.63%)
By Sales Channel
Eyeglass Clinic (53.72%)
Top Drivers
Rising myopia prevalence among children due to increased digital screen time
Strong parental focus on early intervention for children's vision health
Advanced technological innovations in lens materials and customization capabilities
Top Trends
Growing adoption of overnight orthokeratology lenses for corneal reshaping treatment
Integration of smart technology in lenses for real-time monitoring
Increasing preference for personalized and customized myopia control solutions
Top Challenges
Lack of comprehensive national strategy for myopia prevention and control
Heavy reliance on imports making supply chain vulnerable globally
Complex regulatory compliance requirements increasing operational costs and complexity
Spectacle Lenses Dominate with 56.25% Market Share Through Trust and Accessibility Spectacle lenses hold 56.25% of Japan's myopia control lenses market, driven by cultural familiarity, affordability, and clinical credibility. Parents prioritize these lenses as a first-line intervention, particularly due to brands like HOYA's MiyoSmart lenses, which integrate peripheral defocus management to slow axial elongation. With 83% of Japanese schools enforcing annual vision screenings, early detection fuels fast adoption of spectacles, favored for their low-maintenance use and child-friendly ergonomics. Insurance coverage further alleviates costs, while manufacturers' focus on anti-reflective coatings and quick dispensation services in clinics keeps this segment dominant. Their ability to bridge vision correction with proven pediatric compliance—92% of parents report ease in managing children's spectacle wear—ensures spectacles remain unbeatable in accessibility.
Multifocal Lenses Secure 44.81% by Combining Vision Versatility and Myopia Control
Multifocal lenses capture 44.81% of the myopia control lenses market by addressing both myopia progression and multi-distance needs critical in Japan's hyper-digital society. These lenses reduce axial growth through peripheral defocus while providing near, intermediate, and distance vision, ideal for students juggling screens and textbooks. Products like CooperVision's MiSight—available in 30-day disposables—catapult adoption, as 76% of Tokyo optometrists report better compliance than rigid alternatives. Innovations such as on-eye stability enhancements in silicone hydrogel formats and AI-driven fitting software enable precise power gradients tailored to individual lifestyles. With 47% of metropolitan teenagers using digital devices over 6 hours daily, multifocals' dryness-reducing lipid coatings and FDA-approved 54% myopia progression reduction further cement demand.
Soft Contact Lenses (47.45% by Material) Triumph via Breathability and Efficacy
Silicone hydrogel and hydrogel soft lenses command 47.45% of the myopia control lenses market, praised for their oxygen permeability and pediatric comfort. Silicone hydrogels, like Bausch + Lomb's UltraClear, reduce corneal hypoxia risks by 62% compared to older materials, crucial in Japan's rigorous ocular health standards. Hydrogels' pliability improves wearability for 12- to 18-year-olds, with 89% preferring monthly disposables over rigid designs. Brands such as Alcon leverage polymer advances to embed peripheral defocus directly into soft lenses, yielding 30% slower axial growth over rigidalternatives. Distribution via e-commerce giants like Rakuten, offering 48-hour nationwide delivery, and partnerships with pediatric clinics boost reach; daily disposables, now 67% of market transactions, underscore the shift toward hygiene-focused convenience.
Children Account for 78.63% of Market Amid Early Intervention and Policy Pressure
Children dominate 78.63% of demand for the myopia control lenses market due to Japan's proactive approach to myopia, backed by Ministry of Education directives linking screen time to vision health. With 45% of junior high students now myopic versus 32% in 2010, schools prioritize vision workshops and partnerships like Hoya-Vission's MyopiaCheck program, screening 2.3 million children annually. Parents invest in pediatric-specific solutions like Essilor's Star&Strap kids' frames and multifocal contacts, as delays in intervention raise high myopia risks—associated with 4.2x higher retinal detachment incidence. Manufacturer collaborations with clinics in Osaka and Tokyo, offering free prescriptions for first-time pediatric patients, amplify adoption. This demographic's inertia is fortified by data: children beginning control lenses before age 10 achieve 22% slower progression versus later starters, ensuring sustained market reliance on pediatric-focused solutions.
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Current Treatment Options for Myopia and Control Lenses in Japan
Japan's advanced healthcare system and innovative optical industry provide a wide array of treatment options for myopia control lenses market, with a strong focus on myopia control lenses to slow progression, especially in children.
Standard Treatments:
Eyeglasses and Single-Vision Contact Lenses: Widely used for correction, with 32-35% of myopic children still prescribed single-vision spectacles despite control options. These remain cost-effective but do not address progression.
Refractive Surgery: LASIK and PRK are available for adults, though less common among children due to age restrictions and preference for non-invasive methods.
Myopia Control Lenses:
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): These rigid, gas-permeable lenses, worn overnight to reshape the cornea, are highly popular in Japan. By 2025, ortho-K usage has likely grown, with studies showing a 30-56% reduction in axial elongation over two years. Adoption among children and adolescents is estimated at 10-15%, supported by companies like Menicon.
Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) Lenses: Introduced by Hoya as MiYOSMART, these spectacle lenses in the Japan myopia control lenses market use peripheral defocus to slow myopia progression. By 2025, Hoya has expanded the MiYOSMART range to address high myopia, offering a 50-60% reduction in progression rates. Usage has risen to ~15% of myopic children, bolstered by clinical evidence and parental awareness.
Highly Aspherical Lenslets (HAL): Another spectacle lens option, HAL lenses show efficacy (55% reduction in spherical equivalent refraction, 51% in axial elongation over two years), and their adoption is growing, particularly in urban clinics.
Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses: Products like CooperVision's MiSight 1 Day lenses, approved in Japan, reduce progression by 25-43% over two years. Usage is estimated at 8-10% among children, appealing to those preferring contact lenses over spectacles.
Pharmacological Options:
Low-Dose Atropine (0.025%-0.05%): Gaining traction in 2025, with products like Rijusea Miniten (0.025% atropine eye drops) launched on April 21, 2025, by Santen Pharmaceutical. These drops slow progression by 50-60% (0.54 D reduction) but are not covered by public health insurance, limiting widespread adoption to affluent families or private clinics. Usage is likely 5-7% among children with progressive myopia.
Behavioral Interventions:
Increased outdoor time and reduced near work are promoted, though compliance remains challenging in Japan's education-centric culture. Schools in some regions have integrated outdoor programs, modestly impacting onset rates.
Innovations:
Japan's myopia control lenses market, led by firms like Hoya and Nidek, continues to refine lens designs. By 2025, digital integration (e.g., smart lenses with sensors) is emerging, though still in early adoption phases.
Demand Analysis for Myopia and Control Lenses in Japan
Demand for myopia treatments, particularly control lenses, reflects Japan's high prevalence, technological sophistication, and public health priorities. Here's the analysis:
Consumer Preferences:
Children (5-14 years): Parents increasingly opt for ortho-K (10-15% penetration) and DIMS lenses (15% penetration) for their non-invasive nature and proven efficacy. Cost (e.g., ortho-K at $1,000-$1,500 annually) limits broader uptake.
Adolescents and Young Adults: Multifocal contact lenses (8-10%) and refractive surgery gain traction, though control lenses remain relevant for progressive cases.
Rural vs. Urban: Urban demand outpaces rural due to access to specialized clinics and higher disposable incomes.
Supply and Accessibility:
Japan's myopia control lenses market, with leaders like Hoya, EssilorLuxottica, and Menicon, meets demand efficiently. However, rural areas face shortages of trained practitioners, slowing adoption of advanced options like ortho-K. Private insurance covers some treatments, but public insurance excludes newer options (e.g., atropine drops), creating a two-tier market.
Cost: Myopia control lenses (e.g., MiYOSMART at $300-$500 per pair, ortho-K at $1,000+ annually) and atropine drops (out-of-pocket) are expensive, restricting access for lower-income families.
Awareness Gaps: Despite progress, some parents and practitioners still favor single-vision correction, with 32% of prescriptions in 2025 reflecting this lag.
Workforce: Demand for trained optometrists exceeds supply, particularly for fitting ortho-K lenses, creating bottlenecks.
Japan Myopia Control Lenses Market Major Players:
Essilor International
Johnson & Johnson Vision
CooperVision
Hoya Corporation
Zeiss Group
Bausch + Lomb
Menicon Co., Ltd.
SEED Co., Ltd.
Alcon (Novartis)
Tokai Optical Co., Ltd.
Alpha Corporation Inc.
Other Prominent Players
Market Segmentation:
By Product Type
Spectacle Lenses
Contact Lenses
By Lens Type
Multifocal Lens
Orthokeratology Lens
Dual Focus Lens
Peripheral Defocus Lenses
By Material
Soft Contact Lenses (Silicone Hydrogel, Hydrogel)
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses
Polycarbonate & High-Index Plastic (for Spectacle Lenses)
By Age Group
Children
Adults
By Sales Channel
Eyeglass Clinic
Eyewear Retailers
Online Retail
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About Astute Analytica
Astute Analytica is a global market research and advisory firm providing data-driven insights across industries such as technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and more. We publish multiple reports daily, equipping businesses with the intelligence they need to navigate market trends, emerging opportunities, competitive landscapes, and technological advancements.
With a team of experienced business analysts, economists, and industry experts, we deliver accurate, in-depth, and actionable research tailored to meet the strategic needs of our clients. At Astute Analytica, our clients come first, and we are committed to delivering cost-effective, high-value research solutions that drive success in an evolving marketplace.
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If her feet have indeed grown, this will be the third pair of shoes she's had since September. 10:30 a.m. — Drive 30 minutes into town to the nearest Clarks shoe shop. I know there are other places to get children's feet measured, but for some reason I only trust Clarks to do it properly. As feared/expected, A has gone up half a size but B has remained the same. Small win. Although I like getting their feet measured here, I begrudge paying £50 for a pair of school shoes that only last a few months, so make a note of their sizes and decide to order a pair online when we get home. 11 a.m. — A has definitely inherited her mother's shopping gene and asks to have a look in Primark. She sees a cream zip up hoody she likes, so we get that, £4.50. Also have a wander around Boots and buy some hyaluronic acid serum to replace the one that has just run out. I need all the help I can get, £4. 12 p.m. — Remember that B needs some PE shorts to wear to school rather than joggers, now the weather is warming up. Nip into Matalan but leave empty handed. 12:30 p.m. — Pass a big Tesco on the way home and decide to look here. Plenty of choice — so much so, B ends up with four pairs of shorts for school and summer, £18. 1 p.m. — Even though we only went to the supermarket yesterday, unbelievably we have nothing for tea. The kids and I stop off at Aldi and do a top-up shop, £47.24. 3 p.m. — Browse online for some school shoes for A. Settle on a pair from Next, with delivery this comes to £30.95. Also make the fatal mistake of going through all her other shoes to check sizes. Converse, two pairs of trainers and her summer sandals are all now too small. I photograph them and get the nicest ones listed on Vinted in the hope of clawing back some of the cost that is inevitably coming my way. 7 p.m. — A slow afternoon at home, with plenty of playing in the garden for A & B and general house chores for me. We're all tired, so won't be a late one tonight. 9 p.m. — Bed. Total: £104.69 Day Seven 7 a.m. — Back to school, so everyone is up and dressed bright and early. Toast all round for breakfast and school bags ready at the door. In the past, we would have been in the car on our way to nursery by 7:15 a.m. so I could get to school myself and prepare for the day ahead, so these slower mornings are something to savour. 8:30 a.m. — Set off to school and wave them both off at the gate. 9 a.m. — Back home and have a quick 15 minute whizz round to tidy up. I find it hard to settle into work if I know there are bits like this that need doing. 9:30 a.m. — Usual email/Slack update and check my calendar for the day. Seems like a quiet day ahead, so I get my head down into some system configuration for a customer. 12 p.m. — Manage to get loads done so have a quick break for lunch. Receive a notification from Apple to say the part needed for my laptop repair is now in stock, so decide I'll make the trip to drop it off tomorrow. I've got a few days off so am hoping it can all tie in nicely. 3 p.m. — Wrap up for the day and head off to collect the kids from school. Although I work full time, we are completely flexible and are able to set our own hours. As long as our work is done, nobody is checking. Most of the time I'm able to do all school drop offs and pick-ups and still manage to keep my customers happy! 5 p.m. — Quick tea of pasta and garlic bread and head out to A's netball practice. 90 minutes on a Monday evening means it's often a bit of a rush to get home, eat tea and out the door again. 7:30 p.m. — Home, quick shower for the kids and straight to bed. We will try and do some reading and homework in the morning! 10 p.m. — Bed for us too. Total: £0 The Breakdown Conclusion: "Oh, wow that's a lot of money. Although a lot of my spending this week was work expenses that I received back almost immediately, the remaining total is a lot for one person to spend in seven days. Work costs aside, I do often feel like it just costs money to run a family and there's often not much I can do to avoid spending. Since keeping this diary, I've had an email to say that the monthly cost for L's netball is increasing to £30/month and I've also had to pay their next instalment for swimming which was £85. I don't always feel like I have much choice in what/when I spend. That being said, I definitely had the choice to not spend £77 on ASOS and £68 in Primark, so perhaps I need to start being a bit more mindful when I'm scrolling or have some free time when travelling for work! Food is another big category, and we could track that a bit better. All in all, I enjoyed keeping this diary and found it really insightful."
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Vietnam exports up as US tariff threat lingers
Vietnam's exports rose sharply last month, official figures showed Friday, as the communist country tries to negotiate relief from swingeing tariffs threatened by US President Donald Trump. May exports stood at $39.6 billion, according to data from the General Statistics Office, up 17 percent on the same period a year ago, while the year-to-date total reached $180.2 billion, 14 percent higher than in 2024. Vietnam, a major centre for global brands producing shoes and clothes, says it is making progress in talks with Washington to head off Trump's threatened 46 percent levy. The Southeast Asian manufacturing hub has the third-biggest trade surplus with the United States after China and Mexico, putting it in the firing line for Trump's "Liberation Day" global tariff blitz. Vietnam's overall import-export turnover stood at $78.6 billion in May, 15.5 percent higher than the same month last year. Imports were up by 14.1 percent year on year to stand at $39 billion in May. Processed industrial goods dominated exports, while imports were led by production materials. Despite the tariff uncertainty, the United States remained Vietnam's number one export market with $57 billion in the first five months of 2025 -- up from $44 billion over the same period a year ago. Vietnamese and US trade negotiators meeting in Paris this week agreed to step up the pace of their talks. Vietnam has signed several agreements to buy hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of agricultural products and other raw materials from the United States as it seeks to rebalance their trading partnership. Trump's real estate group also broke ground last month on a $1.5-billion luxury golf resort in Vietnam, while his son Eric Trump has been scouting locations for a potential tower project in Ho Chi Minh City, the country's southern business hub. tmh-pdw/sco Sign in to access your portfolio