This report provides a detailed analysis of the glasses and contacts market in the U.S., where demographic trends are a powerful driving force in the promising future of vision care. The Baby Boomers represent a huge market emerging for eyewear with millions of new consumers requiring visual correction after the age of 44. In addition, this age group is currently the one with all-time-high levels of disposable personal income, and is willing to pay for the convenience of disposable contacts, multifocal lenses and fashion frames. Since there is no way to prevent the effects of aging on the eyes, this group will likely be driving research and development as well as sales through 2010.

Among the key issues covered in this report are the effects of laser correction surgery on the market, technological advances in glasses and contacts, the influence of medical insurance, the expansion into new distribution channels and changing government regulations. Original consumer research examines attitudes and behavior by age, gender, ethnic and economic groups. Particular attention is paid to the major manufacturers, and a six-year trend analysis predicts future growth in the market.

Research data and analysis answer questions such as:

To what extent is the aging population changing the market?

How are changing government regulations affecting suppliers?

What percentage of glasses and contact lens wearers are interested in laser surgery?

Where are people buying glasses and contacts, and why?

How do contact lens preferences vary by race?

This report covers goods sold through vision care centers and optometrists, including glasses, prescription sunglasses, frames and lenses, and contact lenses. Sales of contact lens solutions through opticians, vision care centers, drugstores and other outlets are also included.

Excluded are eye creams and gels for the skin around the eyes, as are prescriptions and over-the-counter eye drops for the treatment of allergies or eye infections. Non-prescription sunglasses are also excluded, as well as accessory cases and contact lens containers.

A number of U.S. reports covering related sectors have been published, are planned, or are in preparation, including:

Attitudes Towards Health and Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Intelligence -- U.S. Report, February 2003

Lifestyles of Baby Boomers, Consumer Intelligence -- U.S. Report, November 2002

Lifestyles of Older Adults, Consumer Intelligence -- U.S. Report, October 2002