Retail Details: Eyewear in the U.S.

A few generations ago, eyewear was largely functional. People wore glasses to either improve eyesight, see better in the glare of the sun or protect the eyes against workplace hazards.

Eyewear is now a multibillion-dollar business. Despite the availability of contact lenses, many people choose to wear traditional eyeglasses as a fashion statement. Sunglasses have also become increasingly popular, particularly as knowledge of the damage caused by UV rays became more widespread.

Did you know that some analysts believe that the global eyewear market will reach $165 billion by the year 2022? Global Market Insights reported the data, which also show the industry is expected to sell 3.8 billion units in 2022, up from 2.9 billion units in 2014.

Did you know that 75 percent of adults in the United States wear prescription or nonprescription sunglasses? Some analysts believe the percentage of adults wearing nonprescription sunglasses will continue to increase as more adults adopt contacts or undergo vision improvement surgery.

Did you know that despite the popularity of sunglasses, only about 6 percent of sunglasses are purchased online? This low number may indicate that consumers prefer to try sunglasses on before making a purchase. Seventeen percent of those contact lenses which don’t need to be tried on to assure aesthetic appeal are sold online.

Did you know that on average, children go through two pair of eyeglasses per year? Adults average one pair of glasses annually.

Did you know that the cost of eyeglasses, including nonprescription “readers,” contact lenses and contact lens solutions are tax-deductible on itemized returns? In addition, consumers can use their flex benefits to purchase these items with pretax dollars.

Did you know that the average American spends 2.5 hours per day on smartphones and tablets alone? Excessive screen time can result in eyestrain that triggers vision problems and overall discomfort.