Saudi Arabia Contact Lenses Market Analysis

Saudi Arabia Contact Lenses Market Executive Summary

Saudi Arabia Contact Lenses Market was valued at $291.38 Mn in 2023 and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 10.4% from 2023 to 2030, to $582.43 Mn by 2030. 

Contact lenses are versatile medical devices placed directly on the eye, serving both functional and cosmetic purposes. They come in several types: soft lenses, made of flexible plastic allowing oxygen to the cornea; rigid gas permeable lenses for sharper vision; hybrid lenses combining features of both; and scleral lenses covering the cornea and sclera, useful for irregular corneas. They correct refractive errors like myopia and hyperopia and cater to cosmetic needs with colored variants. Fitting by an optometrist or ophthalmologist ensures proper selection based on individual eye health and lifestyle. Regular cleaning and adherence to wearing schedules are crucial for preventing infections and maintaining eye health. Risks include infections, dry eyes, and corneal abrasions if not used correctly. Regulated as medical devices, advancements like silicone hydrogel materials and UV-blocking capabilities enhance safety and comfort, making contact lenses a popular choice for vision correction and aesthetic enhancement globally.

In Saudi Arabia, dry eye syndrome (DES) is prevalent and often underdiagnosed, affecting a significant portion of the population. A cross-sectional study using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire revealed that while about 9.6% of participants reported no dryness sensation, 15.4% experienced mild symptoms. Interestingly, the frequency of contact lens use did not strongly correlate with DES, but those using lenses more often tended to have higher OSDI scores, indicating a potential link between contact lens use and DES. In terms of contact lens prevalence for refractive purposes, approximately 19% of Saudis use them, with a majority using them daily or weekly across various regions of the country.

The market therefore is driven by significant factors like rising disposable income, high prevalence of eye issues, and increasing focus on aesthetics. However, limited public insurance coverage, lack of awareness regarding proper care, and limited availability of qualified eye care professionals restrict the growth and potential of the market.

Prominent players in this field are Bausch and Lomb, which emphasizes daily disposable contact lenses enhanced with comfort technologies and supports sustainability initiatives. On the other hand, CooperVision focuses on innovation through advanced materials, specialized solutions for myopia management, and convenient subscription services for contact lenses. Other contributors include Alcon Vision LLC, and Essilor International S.A. among others.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Rising Disposable Income: Saudi Arabia boasts a growing economy with increasing disposable income. A report by the World Bank shows the country's GDP per capita at $35,430 in 2023. This allows people to spend more on discretionary items like contact lenses.

High Prevalence of Eye Issues: Statistics suggest a significant population in Saudi Arabia suffers from vision problems. A study published in the Saudi Journal of Ophthalmology indicates a prevalence of myopia (near-sightedness) around 23% in the Saudi population. This creates demand for vision correction solutions, including contact lenses.

Increasing Focus on Aesthetics: There's a growing trend in Saudi Arabia, particularly among younger demographics, of prioritizing aesthetics. Coloured contact lenses offer a way to enhance appearance, driving demand in this segment of the market.

Market Restraints

Limited Public Insurance Coverage: Contact lenses are generally not covered by public health insurance in Saudi Arabia, creating a financial barrier for some consumers. This lack of coverage can make contact lenses less accessible to individuals with limited financial resources. Consequently, many people may opt for less costly alternatives, such as eyeglasses.

Lack of Awareness Regarding Proper Care: There might be a significant gap in knowledge about proper contact lens hygiene and care practices among users. This ignorance can lead to complications, such as infections and discomfort, reducing overall wear time and discouraging potential users. Effective education on contact lens care is essential to mitigate these risks.

Limited Availability of Qualified Eye Care Professionals: Although improving, the availability of qualified eye care professionals, such as ophthalmologists and optometrists, remains limited, particularly in remote areas. This shortage can restrict access to proper eye care and fitting services for contact lenses, posing a challenge for individuals seeking vision correction through contact lenses.

Regulatory Landscape and Reimbursement Scenario

In Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) regulates contact lenses, requiring all types, including corrective and cosmetic, to undergo rigorous registration processes before they can be imported, distributed, or sold. Contact lenses are classified into categories based on risk, with most falling under Class II (Medium-Risk), necessitating detailed documentation on materials, design, and intended use. Manufacturers and distributors must adhere to international Quality Management System (QMS) standards to ensure consistent quality and safety, monitored through post-market surveillance for adverse events reported to the SFDA.

Regarding reimbursement, contact lenses are generally not covered by Saudi Arabia's national health insurance system, but exceptions exist for medically necessary lenses prescribed by ophthalmologists. These cases may qualify for partial coverage depending on the specific health insurance plan and individual circumstances. Private health insurance plans in Saudi Arabia may also offer varying levels of coverage for contact lenses, including examinations and the cost of lenses themselves, contingent upon plan specifics and eligibility criteria.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

Here are some of the major key players in the Saudi Arabia Contact Lenses Market

• Abbott Medical Optics, Inc.
• Alcon Vision LLC
• Bausch & Lomb, Incorporated
• ZEISS International
• Contamac
• CooperVision, Inc.
• Essilor International S.A.
• Hoya Corporation
• Medennium
• Seed Co., Ltd.