Domestic technical textiles Industry Segment-wise consumption of ...

Contact Lenses
The contact lenses are typically used to correct vision, although some people wear colored contact
lens to enhance or change their eye color. The contact lenses can be classified based on type of
material, replacement cycle, wear schedule and special applications:-
• Material types (soft, hard and gas-permeable),
• Replacement schedule (one year, daily, fortnightly, monthly and quarterly),
• Wear schedule (Daily wear and extended wear),
• Special types (torics for astigmatism, UV-blocking contacts, bifocals etc).
Soft Contact Lenses are made from a water absorbing material called HEMA (Hydroxy Ethyl Metha
Acrylate) and are very soft to handle and comfortable on the eyes. Within the Spherical category are
the conventional and disposable soft lenses. The first comprises a single pair that can be worn for a
period of one year on a daily basis during waking hours. Disposables are the most hygienic option as
they are replaced after a particular period —daily, fortnightly, monthly or quarterly.
Hard contact lenses are made of some variant of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and are obsolete.
RGP lenses are semi-rigid lenses made usually from silicones which allow oxygen through to the eye.
Toric soft lenses are used in cases of high cylindrical power or astigmatism. A comfortable option
over semi-soft lenses, it is available as both conventional and disposable. Bifocal contact lenses are
prescribed for those who prefer contact lens correction for Presbyopia or difficulty in near vision.
These are currently available only in disposable option. Cosmetic contact lenses are available in
different colours and tints, in both power and Plano, with conventional and disposable options. These
are principally worn to enhance looks.
Contact lens market in India is dominated by soft contact lenses. The market for disposable lenses is
growing at a higher rate as they are more hygienic and require lesser maintenance.
Market dynamics and key growth drivers of contact lens market in India
The main competition of contact lens in India is from the spectacles. Fashionable frames and
spectacles have hindered the contact lens category from growing in India. The penetration of contact
lenses in the category of people using vision care products is very low as compared with developed
countries where contact lenses are available as an OTC product. This is account of the higher cost
compared to frames and maintenance issues. Laser corrective procedure does not pose as a challenge
to contact lenses as they cater to a niche audience.