How Many People Need Glasses?

Author: Sam Calderon

How Many People Need Glasses to See?

Whether it's for reading, driving, or making a fashion statement, glasses have become an essential accessory for millions of individuals across the globe. But have you ever wondered how many people wear glasses?

In this guide, we’ll dive into the world of spectacles, discuss some interesting stats, and review factors that lead to the need for corrective lenses.

What Percentage of Americans Wears Glasses?

Glasses are becoming more common than ever. According to a survey by The Vision Council, around 75% of Americans need some form of vision correction. Of those, approximately 64% wear prescription eyeglasses. The same survey also found that nearly 40% of those people use two or more pairs of glasses on a regular basis.

How Many People Wear Glasses in the World?

While the exact number of people who wear glasses can be difficult to pinpoint on a global scale, at least 2.2 billion have either a distance or near vision impairment.

Nearly half of these vision impairment conditions could have been avoided or have not yet been treated. Of these cases, 88.4 million are due to refractive errors, such as myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness).

Why Do So Many People Need Glasses?

People require corrective eyewear for a number of reasons. Here are some of the most common:

• Refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, can lead to blurred vision at certain distances, and are often corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
• Age-related vision changes, like presbyopia, can often be corrected with reading glasses.
• Amblyopia and strabismus are sometimes treated with corrective eyewear, though other forms of treatment may also be needed.

Other medical, lifestyle, and environmental factors can also contribute to eye issues and vision problems, but corrective eyewear may not be an option for treatment. These include:

• Eye disease, including cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration
• Increased screen time (on computers, smartphones, and tablets), which may lead to digital eye strain
• Exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays
• Poor nutrition
• Smoking

In these cases, prevention (when possible) is often better than any treatment.

How Many People Use Reading Glasses?

Approximately 34.5 million Americans wear over-the-counter reading glasses for near-vision tasks. These non-prescription glasses provide vision correction for reading, sewing, and other activities that require close-up vision. People with presbyopia often benefit from wearing readers.

Other Interesting Facts About Eyewear

• In 2021, the global eyewear market reached $140 billion.
• The U.S. is the leading global consumer of eyeglasses, with nearly $30.9 billion in sales.
• In 2022, the average number of eyewear products per person in the U.S. was around 3.3.
• Around 3% of children in the U.S. aged 2-5 and 23% aged 6-11 need vision correction. This number rises to more than 40% in children aged 12-17.

How Many People Wear Glasses for Fashion?

Glasses have become more than just a tool for vision correction — they're also a fun accessory to pair with an outfit. A study conducted in the U.S. found that more than 19 percent of adults have worn fake glasses just to be fashionable. Many believe that eyeglasses can enhance their appearance and make them look smarter.

Frames also come in a variety of styles and colors, making it easy for people to express themselves with their eyewear. From classic round frames to statement-making cat eyes, there's something out there for everyone. And with the rise of online shopping, it’s easier than ever to find the perfect pair.

The Importance of Eye Exams

Whether you’re among the millions of people who wear glasses for vision impairment or do not require corrective lenses to see clearly, regular eye exams are essential.

An eye care provider can determine if you need prescription lenses, ensure your prescription is up-to-date, and make certain your frames fit properly. They can also provide tips on how to protect your vision, such as wearing sunglasses in bright light or taking frequent breaks from digital screens.

Eye exams can also detect signs of certain eye diseases that could lead to vision loss. Be sure to consult an eye doctor right away if you experience any changes in your vision or develop unusual symptoms.

Explore Modern Eyewear with Ease

As we've seen, a large part of the world's population relies on glasses for vision correction. But modern eyewear has also become a popular fashion accessory. No matter the reason for wearing glasses, it's important to visit an eye doctor regularly to help ensure you maintain healthy vision.

Glasses.com is here to make the process of choosing and wearing glasses as easy as possible. From fashionable frames to top-of-the-line lenses, we have something for everyone. Plus, we feature designs from some of the most popular brands, so you can keep your style on-trend. Check out our selection today to get started.