Global Eyewear Market Projected To Reach $193.6 Billion in 2026, Smart Glasses Emerge As Primary Growth Engine

According to The Business Research Company's latest "Eyewear Market Report 2026," the global eyewear market is projected to grow from $173.89 billion in 2025 to $193.58 billion in 2026, representing a compound annual growth rate of 11.3%. The market is expected to further expand to $291.65 billion by 2030. Key growth drivers include the rising prevalence of vision impairment, increasing screen exposure across all age groups, growth of fashion eyewear consumption, and expansion of optical retail networks.

In the smart segment, AI glasses and AR glasses are emerging as the strongest growth engines. Counterpoint Research data shows the global intelligent head-mounted device market grew 83% year-over-year in Q1 2026, with display-less smart glasses jumping 210% and AR glasses surging 136%. Omdia forecasts that near-eye display market revenue will reach $675 million in 2026, up 12% year-over-year; AR display shipments are projected to reach 4.1 million units, representing 154% year-over-year growth, with market revenue increasing 152% to $156 million. Valerie Li, Principal Analyst at Omdia, noted: "Since 2025, the XR industry has undergone a notable strategic shift. Major technology companies including Meta, Apple, Samsung, and Huawei have adjusted their product roadmaps, delaying or scaling back VR headset launches in favor of lightweight AI smart glasses and AR glasses."

The report also indicates that omnichannel retail will dominate the eyewear market in 2026, with optical stores remaining key for trust and service, while e-commerce is expected to grow to 14% of global sales, driven by try-on technology, affordability, and social commerce in Asia. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for blue light blocking glasses, rising adoption of sustainable eyewear materials, growing popularity of smart connected eyewear, and expansion of online omnichannel eyewear retail.