FARMINGTON, Conn., Nov. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Staying up-to-date with global market developments, new launches and the people behind them, requires timely, relevant data delivered reliably and in a way that is dense in value and light on fluff. Three significant new market research reports from our premium research partner Global Industry Analysts, Inc. offer vital forecasts for the global eyeglasses, contact lens and solution, and ophthalmic equipment markets.

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More details are available below, but parties interested in a more in-depth review of market trends and available research are encouraged to contact Global Information Inc directly at 1.860.674.8796, or online at www.giiresearch.com/contact.shtml

Eyeglasses

The global market for eyeglasses is projected to reach $113.2 billion by 2018. Growth in the market will be driven by shifting fashion preferences of customers towards trendy and sporty eyeglass frames to create a style statement. Eyeglasses have today shed their utilitarian image of being just a vision correction contraption to become a key fashion accessory. Innovative materials for lenses and frames and other technological advances have resulted in several new designs with better aesthetic appeal, style and quality. Eyeglasses with lightweight material frames such as monel and titanium with polycarbonate lenses have become immensely popular in recent years. Currently in vogue are frames with brighter, bolder, multi colors, and with rectangular shapes. The trend mirrors a move away from the rimless frames of circle and oval shapes. Also being preferred are frames made from natural materials. Frames with crocodile patterns, animal skin prints, are finding favor among nature enthusiasts.

An Executive Summary for this report and free sample pages from the full document are available at http://www.giiresearch.com/report/go134258-eyeglasses.html

Ophthalmic Instrumentation

The global market for ophthalmic instrumentation is projected to exceed $2.9 billion by 2018. Development of technologies such as digital photography, scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO), spectral domain optical coherence tomography have aided ophthalmologists in having a better understanding of diseases in the posterior segment of the eye. At present, the demand is centered on imaging technologies that offer wider visual access of retinal periphery beyond the typical 30°-100° frame. Demand for optical coherence tomographers is growing at a rapid pace as the device is capable of imaging the vascular structure under the retina and has higher resolution capabilities.

In the ophthalmic surgical devices market, potential in the refractive laser surgery segment is set to be more with efforts directed towards faster recovery times and low risk of complications. Latest ophthalmic devices such as accommodative lenses, LASIK and implantable retinal prosthetics are currently replacing the extensively used traditional treatment methods. A noteworthy technology in refractive error correction area in recent times is femtosecond laser platform for LASIK which facilitates creation of safer and more precise flaps. The advent of this next generation technology is expected to revolutionize cataract surgery procedure, bringing in the shift from conventional hand-held blade to blade-free lasers.

Consolidation in the eye care industry highlights the trend towards vertical and horizontal integration at manufacturing, distribution, and managed care levels. One of the major factors driving consolidation trend is mounting price competitiveness. Key players profiled in the report include Abbott Medical Optics, Inc., Alcon, Inc., Bausch & Lomb, Inc., Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Ellex Medical Lasers Limited, Iridex Corp., Lumenis Ltd., Nidek Co. Ltd., Topcon Corp., and Topcon Medical Systems, Inc.

An Executive Summary for this report and free sample pages from the full document are available at http://www.giiresearch.com/report/go138750-ophthalmic-instrument.html

Contact Lenses and Solutions

The global market for contact lenses and solutions market is projected to exceed $12.2 billion by 2018. Vanity continues to be the major factor driving Contact Lens usage. Favorable demographics, rapid penetration of high-value products, growing occurrence of myopia, and reduction in wearer dropouts also continue to account for the healthy growth forecasts. Among the developing economies, Asia is expected to account for majority of the growth.

Soft contact lenses represent the largest segment. Among soft lenses, the launch of silicone hydrogel lenses revolutionized extended wearing lenses. Multi-focus lens is the fastest growing segment in soft contacts. While sales of silicone hydrogel lenses continue to increase worldwide, so are studies on different silicone hydrogel materials. Contact lens makers are increasingly recognizing the significance of higher oxygen permeability and water content. Indeed, most leading companies are patenting their own silicone hydrogel material to gain edge in the global market. Rapid transition towards silicone hydrogels is principally due to their improved oxygen transmissibility that allows higher amounts of oxygen to the eye, resulting in better ocular health.

The marketplace for contact lens is highly concentrated with handful of players operating on a global basis. Declining prices and high entry barriers have prevented new companies from entering this market, where penetration by far depends on the ability to persuade users to switch from well-established to new brands. Key players profiled in the report include Abbott Medical Optics Inc., Alcon Inc., Bausch & Lomb Inc., CooperVision Inc., Ginko International Co., Ltd., and Vistakon.

 An Executive Summary for this report and free sample pages from the full document are available at http://www.giiresearch.com/report/go124537-contact-lense.html

About Global Information Inc. Global Information (GII) (http://www.giiresearch.com) is an information service company partnering with over 300 research companies around the world. Global Information has been in the business of distributing technical and market research for more than 25 years. Expanded from its original headquarters in Japan, Global Information now has offices in Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Europe and the United States.

Jeremy Palaia Global Information, Inc., 1-860-674-8796, Press@gii.co.jp

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SOURCE Global Information, Inc.