MedTech: From Comfort to Convenience: What Will Drive the Next Contact Lens Revolution?

The contact lens industry is facing a new challenge: standing out in an increasingly price-driven, online market. While past innovation centred on comfort — think daily disposables and oxygen-permeable materials — the next leap may lie in usability and differentiation.

As more consumers buy lenses without professional guidance, manufacturers must find new ways to retain user loyalty.

One promising approach is to understand why users abandon contact lenses. Common frustrations include awkward workflows, lack of sustainable options, limited personalisation, and age-related fit issues. Innovations that simplify the user experience — like lenses with no front or back, extended wear designs, or even dissolvable lenses — could address these pain points.

Other exciting frontiers include drug-eluting lenses that double as treatments for conditions like dry eye or glaucoma, and smart lenses with embedded electronics. Strong branding strategies that evolve with user needs could further build loyalty.

Ultimately, the future belongs to brands that combine technical innovation with real user insight.

Read the full article to explore deeper insights into user pain points, promising technical solutions, and the engineering challenges still to overcome — from dissolvable lenses to drug delivery platforms.

TTP’s MedTech team has a long history in developing innovative products in ophthalmology. From novel optics for contact lenses and IOLs, to innovative drug delivery and surgical systems, we are always looking for ways to address patient, healthcare professional and industry needs. Please contact us if you would like to discuss anything in this blog, or in technology for ophthalmology more generally.

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