Contacts vs. Glasses: How to Know Which Is Better for You

Those with poor eyesight understand the difficult decision when trying to decide if glasses or contacts are the right fit for you. Not everyone can put contacts in, and not everyone wants to wear glasses for extended periods of time.

Glasses

Glasses are a common accessory that many use whether for all day use or for specific activities such as reading and writing. This type of corrective lens is not a new invention, although with recent technology advancements they have become more precise and efficient to produce.

While accurately correcting eyesight is one of the greatest benefits of glasses, there are many other pros as well.

• Convenience: Glasses are great for convenience. You can take them off or put them on at any time you need with no hassle.

• Protection: They can also serve as protectant for your eyes. Glasses can actually protect your eyes from dust, drying winds, and other miscellaneous particles.

• Cost Efficient: Unlike contacts, that need to be replaced frequently, eyeglasses can last for years. If your prescription changes, you can simply replace the lenses and keep the frame which makes glasses more cost efficient overall.

• Accessory: Another perk of choosing glasses is finding a pair that suits you and your style. They can be a fun accessory that complements your facial structure and style.

Although there are a number of pros to glasses, there are also a few cons.

• Discomfort: Some people find that they do not like the pressure that glasses put on their nose or their ears. This discomfort can cause those who wear glasses to refrain from wearing them entirely.

• Unhappy with the look: While some people view glasses as a trendy accessory, others are unhappy with the way they look in them. Some people struggle to find an eyeglass frame that they feel suits them nicely.

• Lifestyle Restrictive: Glasses are not always the best option for those who are highly active. They can also fog up or get splattered in the rain and can also move around on the person's face during activities.

Contacts

A newer corrective lens alternative are contacts. There are an array of contact types and materials that all serve a specific purpose. Contacts, when made and prescribed correctly, can be a great way to improve vision.

If glasses don’t sound like they are the best fit for you or your lifestyle, you may be an ideal candidate for contacts.

• Superior Front and Peripheral vision: Since the contact goes onto the eye, they often provide superior front and peripheral vision. They give you a more natural feeling vision than glasses.

• Adaptable to your Lifestyle: Contacts are adaptable to many kinds of lifestyles. While wearing contacts, you can be active and not have to take into consideration if they will fall off like glasses. You also don’t have to worry about them fogging up or getting splattered on.

• Comfort: Majority of people who wear contacts will pride them on their level of comfort. Oftentimes, people forget they have them in. Contacts take away that pressure on your ears and nose that glasses can create.

• Many Types: One of the biggest pros of contacts is that there are many options to choose from. There is rigid gas-permeable, extended-wear, extended-wear disposable, planned replacement, daily, and more. This allows contact users to choose what type of contacts best fit their day to day life and pair it with what will benefit their vision the most.

Contacts are versatile and comfortable, but there are a few cons to consider before deciding if they are the right fit for you.

• More Care: Contacts require much more care than glasses. While glasses can last for years, contacts need to be replaced more frequently. Also, if they are not cleaned and used properly, it can lead to serious eye infections.

• User Difficulty: Contacts simply may not be an option for a number of people, because not everyone is capable of putting them in. User difficulty can be a reason why people stick to only using glasses.

• Adjusting Time: It can sometimes take users longer to adjust to contacts than glasses, and they often require more follow up care with your eye doctor. It’s important to make sure your contacts fit your eye properly in order to avoid any damage.

Glasses and contacts both have their many pros and cons. Finding the best fit option can be an extensive process but when done the right way will result in transformed vision that you can feel comfortable about.