Contacts or Glasses: Which One Should You Pick?

If you’re reading this article, chances are that you need prescription contacts or glasses. That’s because 75% of adults need prescription contacts or glasses.

While some people like to have both options at their disposal, there are many out there who prefer to just go forth with one type of prescription.

When you’re choosing between contacts or glasses, there are several important factors you’re going to have to consider. Continue reading and we’ll help you decide which is the best option for you.

Glasses

There are two main types of eyeglasses. These are single-vision glasses and multifocal glasses.

Single-vision glasses are used to fix issues with seeing certain distances.

Multifocal glasses help with both near-vision issues, like reading, as well as distance issues.

There are three types of multifocal glasses. These include:

• Bifocals which have a correction for reading on the lower half of the lenses and a correction for distance on the upper half.
• Trifocals have three different areas – the bottom is for reading, the top for distance, and there’s also a third area in between for middle vision.
• Progressive lenses are trifocals and bifocals but with no dividing line so that there’s a smoother transition been the different areas.

Glasses were originally made with glass, hence the name. Nowadays, most of them are made out of plastic.

The benefits of plastic lenses are that they’re lighter and can also be treated with coatings that are better able to protect the eyes.

The main downside is that plastic is easier to scratch.

Pros

Eyeglasses are simple and uncomplicated for the average consumer. You just have to put them on your face and you’re good to go. There’s no need for a special cleaning solution and they require minimal care.

You can also use them as fashion accessories. Glasses can be used to highlight or deemphasize certain areas of the face and can better act as a reflection of your character.

Also, if you’re vision doesn’t change, then you can keep your glasses for as long as you have them. This is different than contacts which you need to constantly be buying more of.

And with glasses, there’s no need to touch your eyes, which many people are uncomfortable with doing.

Cons

Glasses can distort your vision. This can be especially noticeable at the edge of the lens if you’ve got astigmatism or a very strong prescription.

You also might not like the feeling of the glasses’ weight on your ears or on your nose. Plus, some people just don’t like the way that they look in glasses.

Another major downside to wearing glasses is that they can easily get dirty. If it’s rainy or foggy out, your glasses might end up being practically useless.

And if you lose your glasses, you’ll have to cough up the money to buy another pair. And then the costs can really add up.

Plus, when it comes to high-intensity activities and sports, you might have to get special glasses that are less likely to break.

Contacts

A contact lens is a thin disc made of glass or plastic. It sits directly on your eyes in order to correct your vision.

The two types of contact lenses are hard and soft.

Soft contact lenses are made of soft plastic. They’re also the most popular type of lens. Because they hold more water than hard lenses, soft ones tend to be more comfortable.

There are several kinds of soft contact lenses. These include:

• Daily wear lenses which you wear during the day and then clean at night.
• Daily disposables which you wear once a day and then throw them away.
• Extended wear lenses that you wear during day and night and clean them once a week.

Hard contacts are more durable and easier to clean but are also less comfortable.

Pros

Contacts allow you to correct your vision without affecting your appearance at all. If you don’t like the way glasses look or feel on your face then contacts are an excellent alternative.

Also, contacts won’t get in the way when playing sports and shouldn’t fall out. Plus, they don’t get dirty or fogged up. And if you lose your lenses, you can just pop in some unused ones you were saving for later.

Cons

The biggest detractor when it comes to contact lenses is that contacts require a lot more care when compared to glasses.

Contacts to need to be cleaned and stored immediately after taking them out. If you don’t clean your contacts properly, you can develop an eye infection, such as keratitis.

Always make sure that you wash your hands when handling contact lenses. Some people complain that contacts make their eyes feel itchy or dry.

The price of contact lenses can also add up, as you will need to constantly be buying more.

Also, your eye doctor will probably give you a separate contact lens prescription from your glasses. So that’s another thing you’ll have to take care of.

Choosing Between Prescription Contacts or Glasses for Your Eyes

It’s not always an easy decision when choosing between prescription contacts or glasses. It depends mostly on your lifestyle and preferences.

Still, both are effective ways of correcting vision and there are adamant supporters on both sides of the aisle. Just make sure to consider all of the pros and cons of glasses and contacts before making your decision.

If you’re still not sure, speak to your eye care physician and ask for their recommendation.

Not sure where to get your next eye exam? Contact us today and see how we can help!