There are many things to consider when deciding whether to wear glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision, including the convenience of each and which would best fit your lifestyle.
Here are some things to think about.
Pros of Wearing Glasses
- They’re easy – you simply put them on and go.
- Less upkeep – they don’t require a lot of maintenance or need special cleaning solutions.
- You have choices – there are a variety of styles and brands to choose from.
- There’s less continuous investment – if your vision remains the same, you don’t have to frequently change your lenses. This can also make them the less expensive option.
- Photochromic lenses – protect from UV rays and automatically adjust to the amount of light entering your eye for optimum comfort and vision.
- You don’t have to touch your eyes to put them on or take them off, which can decrease your risk of eye infection.
- There is a barrier of protection if something were to fly into your eye, even more so with polycarbonate lenses.
Cons of Wearing Glasses
- They’re always there – some people may not like the weight of glasses on their nose and ears, or they simply may not like the way they look wearing glasses.
- Glasses may distort or interfere with your field of vision – especially at the edges of the lens; when you look out of the corner of your eye, you’ll likely see part of the frame of your glasses as well.
- They can fog – if you get caught in the rain or transition from a cold to a hot environment.
- Extra accessories or additional prescription eyewear (like goggles or sunglasses) may be required for playing sports or engaging in other activities.
Pros of Wearing Contact Lenses
- Always in style – contacts will always complement your look, whatever it may be.
- Clearer vision – contact lenses aren’t susceptible to reflections or light distortions.
- Lenses stay in place – during sports and other activities, contacts typically stay on the eyes.
- They improve peripheral vision – there is no gap in coverage from the side because contacts sit comfortably on the surface of the eye.
- Sunglasses and safety glasses – contact lens wearers can use non-prescription UV-blocking sunglasses and non-prescription safety gear to protect their eyes.
- They won’t fog or be affected by adverse weather conditions such as rain.
Cons of Wearing Contact Lenses
- More upkeep – contact lenses require regular cleaning and disinfecting, which takes time and commitment.
- Risk of infection – according to the CDC, between 40%-90% of contact lens wearers don’t properly follow the care instructions for their lenses; complications due to poor hygiene and contact lens maintenance can cause irritation, conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, cornea problems and other uncomfortable eye problems can result.
- Potentially higher cost – because contact lenses need to be replaced often, the annual long-term cost can exceed the cost of eyeglasses.
Deciding which option is right for you is a personal choice, but we’re always here to help. Let’s start with a comprehensive eye exam, and then talk about what’s best for you and your eyes.