Choosing Between Glasses and Contact Lenses

Individuals with vision problems can choose between glasses and contacts for vision correction. It is essential to understand both options.

Glasses

Eyeglasses comprise of two types. Single vision glasses help correct distance problems. The second type is multifocal glasses. They help with both distance and near-vision problems such as reading.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Glasses

Eyeglasses are easy to wear. You also do not need to give them much care. You can choose a frame of your choice that fits your style. You may not have to change your eyeglasses regularly if your vision remains the same. You can also remove and wear your glasses anytime you want.
 

However, glasses can distort your vision if you get a strong prescription. You may become uncomfortable because of the pressure exerted on your ears. The weight of the glasses on your nose can also give you discomfort. Some people do not like how they look with their glasses on. Also, many individuals struggle to adjust to progressive lenses. Eyeglass lenses can fog up or become splattered while in the rain.

Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are glass or plastic discs that sit directly on your eye to help correct vision. There are two types of contacts, soft and rigid glass permeable contacts. Soft contact lenses comprise soft plastic. They are the most popular contact lenses as they are more comfortable than hard contacts. They do not touch the cornea and hold more water.

Soft contacts have different types. There are daily wear lenses that you can wear during the day and clean at night. You can replace them on a schedule suggested by your eye doctor. There are daily disposable ones that you can wear once. You can also wear extended-wear lenses overnight and take them off for cleaning once a week.

Hard contacts can last longer than soft contacts. They are less comfortable. They often give better vision for people with conditions such as astigmatism. Hard contact lenses are also ideal for people with allergies. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Contact Lenses

Advantages

• Give a wider field of view. They cause fewer vision distortions because they conform to your eye’s curvature
• Do not get in your way in activities such as playing sports
• Cannot clash with whatever outfit you will have on
• Do not fog up, and weather conditions do not affect them
• You can buy a contact lens color of your choice
• Some can reshape your cornea as you sleep. Overnight orthokeratology can help temporarily correct myopia so you can see clearly on the next day

Disadvantages

• Contribute to computer vision syndrome if worn as you work at your computer for a long time
• Can increase your risk of getting dry eye syndrome. They reduce the amount of oxygen reaching your eyes
• Some people struggle to wear contacts. They lack the proper technique to get it done.
• Require thorough lens cleaning to avoid eye infections. If you cannot commit, you can opt for daily disposables
• Your eyes can get dry and irritable if you accidentally fall asleep while wearing contact lenses

What to Consider When Choosing Between Glasses and Contact Lenses

When deciding which of the two you should wear, consider your lifestyle and comfort. Contact lenses are better if you live an active lifestyle. But they are more likely to result in eye infections. Eyeglasses are generally affordable and easier to wear. But they can become misplaced or broken.

The decision to either wear glasses or contact lenses works on personal preference. However, you can have both options available to wear at any time.

For more on choosing between glasses and contact lenses, visit Grove Eye Care at our office in Midlothian or Richmond, Virginia. You can also call (804) 888-8998 or (804) 353-3937 to book an appointment today.