Contact Lenses vs. Glasses: Which Is Right for You?

Do you need corrective eyewear to improve your vision? If so, you may be curious whether eyeglasses or contacts are better. Fortunately, most people have the option of wearing either one. Some even switch between glasses and contacts depending on the circumstances. 

Contacts vs. Glasses: Which One Is Better for You?

People with refractive errors need corrective lenses to see properly. Prescription eyeglasses and contacts can correct these vision problems, but they differ.

 

Prescription Differences 

After an eye exam, an eye doctor recommends the appropriate eyewear depending on the diagnosis of the vision issues. Yet, you cannot order eyeglasses using your contact lens prescription and vice versa. 
 

The Risk of Infection: When Are Eyeglasses the Better Option? 

Contact lenses make direct contact with the eye. Thus, wearing them can pose a higher risk of infection. That is because most people do not adhere to proper care and maintenance instructions for their contacts. 


On the other hand, prescription eyeglasses are less risky. Yet, they also protect your eyes. Furthermore, they are easier to handle and can sometimes be cheaper. So, glasses might suit you in the following circumstances:

 

• You are worried about ocular infections
   

• You lack the time to clean, maintain, and care for contacts
   

• The patient is too young
   

• You do not like touching your eyes
   

• A specific health issue prevents you from using contacts

Advantages and Disadvantages of Glasses 

Eyeglasses are easy to use. They do not require you to touch your eyes. They provide moderate eye protection with a low infection risk. Furthermore, they allow people to make a statement since they come in various colors and designs. 

However, they can be uncomfortable when they move on the face and or when you sweat. Also, they can become scratched, fogged, or smudged, and they do not provide the best peripheral vision.
 

Pros and Cons of Contacts

Contacts do not restrict your field of vision. Also, they do not transform your look unless you wear tinted ones. You enjoy greater freedom of movement with contacts during physical activities. Notably, replacing them is less costly than glasses. 


However, they have a higher infection risk compared to glasses. They can be impossible to wear with eye conditions such as dry eye syndrome. Also, they require more cleaning and upkeep than eyeglasses and can worsen digital eyestrain symptoms.
 

Cost of Contacts vs. Glasses

Typically, glasses are cheaper than contact lenses when you consider their longevity. Contact lenses need frequent replacement. However, eyeglasses can last for many years if you take proper care of them, provided your prescription does not change. 


Contact lenses tend to be more costly the more you replace them. Yet, they may be cheaper than prescription glasses that fix complex eyesight problems. 
 

Making a Smart Choice

Many people, especially children, choose eyeglasses at first. Some choose to transition to contacts after using glasses.
 

Conclusion

Ultimately, choosing between contact lenses and glasses will depend on your preferences, lifestyle, and eye health. Consider all the factors mentioned above and discuss your options with your eye doctor to determine which one best fits you.



For more on corrective lenses, visit Cleburne Eye Clinic at our Cleburne, Texas, office. Call (817) 645-2411 to schedule an appointment today.