Contacts vs Glasses

How to know which is right for you?

When it comes to retinal correction, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to opt for contacts or glasses. Some people opt for prescription lenses, while others opt for contact lenses. Some opt for a combination of both. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, it comes down to your lifestyle and preferences.

Are contacts better for you? Or are glasses better for you? The answer to these questions depends entirely on which one would work better for you. For example, for more intense activities such as sports, dancing, and yoga, where contacts would be an impediment (or even a risk of damage), contacts might be better. For driving, reading or watching your favourite streaming show, prescription or reading glasses might be better because they’re easier to put on and take off. If you’re wearing a face mask in the day, contact lenses may be better, as glasses can fog up your eyes. For many people, however, contacts function as a way of defining themselves and defining their personal style, which contacts do not offer.

Contact Lenses vs. Glasses: Which Provides Better Vision?

Both contacts and glasses correct the majority of refractive errors, including near-sightedness, far-sightedness (farsightedness), presbyopia (presbyopia) and astigmatism (arigmatism). Contact lenses come in the same prescribed strength as glasses. However, the biggest difference between contact and glasses is in their field of vision. Unlike glasses, contacts are designed to fit your eye’s curvature, giving you a broader field of view. In addition, contacts cause less distortion to your vision than glasses because they don’t suffer from weather or light conditions like glasses do. Glasses, on the other hand, can get steamy or wet on cloudy or rainy days, and reflections and glares can affect your vision.

Are Glasses Less Expensive Than Contacts?

When considering the cost of eyeglasses versus contacts, glasses are the more affordable long-term option. Contact lenses require frequent replacement (daily or every few weeks) and the ongoing purchase of disinfecting solution. Glasses, on the other hand, only need replacement if damaged or if the prescription changes.

Which Option Provides Better Eye Protection When Working on a Computer?

Spending extended time staring at digital screens can cause computer vision syndrome, a collection of eye problems that lead to discomfort and fatigue. Blue-light filtering computer glasses may protect eyes during prolonged computer use.

Contact lenses may also dry out or tire eyes, worsening computer vision syndrome symptoms. Experts thus recommend wearing blue-light filtering computer glasses when working at a computer for long stretches to minimise eye strain.

Are Contact Lenses Safe?

Contact lenses are safe to use if you follow the proper care routine recommended by your eye doctor. The lenses should be cleaned with contact solution between each use and replaced as often as the brand specifies. While many worry about inserting and removing contact lenses, with proper care and practice, this can be done safely.

What Are the Benefits of Wearing Contact Lenses?

In a nutshell, contact lenses:

• Provide a wider field of vision
• Don’t get in the way when playing sports or exercising
• Won’t fog up or get wet in certain weather conditions
• Allows you to use different styles of sunglasses to fit any look

What Are the Benefits of Wearing Glasses?

In comparison, the benefits of wearing eyeglasses are:

• Less expensive in the long term
• Easy to take on and off
• Some prescription glasses have filters that provide added protection against harmful UV rays and blue light from digital screens
• Protection from elements, such as dust, wind and debris
• An accessory that can complement your style and personality

At The Optical Factory, our eye care experts are here to help you decide which option fits best for you. Make an appointment at our East Kilbride Clinic to consult with an optometrist about your options for vision correction.