Contacts or Glasses?
How to know which is right for you?
How to Choose Between Contacts vs. Glasses
When it comes to correcting your vision, one of the big questions you face is choosing between contacts and glasses. Some people prefer prescription glasses while others prefer contact lenses, and some may use a combination of the two. There are benefits to both options. Deciding which is better for you will depend on your lifestyle and personal preference.
Are contacts better than glasses for you? Or glasses better than contacts? The answer depends entirely on which would work better for your needs. For instance, with more intensive activities like sports, dancing and yoga, where glasses would be an obstacle (or even at risk of being damaged) contacts might be a better option. For something like driving, reading, or watching your favorite streaming show, prescription glasses or reading glasses, might be superior, due to the ease of taking them on and off. If you need to wear a face mask in your daily life, consider that glasses can fog up, so contact lenses may be a better option. At the same time for a lot of people, glasses function as a way to define themselves and their personal style, something contacts don’t offer.
At Pearle Vision, our eye care experts are here to help you decide which option fits best for you. Make an appointment at your neighbourhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Centre to consult with an eye doctor about your options for vision correction. Below are answers to a few common questions people ask when comparing contacts vs. glasses.
Contact Lenses vs. Glasses: Which Provides Better Vision?
Both contact lenses and glasses can be used to correct most refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia and astigmatism. Contact lenses are available in the same prescription strength as glasses. The biggest difference between the two options is in the field of vision. Contacts are designed to fit the curvature of your eye, giving you a wider field of view than glasses. Furthermore, contacts cause less vision distortion than glasses because they aren’t affected by weather or light conditions the way glasses are. Glasses can steam up or get wet on foggy or rainy days. Reflections and glares can also affect your vision when wearing glasses.
Are Glasses Less Expensive Than Contacts?
When considering the cost of eyeglasses versus contacts, choosing to wear only glasses will be less expensive in the long run. Depending on the type you choose, contact lenses will need to be replaced daily or every few weeks. You’ll also need to purchase contact solution to disinfect your contacts between use. Glasses only need to be replaced if they break or if your prescription changes.
Which Option Provides Better Eye Protection When Working on a Computer?
Studies have shown that people who spend a prolonged amount of time working on a digital screen may develop computer eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. Computer vision syndrome is a group of vision-related problems that can lead to eye discomfort or fatigue. Eyeglasses with a blue light filter can help protect your eyes when working on a computer. Depending on the type of contact lenses you use, your eyes may experience dryness or fatigue, which may contribute to symptoms of computer vision syndrome. If you spend long hours in front of a computer, it’s recommended you wear computer glasses with a blue light filter to help minimize eye discomfort.
Are Contact Lenses Safe?
Contact lenses are safe to use if you follow the thorough eye care routine which can be provided by your Pearle Vision doctor. They should be cleaned using contact solution in between each use and disposed of as recommended by the brand you choose. Most people worry about having to put in and remove contact lenses, but with the right care and some practice this can safely be accomplished.
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
When considering your options, ask your eye doctor for a contact lens fitting and evaluation, so you can try out your options before committing. Visit your neighbourhood EyeCare Centre to find a Pearle Vision EyeCare Centre near you and to consult with our eye care professionals.
