Wearing contact lenses or glasses can help with a wide range of vision problems including astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness. But if you’re having trouble deciding between these two corrective vision options, then this guide on the advantages and disadvantages of wearing contact lenses vs. glasses, can help you make an informed decision by showing you the pros and cons of each option. This will allow you to make your choice based on your vision and comfort needs, budget, and personal preference.
Table of Contents
Contact Lens Use
In terms of technology, contact lenses have come a long way. In the past, they were uncomfortable to wear, and the different style options available were very limited. These days, people can choose from a wide variety of styles from rigid contacts to disposable.
The biggest benefit for many people who take the plunge and decide to ditch good reading glasses in favor of lenses is their aesthetic appeal. Many people simply feel that contact lenses make them look better and hate the way they look in glasses. They may not feel as confident or attractive wearing them, which can make contact lenses a better option.
Lowkey Vision Correction
Lenses rest on the surface of the eye. They’re usually made out of plastic and are designed to provide the wearer with clear vision, without making it obvious to other people that the contact lens user has a vision problem. In many cases, people will not know that the contact lens wearer’s vision is anything less than perfect.
Comfort
While generally comfortable and safe to wear, if lenses are worn too long during the day, the eyes can become itchy, irritated, and dry. It can also cause a condition known as dry eyes, which can cause red eyes, excessive tearing, drainage, and itchiness.
Care Needs
Unlike glasses, you’ll need to be prepared to stay on top of cleaning and soaking your lenses, daily. If you don’t, then you’re putting yourself at risk of an infection. Infections can occur if you don’t use the proper solution, fail to clean them properly, or even if you accidentally sleep in your contact lenses. Despite the fact that contacts are designed for easy wear, they have to be maintained properly. They have to be removed before bed, rinsed properly, soaked overnight, replaced often, and stored in a special case that will also need to be replaced often.
Despite the fact that contacts are designed for easy wear, they have to be maintained properly, for some, following a standard care routine will be no problem, while other contact lens users may find that this type of upkeep is not manageable, in which case, wearing disposable lenses may be a better, safer options.
Style Options
There are many different types of contact lenses, including daily disposables, which takes away the need to soak your lenses and other high maintenance needs that are linked with rigid lenses. Of course, the type of lenses you choose will depend on your vision needs. Some are more affordable than others. However, glasses are definitely a better option for people on a tight budget.
So, bottom line, what are the pros and cons of making the switch to lenses?
Advantages
- Wearing contact lenses can make a person instantly feel more confident
- For those who work out or play sports, lenses can be a better option than bulky glasses
- If you don’t want anyone to know you have any vision problems, then lenses are a lowkey way to correct your vision
Disadvantages
- If you have disposable lenses, they will need to be reordered periodically.
- There will be ongoing costs for lens use, such as the lenses themselves, contact solution, lens case
- You will have a higher risk of eye infections
- You will have a higher risk of developing dry eyes
- For some, all-day lens wear can be uncomfortable
- Lenses cannot provide protection from harmful UV rays
- Sleeping in your contact lenses can result in an eye infection
Are Glasses a Better Option?
Unlike lenses, glasses are very easy to take care of. Their low maintenance needs are one of the biggest reasons that many people find them appealing. Glasses are also a more affordable option than contact lenses, considering you don’t have to purchase a lens case or expensive contact lens solution, several times a year. If you love the look of glasses, then they could be a better choice for you, especially if you can admit that you probably wouldn’t stay on top of contact lens maintenance and cleaning. Wearing glasses also comes with a significantly lower risk of infection.
Comfort
Glasses rest in front of the eye, unlike contact lenses that sit on the surface of the eye. People who wear glasses do not face the same high risk of eye infections that contact lens wearers do.
Protection from Sun Damage and Injuries
Additionally, wearing glasses will also provide protection from certain issues that can harm the eyes. As an example, the lenses in glasses can be designed to protect the eyes from damage caused by UV rays. That type of protection can help to reduce the severity of cataracts, while also reducing the risk of damaging the lenses of the eyes. Exposure to UV rays can also result in certain eye conditions such as photokeratitis, a condition in which the cornea of the eye becomes inflamed. Photoconjunctivitis is another UV exposure-related issue. This condition involves inflamed conjunctiva, which is the mucous membrane found on the fount of the eye. Since sun damage can have a major negative impact on your vision, even people who wear contact lenses are encouraged to wear some form of sunglasses for protection. With glasses, you can have your lenses coated with a special film that will block out these harmful rays, unlike contact lens wearers who will also have to invest in a good pair of sunglasses, in addition to wearing their lenses.
Wearing glasses can also provide some level of protection from serious injuries. While glasses are not designed to provide full protection, compared to special safety glasses, they can protect the eyes from flying debris.
Advantages
- You will have a lower risk of infection
- Glasses can provide some type of protection against flying debris and injuries
- They are a more affordable option compared to contacts
- Some types of glasses can help protect the eyes from UV damage
Disadvantages
- People with severe vision needs can require very thick lenses in order to see clearly. These glasses can feel bulky and may be heavy and uncomfortable. In this case, contact lenses may be a better option.
- The lenses in glasses will need to be replaced if your prescription changes
- Lenses that are scratched or damaged will need to be replaced
- The frames will need to be replaced once they become worn out
Working Out with Contact Lenses or Glasses
During a workout, when you’re playing sports, or another type of vigorous activity, contacts can be a better option since they won’t slip off your face or move around. This is often why people who play sports will choose lenses over glasses.
Working out while wearing glasses can be very frustrating. The lenses can start to steam up when you’re working out, or going for a run, and they may move around a lot or slide down your nose as you’re lifting. When you make the switch to lenses, you won’t have any more excuses. Lenses won’t get in your way, and you’ll probably forget you’re even wearing them.
Did you know that glasses can also have a negative impact on your peripheral vision? Peripheral vision it’s what’s used to detect subtle movements that come for each side. It’s a type of vision that can be very helpful when it comes to your daily activities, or even your safety when you’re going for a morning jog.
Affordability
People who wear lenses will deal with ongoing expenses including replacing the lenses, lens solution, and cases.
On the other hand, glasses are a more affordable option, since they only need to be replaced if they become damaged, or the lenses must be replaced if your prescription changes.
Final Thoughts
In some cases, the advantages and disadvantages of wearing contact lenses vs. glasses can be a matter of personal preference. For others, the choice should be made based on their willingness to maintain proper eye health by cleaning and soaking their lenses daily. Additionally, glasses can be a more affordable option for some, especially considering the ongoing costs of lens care. Ultimately, the choice is yours. Doing a little research and learning more about the pros and cons of both vision options can help you make an informed decision in regard to whether you’ll benefit more from sticking with your glasses or if contact lenses are a better solution.
