Contacts vs Glasses

Contacts vs Glasses

If you need vision correction, you might be torn between whether contacts or glasses are the best choices for you. In terms of convenience and cost, there are pros and cons to both of these options. Overall, in the battle of contacts vs. glasses, it really comes down to your personal preference and your lifestyle. Let's take a closer look at both of these options to help you decide which one will suit your needs in the best possible way.

What to Know About Glasses

Eyeglasses come with either single vision lenses or multifocal lenses. Single vision glasses correct issues if you have trouble seeing objects or words at a distance, and multifocal lenses help with near-vision issues like reading. A multifocal lens can either be a bifocal, trifocal, or progressive lenses. Each style helps you see better in a way that's specifically tailored to your condition. In the past, most glasses (lenses) were made of glass but today, they're made of special plastics and other materials that are a lot more lightweight. These new lenses can also be treated with special coatings to do things like preventing glare or block excess blue light to protect your eyes.

Polycarbonate lenses are extremely durable and less likely to shatter if you drop them. High index lenses are much thinner and may break if they're dropped or experience a significant impact against an object. One major pro to glasses is that they're easy to use and maintain. Simply put them on and go, and you don't need to worry about using any special cleaning solutions other than a quality wipe or cloth to keep them clean and clear. Choosing glasses is also a fun way to add style to your look. With so many colors and designs available, it's easy to fit eyeglasses into your daily fashion routine. Finding a comfortable pair of glasses is key so that they're not too heavy on your nose or ears. If you like the way you look with glasses on, they can be a great option for you.

What to Know About Contacts

If you don't like the way you look in glasses, contact lenses are a viable alternative. These thin discs of glass or plastic sit directly on the eye itself to correct vision and they come in two formats: hard or soft. The hard version is also known as rigid glass permeable contacts. The soft version is more popular and they're a lot more comfortable to wear. That's because soft plastic contacts hold more water to keep your eyes moisturized, and they don't come in contact with the cornea. You can choose between daily contact lenses (wear them all day and clean them at night), daily disposable contact lenses (wear them once a day and throw them away) or extended-wear (wear them overnight for around one full week before cleaning).

In terms of durability, hard contact lenses are a better choice, however, they can also be less comfortable to wear. If you have astigmatism, you may need to wear hard lenses, or if you have allergies. You can find bifocal and multifocal contacts depending on your needs to correct both far away and close-up vision at the same time. The downside to contacts is that they require a lot more maintenance than glasses, especially if you choose the daily or extend-wear versions. You will need to keep them clean and store them or else you may get a dangerous eye infection. They also come into direct contact with your eyes, which may cause irritation. Contact lenses take longer to put in and take out, but they're still a great choice if you prefer the way you look without eyeglasses.