Soon after getting a prescription for glasses, the age-old dilemma takes the floor: glasses or contacts? Eyesight problems, big or small, are quite common nowadays, and there are several corrective measures that work like magic for your eyes. And when it comes to choosing between contacts and glasses, worry not; we have got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about both so that you can make an informed choice.
Glasses vs. Contacts
What should I choose between the two, and why? Undoubtedly, glasses and contact lenses have their own pros and cons, and one should go through both before making a choice. Let’s have a look at the lists!
Pros (glasses)
- Glasses are to be purchased once every two to three years and will not bother you every month.
- In the long run, they are way cheaper than contact lenses and do not require regular investments.
- Glasses are an extra layer of protection for your eyes. They act as a shield against dust and any sort of air pollution.
- Glasses are not only eyesight-corrective products but fashion accessories too. Given the choices available in the market, one can style it amazingly. The fresh fashion trends include glasses as a part of the look, and depending on whether it is formal or casual, there is an option for everything!
- If you choose the right glasses, you can get protection from direct sunlight and UV rays too. This further results in fewer dark circles.
- As there is nothing really inside your eyes that you are putting with your hands, there are fewer chances of infection.
- Less maintenance is required.
- Wearing and removing glasses consumes less time.
Cons (glasses)
- They are an additional item you wear and change your look.
- They are external objects and affect your peripheral vision by being in them.
- As glasses are wearable and removable easily, one can lose them easily. Well, it can be difficult to look for your glasses without
- They are fragile and can break easily.
- In foggy or steamy locations, they tend to fog up.
- In physical activities, glasses can act as a barrier and cause inconvenience to the user.
- Once you buy a pair of glasses, they have to be used for a long time, which might cause the user to get bored with them.
Pros (contact lenses)
- They are available in several colors, so one can experiment with the looks.
- They cover the cornea, providing no blockage to your peripheral vision.
- They are amazing for physical activities and other outdoor activities, as they do not come off easily.
- No worries of breakage or losing it.
- If you wear transparent contact lenses, your look remains exactly the same as before.
Cons (contact lenses)
- They are inserted in your eyes with bare hands or a lens applier, and it can result in eye infections or bruises.
- Leaving it for a long duration or sleeping with contact lenses can cause eye infections.
- They have to be bought very often, as one cannot use the same pair of lenses for more than a month, depending on the quality.
- In the long term, contact lenses are more expensive than glasses.
- They can cause dryness, irritation, or itching for the user.
- require a lot of hygiene and maintenance.
- Applying and removing the tape takes a little extra time.
Things To Keep In Mind
- Your lifestyle—what activities your daily routine involves—highly influences your decision. If it is filled with physical activities, go for contact lenses, and if you have a simple lifestyle, you can choose either.
- Comfort: One should try both before making a decision. An ophthalmologist’s clinic will let you try it out.
- Budget: in the long run, contact lenses turn out to be more expensive, and some designer eyeglasses can be expensive too. Hence, do your research before spending on either.
What else should you consider?
If you are too confused, you can actually consider using both contact lenses and eyeglasses. Glasses can be used for regular use or when required. When there are times you do not want eyeglasses to be a part of your look, there are contact lenses available for the same. These contact lenses are different from regular lenses. These types of lenses are for special occasions and can be worn for 8 to 10 hours. After usage, they are disposed of, making them a one-time-use product. A person purchases 15 to 20 lens pairs at a stretch and uses them on required occasions. The eyes are one of the most important organs of the body, so choose wisely!
