Whether to wear traditional eyeglasses or contact lenses is a personal choice; however, both options have pros and cons. While some prefer the reliability and low maintenance of glasses, others swear by the freedom and convenience of contact lenses.
When deciding between eyeglasses and contact lenses, you must consider various things, such as your lifestyle, budget, and comfort. Below are some advantages and disadvantages of these two lenses to help you make the best decision.
When to Stick to Traditions: What You Should Know
Traditional glasses are often considered safer than contacts, mainly because contact lenses make direct contact with your eye for extended periods, potentially increasing the risk of eye infections. For those struggling with dry or sensitive eyes, glasses may also be a better choice – decreasing the likelihood of further discomfort.
There are other benefits to choosing physical frames. As a convenient option to help improve your vision, glasses typically do not need to be replaced as often as contact lenses (unless they break or your prescription changes yearly). This makes glasses a more affordable option for those seeking to stick within a budget; however, affordability doesn’t necessarily mean you have to compromise style. Physical frames come in various shapes and colors that can reflect your personality and personal style.
Yet, like many things in life, there are drawbacks to glasses. Physical glasses require adjustments to fit properly on your face; even then, they can slip down your nose. The weather can also result in some less desirable experiences, with rainy days blurring your glasses and cold weather causing them to fog up when you head back indoors.
A Case for Contact Lenses
Switching to contact lenses is often more of a lifestyle choice, with the benefits of these lenses offering more freedom to move and broadening your vision.
While some individuals choose contact lenses because they enjoy having their faces frameless, others prefer these lenses because they better suit their lifestyle needs. For athletes and other outdoor enthusiasts, contact lenses free their bodies up for more movement. You don’t have to worry about your contact lenses falling off when you are playing ball or fogging up in humid conditions when you’re out on a hike.
Contact lenses also broaden your vision. Unlike traditional glasses that obstruct peripheral vision, contact lenses conform to your eyes, providing a complete, natural view of the world around you.
Furthermore, you don’t have to worry as much about stepping on your contacts and breaking them. You can easily switch out your contacts with daily, bi-weekly, and monthly lenses available.
However, there are some disadvantages to this vision option. Prolonged contact lens use may not be ideal for those with dry and sensitive eyes or who struggle during allergy season. While contact lenses can dry your eyes out or cause discomfort, they can also increase your chances for eye infections; however, these risks can be lowered with disposable, daily-use contact lenses.
The Best of Both Worlds
While you may prefer one vision option over the other, a hybrid approach to improving your vision is also an option. Many people alternate between contact lenses and traditional glasses, flipping between the two depending on the situation or mood. Both options have pros and cons for various conditions, making a hybrid approach a nice alternative.
Whether you choose traditional glasses, contact lenses, or both, you must consider your lifestyle, personal style, and vision needs when deciding what will work best for you. If you are unsure, try consulting an eye care professional for more personalized recommendations.
