Contact lenses vs glasses

Choosing to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses for vision correction mostly depends on personal preferences, such as lifestyle, comfort, convenience, and budget. One is not necessarily better than the other; each has its pros and cons in terms of vision, ease of use, and eye health.
People who have been wearing glasses for many years find it difficult to switch to contact lenses later. Although eyeglasses score high on a few parameters, contact lenses score similarly high on others. What may work for one occasion might not for the other and what may be brilliant in one situation might cause you trouble in another. What may be comfortable at one time might cause you pain at another.
Below are common advantages and disadvantages of contact lenses and glasses:
Contact lenses: advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- Contacts conform to the curvature of the eye, provide a wider field of view, and cause fewer vision distortions and obstructions than eyeglasses.
- Contact lenses don't get in the way when playing sports and exercising.
- Contacts typically aren't affected by weather conditions and won't fog up in cold weather.
- People may experiment with different color contact lenses.
- Some contact lenses can reshape with cornea while they sleep. Overnight orthokeratology (Ortho-k) temporarily corrects myopia, so a person can clearly see the next day without the need for glasses or contacts.
Disadvantages:
- People may have trouble applying and removing a contact lens but proper technique and practice should rectify this in most cases.
- Contacts reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the eye and can cause or increase the severity of dry eye syndrome.
- Wearing contact lenses will likely contribute to symptoms of computer vision syndrome.
- Contacts require proper lens care and lens case cleaning each day to avoid potentially serious eye infections.
- Falling asleep while wearing daily wear contacts, may make eyes dry, gritty, red, and irritated.
- Contacts are expensive to purchase and maintain.

SLIDESHOW
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) Symptoms, Causes, Treatments See SlideshowEyeglasses: avantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- Wearing glasses reduces the need to touch the eyes, which in turn reduces the likelihood of irritating eyes or developing an eye infection.
- Eyeglasses won't exacerbate the problem if a person has dry or sensitive eyes.
- Eyeglasses generally are cheaper than contact lenses
- Replacement is not often required unless broken and if prescription changes over time, then only lenses can be changed.
- Frames are fashionable and may suit a person’s personality and style.
- Glasses offer some protection from environmental factors, such as wind, dust, and debris.
- The glasses may come with an ultraviolet guard that will protect the retina from harmful UV rays emitted by laptops and screens.
Disadvantages:
- Eyeglasses sit about 12 mm (about a half-inch) from the eyes, so peripheral vision may be distorted.
- People usually report difficulty focusing on objects and blurry vision when they first start wearing glasses or changing prescriptions.
- Some people don't like how they look in glasses and feel it detracts from their facial aesthetics or hides their features. The edges of lenses may be thick and unappealing, or glasses might make eyes appear unnaturally minified or magnified.
- Eyeglasses can be affected by the elements, such as precipitation collecting on lenses or when they fog up in cold weather.
- Some frames may exert constant pressure on your nose and behind your ears, leading to headaches and general discomfort.
Health News
- CDC Warns of Potentially Fatal Bacterial Illness on U.S. Gulf Coast
- Helping Others as Volunteers Helps Kids 'Flourish': Study
- FDA Approves Pfizer's RSV Shot for Older Adults
- What to Do When Tough-to-Treat Lymphoma Strikes During Pregnancy
- Rate of Pregnant U.S. Women Who Have Diabetes Keeps Rising
More Health News »
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Top Are Contact Lenses Better Than Glasses? Related Articles
Are Contact Lenses Safe?
Contact lenses are usually a safe and effective form of vision correction; however, they are not devoid of risks. A contact lens is a medical device that requires lots of care and personal cleanliness to decrease the chance of eye infection. It is necessary to clean and store lenses as directed to keep it safe and away from contamination for a long time. Hygiene is a critical aspect of the long-term safety of contact lenses.Eyeglasses, Sunglasses, and Magnifying Glasses
Nonprescription eyeglasses are available over the counter (OTC) and are typically used by people who can no longer read fine print. OTC trifocals are helpful for those who require multiple distances or focal lengths for near and intermediate tasks. OTC sunglasses should offer 100% protection from the sun's UVA and UVB rays. OTC magnifying glasses are useful for viewing tiny objects or fine print.Eyewear Slideshow
Learn about your eye care needs and fashion wishes -- with eye glasses, frames and eyewear for computer use, reading, driving, sports and more.How To Remove a Contact Lens Without Pinching It
Taking contact lenses out is one of the most important aspects of wearing contacts. The sliding down method is preferable.Is It Safe to Use Contact Lenses Every Day?
Contact lenses are visual aid devices placed on the outer surface of the cornea of the eyes. It can correct vision problems, such as near-sightedness (myopia), far-sightedness (hypermetropia), astigmatism (irregularities in the shape of the cornea). They efficiently neutralize the refractive errors arising from the irregular curvatures of the cornea.Sty (Stye)
A sty is a bump that forms on the eyelid as a result of a blocked gland. Styes may be caused by infections, burns, or trauma to the eyelid. Most styes resolve on their own. The application of warm compresses can speed healing. In some cases, steroid injection or incision and drainage may be necessary. Keeping the area clean and consuming a diet high in omega-3-fatty acids may help prevent the formation of styes.What Do Contact Lenses Do?
Contact lenses are thin discs made of a transparent material that fits over the cornea (clear front layer of the eye). These are used to correct the refractive error. Doctor will select the best types of lenses after a proper eye examination.