Advantage and Disadvantages of Contacts vs. Glasses

If you do not have perfect vision, corrective lenses can help improve your eyesight. When choosing corrective lenses, you need to decide whether to get glasses or contacts. Both options will help correct your vision. They have specific uses, and both have their pros and cons. 

 

Ultimately, you need to choose based on your personal preference and lifestyle. Following are some advantages and disadvantages of contacts vs. glasses. 

 

Eyeglasses

There are different types of eyeglasses available to suit any needs and preferences. For example, single vision eyeglasses help correct distance problems. On the other hand, multifocal glasses help with both distance and near vision. 

 

The different multifocal lenses include bifocals, trifocals, and progressive lenses. In the past, eyeglasses were made of glass, but now most of them are made of plastic. The plastic material is lighter and can easily be treated using coatings. 

 

Advantages of Glasses

Glasses are versatile and easy to use, and they do not need much care. You can put them on and remove them as you wish anytime, anywhere. You do not have to touch your eyes when using glasses, and you do not need special cleaning products. Frames are available in different designs to suit any style needs. They can even be used as accessories to compliment an outfit. 

 

Disadvantages of Glasses

On the downside, glasses can distort the vision, especially for people with astigmatism or a strong prescription. Glasses can be inconvenient if you live an active lifestyle. They can get in the way of playing sports. 

 

Some people find the frames uncomfortable as they press against the ears or nose. Lenses can also become fogged up or splattered with rain, affecting vision. Frames can get in the way of affecting peripheral vision. 

 

Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are thin plastic or glass discs that are placed directly over the eyes to correct the vision. Contacts can be made from different materials, and they can be soft or hard according to the desired function. There are special contacts that are more comfortable as they do not touch the cornea. The different types of contacts include daily disposables, daily wear lenses, and extended wear lenses. 

 

Advantages of Contacts

Contact lenses offer more natural vision than eyeglasses. They move along with the eyes, which means that nothing blocks the vision. When you wear contacts, you do not have to worry about fogging. You do not have to worry about getting frames that work with your face shape. 

 

Contacts are not easy to break or lose, and they do not get in the way of playing sports. Special contacts can help correct complex vision issues.

 

Disadvantages of Contacts

Contacts require more care than glasses, and they are also costlier. They need cleaning and correct storage to maintain their effectiveness. It can take some time to get used to wearing contacts. 

 

If installed with unclean hands, eye infections can easily occur. People with dry eye conditions find it almost impossible to wear contacts. Patients with eye conditions such as astigmatism require special lenses that are more costly. 

 

If you need corrective lenses, think about the pros and cons. Consider your lifestyle and your prescription when choosing. This will help you make the best decision. 


 

For more on choosing between contacts and glasses, contact Norwood Family Eye Care at our office in Bartlett, Tennessee. You can call 901-617-8095 today to schedule an appointment.