The battle between contact lenses and glasses certainly isn’t a new one. If you’ve ever done a quick Google search, you will see that there are pros and cons to both – and one or the other isn’t always the answer. The fact of the matter is that some people prefer contacts whereas others like glasses better. While there may be a medical reason for why your eye doctor suggests one over the other, in most cases, it is up to you, the patient.
One of the most common questions we get here at First Eye Care DFW is what are the pros and cons of contacts versus glasses. While this answer is largely subjective, there are a few things to keep in mind when trying to decide which is best for your lifestyle and vision needs.
The Pros of Contacts
It is estimated that 30 million people in the United States wear contact lenses, a statistic that shows just how far they’ve come. Not only are contacts easy to get used to and affordable, but they come in a wide range of options. Let’s look at some of the other advantages of contacts over glasses:
- They conform to the curvature of your eye, giving the lens wearer a wider field of vision and less obstruction
- They don’t get in the way when playing sports, exercising, or doing other outdoor activities
- They aren’t affected by weather conditions, such as rain and snow
- They give you the freedom to see without having to feel as though you have a vision impairment
- They allow you to instantly change your eye color
- They are affordable
The Pros of Glasses
Glasses, on the other hand, have been around much longer and have an entirely different set of benefits. Many older people prefer glasses, whether because they are more comfortable or it is simply what they prefer. Here are some of the top advantages of wearing glasses over contacts:
- They reduce the need to touch your eyes
- They won’t cause irritation or sensitivity like contacts sometimes can
- They are fashionable and allow you to make a bold statement
- They offer protection from environmental factors
Many people are intimidated by even the idea of a contact lens exam, but we are here to tell you it doesn’t have to be that way. There are reasons why contacts may be a better choice for you, and there are also plenty of advantages to wearing glasses instead of contacts. But perhaps this isn’t a question of one or the other. Wearing both contacts and glasses (not at the same time!) is a great option that many people prefer. If you work on your computer, for example, taking your contacts out and wearing glasses instead can provide a huge amount of relief for tired eyes. To learn more about our glasses and contact selection, please contact First Eye Care DFW today.