Ir directamente al contenido
Carrito
Should You Get Contacts or Glasses?

Should You Get Contacts or Glasses?

You interpret the world through your eyes. The memories and experiences you hold close to your heart are pictures of moments lived. Eye health plays an important role in enjoying and sharing your life with those you love.

We have compiled a quick guide outlining the pros and cons of contact lenses and eyeglasses to help you decide which option is right for you.

How to Know if You Need Glasses or Contacts

Consulting an eye care professional is the most reliable way to determine whether you need glasses or contacts. Around 93 million Americans are at a high risk of vision loss, but only half have visited an eye care professional in the past year. A good approach is to get an annual eye check to spot any early signs of vision loss and prevent more serious diseases.

 
Considering consulting with an eye care professional if you have any of these signs:

  • Decreased vision
  • Double vision
  • Floating specks
  • Halos around lights
  • Flashes of lights
  • Red eyes
  • Dry eyes
  • Eye pain

Your eye care professional will assess your sight. The usual clarity of vision range is 20/20. If you have a different range, your doctor will provide a prescription and help you decide which type of eyewear are better for your vision. The most common eye conditions are farsightedness, nearsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. Annual eye checkups help you see better and spot early signs of more complicated diseases — the earlier you establish a baseline for your eye health, the more information your health care provider will have about any changes in your vision.

Which Is Better, Contacts or Glasses?

When it comes to eyeglasses vs. contact lenses, the choice is personal and should be discussed with an eye care professional. They will review the different eyewear types and brands available.

Glasses: Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons of Glasses

Glasses consist of lenses and a frame that sits on your nose and ears. Advantages include:

  • Endless options: You can wear glasses as accessories to show your personality through a variety of colors, materials and styles. They can be customized to your prescription, occupational needs and personal preferences.
  • Reduced chance of eye infection: Since you don't need to touch your eyes to wear glasses, there is a lower chance of eye infection.
  • Ease of use: Glasses are easy to use — you just take them out the case and put them on. That makes them ideal for kids. When you're not wearing them, simply store them in a protective case. Gently clean them with a glasses-specific solution as needed.

Glasses also have a few drawbacks to consider:

  • Not for every occasion: They are less convenient for sports and outdoor activities since they can fall off your face or get broken.
  • Limited peripheral vision: Glasses allow you to see clearly when looking ahead but may not provide coverage for the sides of your eyes.
  • Higher replacement price: Replacing them if lost or damaged can be more costly and time-consuming than contact lenses.
  • Require proper fitting: Glasses sit on your nose, so wearing them for long periods can be uncomfortable if they're not fit properly.

Contact Lenses: Pros and Cons

There are two types of contact lenses — rigid and soft. Soft lenses are the most popular option because they are flexible, making them more comfortable.

The pros of contact lenses are:

  • Functionally invisible: No one can see contact lenses once they're on your eye, making them a versatile option if you don't want to be limited by glasses. They also give you the freedom to wear sunglasses.
  • Ideal for active people: They are perfect for most sports and outdoor activities because they can't get broken as easily as glasses.
  • Full peripheral vision: They allow you to see clearly from all angles.
  • Lower replacement cost: It's typically easier and more affordable to replace a single lost or broken contact lens than a pair of glasses.

Some things to consider include:

  • More challenging to maintain: Contact lenses must be properly cleaned and stored before and after being put on.
  • Harder to use: There is a learning curve to using contact lenses, and putting them on can be challenging for some people.
  • Potential health risks: Lack of proper maintenance can increase the risk of infection, and overusing contacts may cause dryness or intolerance.
  • Shorter life span: Maintenance costs can be higher since contact lenses need special cleaning and replacement more often.

How to Decide Between Contacts, Glasses or Both

Eyeglasses and contact lenses have both advantages and disadvantages. Here are our eyewear experts' key takeaways to help you choose:

  • Eyeglasses are a long-term investment with low maintenance costs. They are easier to use and maintain, which is especially important for young kids. Glasses are highly customizable and great outfit accessories. If you have certain eye conditions that may make contact lenses uncomfortable or impossible to wear, glasses are generally a better option.
  • Contact lenses are versatile, and you can wear them for almost every occasion without the risk of broken frames. They are invisible, offering more style versatility and the ability to wear whatever sunglasses you like.

The good news is you don't have to choose between glasses or contacts. Many people benefit from wearing both. If you are a contact lens wearer, your eye care provider might advise you to have a pair of backup glasses for unexpected circumstances, such as:

  • Running out of disposable contacts or cleaning solution
  • Needing to look for something in the middle of the night
  • Waking up late without time to put on your contacts
  • Your eyes feeling uncomfortable or need a break
  • Feeling sick or have a low-energy day
  • Having an eye injury or infection

Wearing glasses and contacts gives you the best of both worlds — the flexibility to choose daily and play around with colors, styles and circumstances. Some days, you might want the flexibility that contact lenses provide. On others, you might want to stand out from the crowd with designer glasses at your price point. How you view the world is up to you!

See the Moment With Our Eye Glasses and Contact Lenses

Find A Store

Eyemart Express's priority is to help you spend more time doing what you love. Choosing the right eyewear can be challenging, but our eyewear experts are ready to help you decide. Schedule an eye exam with a nearby eye care professional to discuss the option of eye contact lenses.

When it comes to your eyes, you want an in-person and personalized assessment to help you choose the perfect fit for your personality, fashion choice and lifestyle. We know life is busy. Get glasses in a blink so you can see the moment. Visit Eyemart Express for tailored eyewear solutions and expert advice.

Regresar al blog