Contacts vs. Glasses – Which is right for you?

If you’re one of the many people who need prescription lenses to get through the day, then you’re faced with a key decision – are contact lenses or glasses the right choice for you?

Both options come with their pros and cons, and different people will have different needs from their corrective lenses. Luckily, the  optometry team at Bayside Eyecare are here to help. Here are all of the benefits for both glasses and contact lenses that you need to know and consider before making your vision decision.

Glasses

During a consultation, your optometrist will work with you to determine the right prescription for both of your eyes, and then order special glass lenses manufactured to fit your specific needs. All you need to do is simply choose the frames that you like best.

There are a number of reasons why this solution is preferred by many people in Australia and around the world.

Pros

• They’re a simple solution to vision problems, and can be achieved quickly and relatively inexpensively.
• Cleaning and maintenance is simple
• There is little-to-no risk of injury or infection, as you don’t need to make contact with your eye at any point
• Many wearers enjoy the self-expression that picking their own frames allows them
• Glasses can offer some moderate protection from environmental hazards, such as wind or dust

Glasses may not be suitable for everyone, and there are also some important potential downsides to consider that may lead you toward contact lenses instead.

Cons

• Picking the wrong frames can exert too much pressure on the sides of your head and your nose, causing discomfort
• Glasses can distort your peripheral vision if you have multifocal spectacle lenses
• They can become unusable or greatly compromised during extreme weather such as rain or cold, fogging up and not letting you see clearly
• Some people never feel comfortable wearing glasses, as they can make them self-conscious, especially if the prescription is thick which can sometimes seem to magnify the eyes behind them

Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are a relatively new solution to the very common problem of vision impairment. By being placed directly on top of the eye, they avoid a number of the drawbacks that come with glasses.

Pros

• Contact lenses can be worn now and again or every day and some brands can even be worn overnight
• They allow for complete peripheral vision, unlike glasses
• You don’t need to also buy special prescription sunglasses – any sunglasses you like will work with contacts underneath them
• They aren’t affected by the weather any more than your eyes are, and won’t fog up while you’re wearing them
• Contacts are a great option for athletes, or anybody who lives an active lifestyle

All of these benefits of contact lenses make them a competitive alternative to glasses for many people. It’s important to know that there are some trade-offs with contact lenses that might outweigh the benefits of contact lenses over glasses for you. 

Cons

• There is always a risk of infection when regularly placing a foreign object on your eye
• Sleeping in contact lenses can greatly increase this risk of infection
• They require frequent check-ins with your optometrist to assess the prescription and refill your supply of contact lenses
• Contacts can be more expensive than glasses in the long run – think of them almost as a subscription rather than a one-off purchase
• Some people simply never find them comfortable, and always experience dryness or irritation

Which will be right for you?

Are contacts better than glasses, then? It depends! Whether or not you end up with glasses or contacts depends entirely on your circumstances and personal preferences. In fact, many people choose a hybrid option, wearing glasses for the situations where their simplicity is an advantage and switching over when they need the benefits of wearing contact lenses.

There’s no right answer, and you can change your mind or try something new whenever you feel like it. You’re never too old to experiment either – our youngest lens customer is only five years old, and our oldest is almost ninety! 

Your trusted local optometrist

If you have any questions about the benefits of wearing glasses, or a list of contact lens do’s and don’ts, then there’s no better person to speak to than one of Bayside Eyecare’s expert optometrists. Get in touch with our exceptional team today by calling (03) 9909 5329, or book an appointment online using our easy contact form.