According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 2.2 billion people across the globe are living with a near or distance vision impairment.
If you are currently dealing with vision issues, it may be time to begin shopping for your perfect pair of contacts or glasses.
But, with so many different options for contact lenses and glasses lenses to choose from, how can you determine which is better suited for your unique lifestyle?
Read on to learn more about contact lenses, eyeglasses, and which of these two presents a better solution to help achieve clear sight once and for all.
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Key takeaways
- Glasses and contacts can both be used to improve eyesight and correct eyesight issues
- Which of these two is the better option depends on your personal preference and what type of vision correction you require
- Improper care when using contacts can lead to a condition called keratitis and other health consequences, like dry eye
Types of vision issues
If you are living with less-than-perfect eyesight, it's time to get serious about a solution.
Poor eyesight can have various negative effects on one’s life, from mental and physical health to social interactions. Some studies show a link between the loss of one’s eyesight and an increased likelihood of depression, anxiety, and accidents.
From a mental health standpoint, eye issues can lead to anxiety and negatively impact self-esteem and body image.
The good news is that various eye problems and eye conditions can be corrected with the use of strong prescription contact lenses or prescription eyeglasses. Some of these eye problems include:
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Farsightedness (hyperopia)
- Astigmatism
- Presbyopia
- Lazy eye (amblyopia)
- Strabismus (crossed eyes)
- Computer vision syndrome
Refractive disorders, which include astigmatism, hyperopia, and myopia, are the most common causes of eye issues and occur in a significant portion of the population. Astigmatism, for example, occurs in around one in three people in the United States, while farsightedness occurs in over 14 million people. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), corrective lenses can improve eyesight in almost every case of these disorders.
While some more severe eye issues may require surgery, glasses and contacts are the most common form of treatment.
Your eyesight problems may have developed suddenly, or they may have been present for years. What is important is that you are ready to seek a solution that will improve your eyesight in the long run.
How are vision problems diagnosed?
Only a skilled eye doctor can provide a definitive diagnosis for complex vision issues. Depending on the severity of your eye problems, your doctor may perform an eye exam and offer a glasses prescription, a contact lens prescription, or another method of eyesight correction.
It is important to follow the advice of your eye doctor to ensure you prevent vision loss and eye disease, and take the steps necessary to achieve clearer sight, no matter your age.
Types of contacts
There are various types of contact lens options for eyesight correction. Some of these include:
- Soft lenses
- Disposable lenses
- Multifocal contact lenses
Types of glasses
There are several types of glasses to help with eyesight problems. These include:
- Bifocals
- Trifocals
- Safety goggles
Are contacts better than glasses?
Whether or not wearing contact lenses is better than wearing glasses comes down to a matter of personal preference.
When it comes to vision correction, however, both of these are suitable options that can make a big difference in the quality of your eyesight.
Contact lenses offer several advantages, including:
Full field of vision
While many people enjoy wearing glasses, some find that glasses tend to hinder full eyesight due to their design.
This is because glasses are designed to optimize our central vision. And, while glasses do a great job of helping improve this to help us perform tasks like reading and driving, they can actually get in the way of our peripheral vision. Even the thickness of the glasses' frames can further impact peripheral vision.
Contact lenses, on the other hand, offer users a full, unobstructed field of vision.
Bonus: What Does SPH Mean On My Prescription?
Freedom to live an active lifestyle
Since glasses sit directly on the nose and ears, intense movement can impact their ability to remain secure. Wearing contact lenses may be a better option for those who frequently engage in intense physical activity.
More confidence
Many people love the way they look in glasses, but for some, glasses can be a source of insecurity. Contact lens wearers may experience more confidence than those who wear traditional frame glasses.
Benefits of glasses
While there are benefits to wearing contact lenses, new prescription glasses carry benefits, too. Some of these benefits may include:
Less effort than contact lenses
There is an entire process associated with wearing contact lenses — from pouring contact solution and sanitizing your contacts to ensuring they fit the eye just right.
Unlike glasses, preparing contact lenses for use requires multiple steps that can make your morning and nighttime routine longer. For those who prefer a more effortless solution, glasses may offer a quick, reliable answer for eyesight problems.
Less expensive than contacts over time
When shopping for vision care, you may wonder, "Are contacts cheaper than glasses?"
Cost can be an important factor when deciding whether glasses or contacts are right for you in the long run.
To be fair, there is an initial expense when wearing eyeglasses, and this can be a significant investment. But, once purchased, a reliable pair of glasses lenses can last for years.
Contact lenses, however, require continuous maintenance. From contact cleaning solution to replacing pairs after wear and tear, the costs of contact lenses over time can be significantly higher than glasses. This is especially true for those who choose daily disposables.
Fewer health risks
Due to the way contact lenses sit directly on the eye, improper care or wearing ill-fitting lenses can lead to various complications. Some of these risks include:
- Eye irritation
- Eye injury
- Eye strain
- Conjunctivitis
- Keratitis – a painful eye infection
- Dry eyes
Conditions like keratitis can carry an increased risk of permanent blindness if not treated promptly. That is why proper care and hygiene are vital when dealing with contact lens application.
Used as a fashion statement
Many glasses wearers enjoy using a fresh pair of glasses as a way to make a fashion statement. From designer frames to prescription sunglasses, there are a variety of stylish frames that can add to your everyday look.
While there are many stylish and trendy prescription eyeglasses to choose from, there are also sunglasses to help provide protection when outdoors. If you purchase these, be sure to carry a microfiber cloth for regular cleaning.
Conclusion
If you are hoping to finally address complex eye issues, eyeglasses and contacts can both be great options to help you see more clearly. However, whether a pair of glasses or contacts is the better option to correct your eyesight is a personal choice that may differ from person to person.
While glasses can be easier and more affordable over the long run, contacts offer freedom of movement and other benefits. The best way to decide whether contacts or glasses are the better choice for you is to discuss the issue with your eye doctor. By following their guidance, you will become one step closer to better eyesight and a better quality of life.
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Oculus Eyecare is Seattle’s premier optometry practice and optical boutique for those looking to see and be seen in a new way. Located in South Lake Union on Denny Way, Oculus Eyecare offers comprehensive eye care services and exams for individuals and families in Seattle. Click here to schedule an appointment or a personal styling session. To stay connected and learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter.