Glasses vs. Contact Lenses: Which Are Right for You? By Walter Choate on July 03, 2015

Like many people, you may rely on corrective lenses for optimal vision. Your prescription lenses allow you to do your job and live an active life. However, if you are new to the world of corrective lenses, you may be wondering if you should choose glasses or contacts. Similarly, if you are a long-time glasses wearer, you may be contemplating a switch to contact lenses. Both types of lenses offer distinct benefits, and they can be very effective. However, one may be more suited to your goals, lifestyle, and budget. Our doctors will discuss your options and help you make the most appropriate decision for you. To learn more about glasses vs. contact lenses, contact our Nashville practice today.

How Do Corrective Lenses Work?

Corrective lenses can counteract a number of vision aberrations, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia, among others. These conditions occur when your eyes cannot refract light properly. Light should focus on the center of your retina. If you struggle with any of these vision problems, light actually lands in front of your retina, somewhere to the side, or behind your eye entirely. As a result, your brain registers a blurred or distorted image. Lenses, whether glasses or contacts, will redirect light through your eye so that it refracts properly.

The Benefits of Glasses

For centuries, glasses were the only vision correction option, and they remain a popular choice today. At Choate Eye Associates, we offer highly precise lenses and a variety of stylish glasses frames. The benefits of glasses include:

They are convenient and easy to wear.
They are affordable.
They will not irritate your eyes or exacerbate allergies.
You are less likely to touch your eyes. In this way, glasses can reduce the risk of eye infection.
Glasses can protect your eyes from airborne irritants, such as dust and pollen.
Glasses are durable, although you will need to replace them if your vision changes.
You may find your frames to be a fun fashion accessory that complements your personality.

The Benefits of Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are a more recent development, though rapidly expanding technology has made them soar in popularity. They offer a number of advantages, including:

They will not affect your appearance.
Your will have clear, unobscured peripheral vision.
Contacts can make it easier to play sports and similar activities.
If desired, you can choose tinted lenses to change the color of your eyes.
Contacts will rest right against your natural lenses. Therefore, you will not have to worry about a distortion caused by a gap between your eye and your lenses.
Contacts will not fog up in humid or rainy conditions.
You will not have to worry about matching your contacts to various outfits and occasions.

What Type of Lenses Are Right for You?

Our ophthalmologists will conduct a thorough consultation to help you choose the most effective type of lenses for you. Considerations include:

Lifestyle: Your hobbies and occupation will largely determine the most suitable choice. For example, if you play sports, contacts may be the optimal solution. On the other hand, if you work outdoors or in a dusty environment, glasses might be the way to go.
Age: Children and preteens may have difficulty putting in contacts. Similarly, seniors with decreased dexterity may find contacts to be problematic.
Eye health: If you have chronic dry eye or if you have recurring eye allergies, contacts can exacerbate these conditions.
Budget: You will not need to replace glasses very often. As a result, you may prefer this option if you are watching your wallet.

You cannot wear contacts while you sleep, when you swim, or if you have an eye infection. Therefore, if you opt for contacts, you will typically need glasses, too. If you do not want to deal with corrective lenses at all, refractive surgery such as LASIK can provide permanent vision correction.