Basically, choosing between eyeglasses and contact lenses is subjective and it’s a decision you need to make on a personal level. No choice is better than the other as they both have the same goal—which is to help correct vision.
If you’re having a hard time deciding whether to go for the conventional specs or the more modern contact lenses, weigh their pros and cons. Identify their advantages and drawbacks, and determine which of them has the most benefits according to your unique situation. Here’s an outline to help you do so.
Eyeglasses
Pros
- Cost-effective – Eyeglasses don’t need to be replaced as often as contact lenses. If you take care of your specs properly, your pair can last for years. Meanwhile, if your grade changes later on, you can just replace the lens and retain the frame.
- Lower risk of eye infection or irritation – When you put your eyeglasses on, your hands and eyes don’t come in contact with each other. As a result, your eyes are less prone to irritation.
- Fashionable – Eyeglasses can elevate your overall look and reflect your personality.
- Protection – Eyeglasses can protect your eyes from wind, dust, and dirt.
Cons
- Disrupted peripheral vision – Eyeglasses sit about an inch away from your eyes and this can limit your peripheral vision.
- Weather limitations – Cold weather and precipitation can cause blurring or fogging on your eyeglasses.
- Discomfort – Because of the added weight and pressure on the nose and back of the ears, eyeglasses can cause discomfort that may even lead to headaches.
- Style limits – While there are situations when eyeglasses can give a fashion statement, it can also cause wardrobe blunders if it doesn’t match your outfit or the look you’re going for.
- Limited movement and activity – Wearing eyeglasses is not suitable for sports or outdoor activities because they can easily fall off and break.
Contact Lenses
Pros
- Tailored to the shape of the eyes – Contact lenses don’t disrupt your vision because they sit right on top of your eyes.
- Suitable for sports and outdoor activities – Contact lenses allow you to move freely during exercises, workouts, and playing sports.
- Aesthetic appeal – Contact lenses don’t clash with whatever outfit you have on. In fact, they give you the option to change your eye color if you want to elevate your look.
- Not affected by weather conditions – Contact lenses are not vulnerable to fogging and blurring due to temperature and weather changes.
Cons
- Irritation and infection – Contact lenses can cause eye infection because wearing them requires closer hand contact to the eyes. At the same time, they can be more difficult to put on, and this may result to redness and eye irritation. The same happens when you fall asleep with your contact lenses on.
- Increased risk for dry eyes – Contact lenses limit the amount of oxygen in the eyes. As a result, moisture in the eyes is reduced.
- Maintenance – Contact lenses require a tedious method of maintenance. If you can’t perform the cleaning routine on a daily basis, contact lenses can become harmful to your eyes. Daily disposable contact lenses are available, but they may be costly in the long run.
- Cost – Contact lenses need to be replaced often.
The Best of Both Worlds
If you think both eyeglasses and contact lenses match your needs, you can decide to go for both. This is actually a practical and convenient choice because you have them standing by and ready for use, especially for situations when one of them is more suitable than the other.
For instance, if you feel discomfort because of your specs, you can easily turn to your contact lenses for a lighter feeling on your face. Meanwhile, if your eyes get irritated or dry due to contact lenses, you can take them off and slip on your eyeglasses immediately.
The best choice between eyeglasses and contact lenses will be all up to you. Aside from the pros and cons discussed, consider other important factors such as your lifestyle, budget, style, and convenience.
