Glasses and contact lenses can help you deal with vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Your doctor can determine how much correction you need, and you can use this prescription to get tools that can help you see clearly again.
Index
- Benefits of Contacts
- benefits of glasses
- cost comparison
- Glasses or contact lenses for Covid-19
- Work with your doctor
Are glasses or contact lenses better for you? The answer depends on what you do every day, your personal preferences and your awareness of risk.
If you are an active person or plan to become one, you may prefer contact lenses over glasses.Contactit can also be a good choice if you just don't like the way glasses change your appearance.
Contact lenses are associated with an increased risk of infection, and some glasses can protect your eyes from injury and damage. Glasses are also extremely easy to care for and can be less expensive than contact lenses as there is no specific cleaning solution to buy. If you don't care how glasses look, they might be a better choice for you.
Your ophthalmologist can help you decide which option is right for you. Regardless of which tool you choose, you need to stay in touch with your doctor to ensure your correction is adequate.
For some people, this hidden property of contact lenses is an incredible benefit. These people may not like the way they look when they wear glasses, or they may not feel as attractive to others when they wear glasses as if they were bare-faced.
Contact lenses can be incredibly easy to wear, even during intense activity. As an insurerVSPpoints out that contact lenses don't pop out or slip off your face while people are running or jumping. As a result, athletes often prefer contact lenses because contact lenses allow them to fully participate in the game without worrying about where their glasses are.
Contacts can also be a good option for anyone who wants to be active but has yet to achieve that goal. Asmayo clinicpoints out that adults are encouraged to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise a week.
Glasses are the perfect excuse for some people to avoid exercising. They may claim that the glasses fog up when they get hot and sweaty, or they may claim that the glasses bounce and move around so much during exercise that they become distracting and make exercise uncomfortable. Switching to contact lenses can make some of these excuses go away and it can lead some people to become more active and healthier.
Glasses also provide a reduced form of peripheral vision. Asscientific americanpoints out that peripheral vision is used to help us detect subtle movements coming from our sides. It's a form of vision that was probably very useful to our ancestors, who had to run to avoid being caught. But this vision can also be important in some daily activities.
Driving a car, for example, has to do with peripheral vision. Seeing a subtle movement to the side can mean the difference between a collision and swerving into an oncoming car. Professional drivers, including school bus drivers, may rely so heavily on their peripheral vision that wearing contact lenses is a necessity.
The benefits of glasses
Although contact lenses are easy to wear, they also require proper maintenance. They need to be taken out, cleaned properly, replaced frequently, and stored properly. All of these steps have associated fees. People who wear contact lenses need to buy cases, stock up on solutions, and buy contact lenses.
Glasses, on the other hand, are not associated with these long-term costs. People who choose glasses can make a one-time investment that will last and require very little maintenance. Cleaning the lenses can mean little more than rinsing them with regular glass cleaner, and there's no need to replace the lenses unless your vision changes. For those looking to save money, glasses can be a wise choice.
Glasses are also associated with a lower risk of infection. Unlike contact lenses, which sit on the surface of the eye, eyeglasses sit slightly in front of the eye and don't touch the eye. According toCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 500 contact lens wearers will have a serious eye infection leading to blindness. People who wear glasses are simply not at risk.
Glasses can also provide protection against common problems that can damage the eye. For example, lenses can be made to offer protection against the damage that the sun's rays can cause, and this protection can result in a reduced risk of cancerous growths in the eye. According toCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, some contact lenses also provide UV protection, but are not considered a replacement for eyeglasses. This means that contact lens wearers should also buy sunglasses. People with prescription sunglasses get protection and vision correction in one easy investment.
Glasses can also offer at least some protection against serious eye injury. That's according to a landmark 2000 study published inGraefe Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology. Here, the researchers found that even prescription eyeglasses that don't offer the full protection offered by safety glasses can protect people from very serious injuries that can lead to vision loss. That extra piece of lens can offer just enough protection to make a potentially serious injury a little less serious.
Some people also like the look with glasses. Wearing glasses has always been associated with intelligence and seriousness, and some people want to project these traits onto the people around them. Glasses give them a way to give that information without saying anything.
Eyeglasses can also give people the opportunity to make a fashion statement. Frames come in so many shapes and sizes, and they can be interchanged if a new look is desired.
Cost comparison of contact lenses vs glasses
Glasses can be more cost-effective than contact lenses in the long run. The average cost of glasses is about $300. Users don't need to replace them until the prescription changes. The average cost of contact lenses is around $50, while some can cost more.
Contact lenses need to be replaced monthly – sometimes even more often. Also, you need to consider contact lens accessories such as contact solutions. It is also necessary to visit an ophthalmologist annually for a new prescription. With all these factors, the annual cost of contact lenses can be double the cost of eyeglasses.
The cost of contact lenses
Contact lenses can have a significant impactwide price range. Many factors affect the price. These factors include type, brand and specialty.
1.Contacts for everyday use
There are three main types ofContact lenses for everyday use:
- Daily one-way contacts
- available weekly
- Contact lenses available monthly
Daily disposable contact lenses are usually sold in boxes of 30 pairs. They cost between $30 and $40 per box. You can reduce the cost of these lenses by purchasing a year-round supply.
Weekly disposable contact lenses are sold in boxes of six lenses. The price of common brands is between 25 and 40 US dollars.
Monthly lenses are also sold in boxes of six lenses. These types of contacts cost between $20 and $40.
2.Extended wear contacts
Extended Life Contactsare more breathable than everyday contact lenses and tend to be more expensive. They are sold in a box of six lenses and can range from $45 to $75 a box, depending on the brand.
The cost of glasses
As with contact lenses, the price of eyeglasses can vary significantly depending on the type of lens or frame. Accordinglyconsumer reports, the cheapest options have an average price of $100, while the most expensive options have an average price of $400.
When you opt for premium features like progressive lenses, high-end coatings and designer frames, your prescription glasses can cost significantly more. The average eyeglass wearer buys a new pair of eyeglasses every year or two.
Glasses or contact lenses for Covid-19
The contacts were claimed to help spread the virus. Experts are divided on this topic. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says that contact lenses can help spread the virus, while eyeglasses offer a layer of protection against Covid transmission.
On the other hand, the American Optometric Association states that there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that eyeglasses offer protection against Covid and other virus transmissions. The organization states that wearing contact lenses is safe.
Still, contact lens wearers tend to touch their eyes more often. This can increase the risk of infection. Also, doctors recommend stopping wearing contact lenses if you are sick.
No total,Proper contact lens careand glasses are vital during the pandemic. Common sense precautions can greatly reduce the risk of infection.
Work with your doctor
For example, people with severe myopia may need very thick glasses to see clearly, and these heavy glasses can be uncomfortable. Contacts can serve you better. Some people with severe astigmatism may benefit from some types of contact lenses that reshape the surface of the eye. Those contact lenses might be better than glasses for her. After all, some people have a lotdry eyesor heavily veined eyes and contact lenses can irritate these underlying conditions. For these people, glasses may be a better choice.
After a thorough exam, your doctor can help you understand whether your vision and eye health makes glasses or contact lenses better for you.
Choosing contact lenses means you'll need to visit your doctor more often for follow-ups than if you wore glasses.American Optometric Association. But whichever you choose, you should see your ophthalmologist frequently for more advanced evaluations. During your exams, your doctor may look for underlying health conditions that could make your vision worse.
We want to help you find an ophthalmologist you trust. Contact us to learn more about the physicians in our system and learn more about booking an appointment with the right physician at the right time. We are here to help.
THE PATIENT'S EXPERIENCE
unprecedented commitment
Exceptional results. The gold standard in patient care. The #1 Ophthalmologist®. The promise of vision for life. This makes the NVISION® experience unique.
Learn about the patient experience
references
- FAQ for potential contact lens wearers. VSP.
- How much should an average adult exercise each day?(December 2018). Mayo Clinic.
- Test your peripheral vision. (March 2016).scientific american.
- Healthy contact lens wear and care: fast facts. (July 2018). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Wearing and caring for contact lenses in a healthy way: benefits of vision correction with contact lenses. (January 2015). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- The Epidemiology of Serious Eye Injuries from the US Eye Injury Registry. (February 2000).Graefe Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology.
- Pros and cons of different types of contact lenses. American Optometric Association.
- cost of contact lenses. (June 2021). All about seeing.
- eyeglass and contact lens stores. (July 2021) Consumer Reports.
- Eye care during Covid-19. (May 2021). American Academy of Ophthalmology.
- Covid-19 contact lens fitting and training. (2021). American Optometric Association.
The information on this page should not replace information from a doctor or specialist. To learn more, read ourPrivacy PolicyEeditorial guidelinesPages.
FAQs
How do I choose between glasses and contacts? ›
Many people opt for contacts during the day and then return to their glasses during the morning and night. Others just do what they feel, and switch between glasses and contacts spontaneously. The point is, there's really no right choice between the two—and in fact, choosing both nets you the best eyesight and comfort.
Which is more accurate glasses or contacts? ›Among the top benefits of contact lenses when compared with glasses is their increased accuracy. Unlike glasses lenses, contacts fit around the actual eye, allowing them to bend light into the eye in a way that more accurately addresses your prescription.
What is the difference between eye exam for glasses and contacts? ›During a regular eyeglasses exam, a technician will ask you to remove your contacts before the exam begins. During a contact lens exam, you'll start out wearing your contact lenses. This will allow your optometrist to see exactly how your eyes are functioning in your contacts.
Is there a way to see better without glasses or contacts? ›- DIET AND EXERCISE. Although diet and exercise won't cure any eye condition, the things we eat can make a difference. ...
- REST YOUR EYES. ...
- EYE EXERCISES AND REDUCING EYE STRAIN. ...
- FOCUS SHIFTING. ...
- WRITE OUT ABC'S. ...
- UP, DOWN, AND AROUND. ...
- CONSIDER ORTHOKERATOLOGY! ...
- YOUR OPTOMETRIST KNOWS BEST.
With glasses, there is no need to constantly be touching your eyes, lowering your risk of an eye infection significantly. Secondly, glasses can add a layer of protection by shielding your eyes from debris. Debris can get trapped underneath contact lenses and scratch the eyes.
Are glasses or contacts better for astigmatism? ›Contact lenses are another excellent option for many people with a moderate amount of astigmatism. In fact, some people with an astigmatism do better with contact lenses than with eyeglasses, because the contacts may provide clear vision and an unobstructed, wider range of view than glasses.
What are the disadvantages of using contact lens? ›- Red Eye. Having red eyes can happen for all sorts of reasons. ...
- Dry Eye. Contacts have a tendency to dry out your eyes, which can cause negative symptoms. ...
- Infection. ...
- Corneal Vascularization. ...
- Eye Ulcers. ...
- Conjunctivitis.
[toc]Many people do this because it fixes multiple issues they might have with their vision. The glasses might help with reading while the contacts improve farsightedness. Having to deal with both glasses and contacts can be frustrating, not to mention expensive.
Can I use my contact prescription for glasses? ›Can you use your contact prescription for eyeglasses? Your eye doctor will often apply the same prescription you use for contact lenses for your eyeglasses. There may be minor changes, but in general, your prescription will remain the same no matter your choice in corrective eyewear.
Why can I see out of my contacts but not glasses? ›Deposits on the contact lens
The easiest way to see if this is the problem, is to take the lenses out and compare the vision in your glasses. If you have blurry vision only with contacts but not glasses, your contact lenses are probably dirty.
Can you train your eyes to not need glasses? ›
Practiced faithfully, eye exercises may actually help delay the need for glasses or contacts in some people. But you don't need to buy a special program of exercises or follow prescribed visual gymnastics to accomplish these things.
What is the 20 20 20 rule for eyes? ›Most optometrists have heard of the 20-20-20 Rule for preventing and relieving digital eye strain. The catchphrase suggests taking a 20 second break every 20 minutes by looking 20 feet away.
Why is my eyesight getting worse even with contacts? ›Your eyesight could be getting worse because you have an uncorrected refractive error. If you begin to struggle to see far away or close up, then you should visit your optician for an eye examination. Your optician is able to diagnose a multitude of vision problems and offer advice on how to manage them.
What type of glasses are best for astigmatism? ›Do You Need Special Glasses for Astigmatism? You'll need prescription glasses with cylindrical or spherocylindrical lenses, which are different from the lenses found in single-vision glasses that only correct for nearsightedness and farsightedness.
Which contact lens is best for astigmatism? ›Toric contact lenses are best for astigmatism patients, as they are specially designed to correct the refractive error that is caused by having an irregularly shaped cornea.
What do people with astigmatism see? ›Blurred vision is the most common astigmatism symptom. It also makes it hard to see details on objects, like the words printed on a menu in front of you, or letters on a road sign in the distance. Other astigmatism symptoms include: Seeing a glare or halos around lights.
When should you avoid contact lenses? ›If you sleep with your contacts in, you may dry out your eyes or worse — risk infection, corneal ulcers or an inflammatory reaction known as contact lens-induced acute red eye (CLARE). When you're in any type of water, do not wear your contacts. This includes showers, hot tubs, pools, lakes, rivers and the ocean.
Why not to use contact lenses? ›The cornea is the transparent outer layer of the eye. It protects the eye and helps focus light on the back of the eye, enabling you to see clearly. While contacts rarely harm the cornea, sleeping in contacts not intended for extended wear can make a corneal infection or even an ulcer more likely to happen.
How many years can you wear contact lenses? ›A new lens will last about three years before it expires. You should never wear a lens that has expired. Provided that you care for them properly, contacts you've opened should last a day, two weeks, or a month, depending on the manufacturer's suggested wear time.
Should my contact and glasses prescription be different? ›Are glasses prescriptions and contact lens prescriptions the same? A glasses prescription is not the same as a contact lens prescription. Glasses sit slightly away from your eyes and contact lenses sit directly over your eye, so two different tests and measurements are required.
Should I get sunglasses with prescription or with contact lenses? ›
Pro: Prescription sunglasses are more comfortable than contacts and make you less likely to get an eye infection. Even those who wear contacts may prefer to have a prescription sunglasses option.
What is the difference between a contact prescription and a prescription for glasses? ›Is a contact lens prescription different from an eyeglass prescription? Because eyeglasses sit slightly away from the eye, and contact lenses sit directly on the eye, prescriptions for each are different. People who wish to use both eyeglasses and contact lenses will require two prescriptions.
Can I put eyedrops in while wearing contacts? ›Eye drops can be used to treat allergies, dry eyes, and can even be prescribed for conditions such as glaucoma. If you wear contacts you may be wondering if you can use eye drops. The answer: you can.
What is the 6 second eye method? ›Focus Shift: Change the focus of both of your eyes by looking at a far-away object for 6 seconds, until it becomes clear. Then, shift your gaze to a close object for 6 seconds, until it becomes clear. Do this exercise repeatedly until your eyes feel slightly tired.
Can eyesight be restored naturally? ›Can Eyesight Be Improved Naturally? Unfortunately, eyesight cannot be improved naturally and there is no way to change a refractive error, such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, or presbyopia. These types of visual conditions can be treated with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
How can I restore my 20 20 vision naturally? ›- Cold Water Therapy: ...
- Eye Massage & Exercise: ...
- Best Foods For Your Eyes: ...
- Quit Smoking: ...
- Get Sufficient Sleep At Night: ...
- Make Best Use of Eyeglasses: ...
- Visit Your Eye Specialist:
So, when is the best time to get an eye exam? If you want to get the best results from your eye exam — and the most accurate prescription — research suggests 8 a.m. or 8 p.m. is the best time to book your eye exam.
What is the eyesight rule? ›Spending long periods looking at a screen can strain the eyes. Using the 20-20-20 rule can help to prevent this problem. For every 20 minutes a person looks at a screen, they should look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Following the rule is a great way to remember to take frequent breaks.
Is it normal to see worse with contacts than glasses? ›Switching From Glasses To Contacts Can Cause Some Blurry Vision. There may be occasions when your vision becomes blurry while you are wearing your new contact lenses. It's common to lose a little sharpness of vision after switching from glasses to contacts.
Should glasses prescription be stronger than contacts? ›Because eyeglasses sit some distance away from your eyes, the prescription for glasses is typically a bit stronger than for contact lenses. This is the primary difference between the two prescriptions.
Can a contact lens get lost behind my eye? ›
For new contact lens wearers, a common worry is that a lens will become dislodged, and potentially move behind the eye and become stuck. Although it's possible for a contact lens to get stuck to the surface of your eye, the good news is that there's simply no way it can get lost, or trapped at the back.
Do contacts have the same effect as glasses? ›Contact lenses can provide more natural vision. They can't block your view like glasses frames, and the lenses move with your eye. Another benefit is that contacts don't fog up or get wet when the weather worsens. Contacts come in many materials and designs for whatever your needs are.
Why are my contacts blurrier than glasses? ›Buildup of debris and protein deposits on the surface of the contact lenses is the most common reason for the lenses to seem cloudy or hazy. The easiest way to see if this is the problem, is to take the lenses out and compare the vision in your glasses.
How do I translate my glasses prescription to contacts? ›Can you convert glasses prescription to contact lenses? No – you cannot directly convert a glasses prescription to a contact lens prescription. Equally, you cannot convert a contact lens prescription to a glasses prescription.
What prescription is too strong for contacts? ›The highest level of corrective power for monthly soft contact lenses is about -12 Dioptres (bear in mind that the average prescription for short sighted people is -2.00 Dioptres), and is available from both Purevision 2HD and Biofinity.
Why is contact lens prescription less than glasses? ›Since eyeglasses are usually about 12 millimeters from the eye, the prescriptive power of a contact lens — which is positioned directly on the tear film of the eye — will be slightly less nearsighted.
Can an optician remove a stuck contact lens? ›You should then be able to pinch or slide the lens carefully to remove it. Remember, if you cannot manage to remove your lenses, go straight to your optician. They will be able to do so with the use of fluorescein which will help to make the lenses visible for them to see.
What happens if you accidentally sleep with contacts? ›Sleeping for hours with your contacts increases your risk of developing an eye infection. Without good access to oxygen, your cornea will begin to enlarge and swell up. This condition is called keratitis, meaning the physiology of the eye is being altered and damaged.
How long can a contact stay behind your eye? ›Luckily, contact lenses stuck in the eye are not an immediate emergency or risk to your eye health if they can be removed within 24 hours.