Are you trying to decide whether to get contact lenses or glasses? It might surprise you that around 93 million US adults are at risk of severe vision loss.
That’s why it’s essential to weigh the key differences between the two before deciding. Once you do, you’ll have a new lease on life.
Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about contact lenses vs. glasses.
Contact Lenses Guide
What are contact lenses? Contact lenses are small, thin disks that you place directly on your eye. They correct vision the same way that glasses do, but they don’t have any frames or arms.
Instead, they sit on the surface of your eye and stay in place by the natural moisture there. It might take some time to adjust. That said, many people find contact lenses more comfortable than glasses.
There are two main types of contact lenses.
Hard Contact Lenses
They are also known as rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. The material of these lenses is rigid and inflexible. Due to this, they don’t conform to the shape of your eye like soft lenses.
It might take longer to adjust to hard lenses. Yet, they’re often more durable and provide clearer vision than soft lenses. They’re also better at correcting astigmatism.
Soft Contact Lenses
The material of these lenses is soft and flexible. They mold to the shape of your eye. As a result, they’re generally more comfortable than hard lenses.
Soft lenses are available in daily, weekly, and monthly disposables. You can wear them for a set period and then throw them away.
There are also soft lenses that you can wear for longer periods. But you’ll need to clean them regularly to prevent irritation and infection.
Glasses Guide
Glasses are also called eyeglasses or spectacles. They’re vision correction devices that you wear on your face.
They consist of two parts. The lenses and the frame.
The Different Types of Lenses
The lenses are the clear or tinted disks in the glasses. They magnify or reduce images to help you see better.
Like other technology, lenses advance over time. In the past, the exclusive material for lenses was glass.
Today, however, manufacturers primarily use high-tech plastics to make them. The lenses below are more lightweight, thin, and scratch-resistant than glass or older plastic types.
Polycarbonate
If you are looking for glasses that can survive a lot of wear and tear, or if you have kids who break things often, these impact-resistant lenses are a great choice. They also provide UV protection.
Trivex
These plastic lenses are similar to polycarbonate lenses. Not only are they lightweight and thin, but they can also withstand a significant amount of force. Some people even find that these lenses help them see better than the other types.
High-Index Plastic
These lenses are lighter and thinner than old-school ones. They are a good choice if you need a strong prescription.
Aspheric
There is a range of curvature for these lenses. The varying curvatures make them thinner and flatter, opening up more of the surface area for use.
Photochromic
The sun changes these from transparent to tinted. It’s like the auto-brightness feature on your phone, but for your eyes. Kiss goodbye to constantly switching out your glasses for sunglasses during your drive.
Polarized Sunglasses
With these lenses, you won’t have to worry about the sun reflecting off objects and causing a blinding glare. But, they may obstruct your view of the liquid crystal display on your car’s dashboard.
Frames
Frames are the parts of the glasses that hold the lenses in place. It goes over your ears and sits on your nose.
You can get frames made from different materials, including:
- Metals, such as titanium or stainless steel
- Plastics, such as nylon or acetate
- Wood or horn
Some people prefer glasses because they’re more affordable than contact lenses. Others find them more comfortable or stylish.
Key Differences Between Contact Lenses and Glasses
Now you know more about contact lenses and glasses. It’s time to compare them side-by-side.
Cost
Contact lenses generally cost more than glasses. That’s because you need to replace them more often. You also need to buy special solutions to clean them. The price of contact lenses varies depending on the type.
The price of glasses varies depending on the frames and lenses. For instance, glasses with high-index lenses cost more than regular ones.
Still, you can find affordable options for both glasses and contact lenses.
Convenience
Both glasses and contact lenses are convenient. But some people find one more so than the other.
You don’t have to do anything special with glasses to care for them. You can put them on and take them off as you please. You can also store them anywhere.
Contact lenses are more delicate. You need to clean and disinfect them regularly. It’s also essential to store them in a safe place when you’re not using them.
Some people prefer glasses because they’re low maintenance. Others find contact lenses more convenient because they don’t obstruct your vision.
It’s a matter of personal preference.
Aesthetics
Some people feel that glasses give them a more polished look. Others find contact lenses more aesthetically pleasing.
It’s up to you which you prefer. You can experiment with different styles of glasses and contacts until you find the ones that suit you best.
Your lifestyle and activities may also affect your decision. For example, athletes often prefer contact lenses because they don’t fog up or fall off as easily as glasses.
The Outcome of Contact Lenses vs. Glasses
The contact lenses vs. glasses debate is ongoing. It’s hard to say which one is better.
It depends on your needs and preferences. Consider your lifestyle, budget, and aesthetics when making your decision. You can also talk to your doctor or an optician to get their professional opinion. They can help you decide which option is best for you.
Do you have any questions about contact lenses or glasses? If so, then contact us for more information!
