When someone needs vision correction, one of the first questions they often consider is whether they want glasses or contact lenses. There are benefits and drawbacks to both solutions. Read on to determine which avenue is right for you.
Glasses: Why or Why Not?
One significant benefit of glasses is that they are easy to put on and go. There is no special preparation needed to put on your glasses; they’re portable and convenient to put on and take off as you need. There are also no special cleaning solutions and very little additional care required for glasses. They can be easily cleaned and require little follow-up from your doctor outside of your regularly scheduled visits. Glasses may also be the right option for those who have an aversion to, or simply don’t want to be, touching their eyes. You can also choose from a variety of frames to find the perfect glasses to express your style.
One thing to keep in mind as you consider whether to get glasses is that, if you have a strong prescription or astigmatism, your vision can become distorted at the edge of the lens. Some people also may not like the feeling of having glasses on pressing on their nose, ears, or temples. While that sensation is easy to get used to, it may be a dealbreaker for some. Glasses can also get fogged up and splattered in the rain and outside, so they might not be the best choice for someone who plays a lot of sports or does other outdoor activities.
Contacts: Why or Why Not?
Contact lenses often offer more natural vision than glasses do. They move with your eye, and there are no frames to block your peripheral vision. They also don’t fog up when it’s cold or rainy and, as previously mentioned, they won’t get in the way when you play sports.
Contacts do, however, require a lot more care than glasses do. They need to be cleaned and stored the right way, or else you risk serious eye infections. Likewise, if you don’t wash your hands before handling them, it can cause your eyes severe problems. Those with astigmatism need to note that their vision might blur when their contacts rotate. There are specific types of contact lenses for astigmatism that are less likely to move, but they’re more expensive. It can often take more time to get used to wearing contacts than to get used to wearing glasses, and they usually require more consistent follow-up with your doctor. Contact lenses can also reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches your eye, which can cause or increase the severity of dry eyes.
Whether you choose glasses or contacts, Battin Eyecare is here to make sure you get the best service possible. We have a wide selection of designer frames and some of the top eye doctors in Western New York.