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Last Updated on October 8, 2023
Vision issues are widespread in America. Data from Prevent Blindness states that around 6.8% of children under 18 are already diagnosed with an eye condition, and this percentage only increases for older age groups. Case in point, the same association noted that the number of adults with vision issues in 2021 represented a 68% increase from a decade ago. As such, vision correction tools are highly in-demand. In fact, Allied Research estimates the global vision correction market to be worth over $141 billion by 2031.
Currently, the leading choices among vision correction tools are prescription glasses and contact lenses, which both come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages in terms of convenience, cost, and health. With eyewear being an essential item for day-to-day living, selecting which tool to use requires plenty of careful consideration. To help you decide, here is a guide on how to pick between contact lenses and glasses.
What Are Contact Lenses?
Contact lenses are clear, thin discs that you put directly on your eyes. They naturally move with your eyes and rarely need to be adjusted once placed. They come in two formats: soft or hard, depending on your eye shape. They are available as disposables, which are ones that can only be worn once, or as extended-use varieties, which are reusable a number of times after sterilization.
The Pros of Contact Lenses
Contacts provide exceptional comfort as they’re barely noticeable when worn. As seen in Acuvue Oasys contact lenses, they are gentle on the eyes despite being made to last for up to a month. The smooth and soft contact surface can also keep eyes moisturized the entire day. These features make them convenient, which is why they’re recommended for people who are highly active, like athletes. Since contacts are also more discreet, they’re ideal for those who want to be low-key about their vision correction.
The Cons of Contact Lenses
Since they are placed right on the eyes, contacts require a lot of care. Extended-use ones have to be disinfected in contact solution overnight; otherwise, you’re risking the development of eye infections, as shown in a recent case covered by Insider. Similarly, dailies still need to be cleaned with a solution for better lubrication. They can also be more costly as they need more regular replacements. You also have to be mindful not to sleep in them or rub your eyes while using them, as this may irritate your eyes.
What Are Glasses?
Glasses are composed of frames and lenses, which sit on the bridge of your nose. This distance from the eyes means that they require different prescriptions than contacts. They are offered in different shapes and sizes, which are usually chosen based on customer preference. A standard pair can last up to two years on average when used carefully.
The Pros of Glasses
Glasses tend to be more straightforward, as you don’t have to clean them as often to safely wear them. They can also be used to express style, as demonstrated by the eyeglasses on Zenni Optical. The additional lens tints and diverse frame shapes are often great ways to elevate an outfit and even further enhance visual acuity. The glass lenses provide extra protection as well from environmental factors such as dust and debris.
The Cons of Glasses
As they sit on the bridge of the nose, they tend to get displaced when faced with a lot of movement. It’s common to have to adjust them fairly often so they stay in position. The lenses are also susceptible to climate shifts, so you may have to deal with distracting elements like glare or fog, which obstruct the lenses. Since some glasses can also affect the way one looks, some find wearing glasses distracting from their appearance.
The Takeaway: Which is Better?
Generally, contact lenses and glasses both address vision issues well. Choosing which one to go with depends on what fits your needs and your lifestyle. While one is not necessarily better than the other, one may be better for your personal preferences. If you’re interested in another comparison, check out this article on “Under Desk Bike vs Elliptical.”
