Are you torn between wearing glasses or contact lenses?
In the UK, approximately 77% of women and 68% of men stated that they wear contacts or glasses to correct their vision.
When considering vision correction options, glasses and contact lenses are the most popular solutions. However, it is important to weigh out the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision that suits you and your lifestyle.
So, if you’re on a vision correction journey, this blog will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both glasses and contact lenses.
Prescription glasses
The first recorded invention of glasses was around 1290, in Italy, and since then, glasses have revolutionised the way we see the world (pardon the pun). And although they have many pros, there are a few reasons why glasses might not work for you.
Pros of prescription glasses
Ease of use
Some people who need help with their vision don’t have to wear glasses all the time and may simply require reading glasses. For example, some people only need them occasionally, like when they’re driving at night, using a computer or reading. Glasses are handy because you can easily put them on and take them off, unlike contacts, which you usually wear all day long. They also carry no risk of infection and can act as a barrier for your eyes from foreign particles.
Fashion accessory
Besides their vision correction abilities and practical use purposes, glasses can be a reflection of your personality. With a wide range of styles and designs, glasses are a fashion statement, an extension of your outfit and you can have a pair for every style! Check out our wide range of designer glasses by iconic brands like Cartier, Chopard, Starck, Moscot, Nano Vista, Tom Ford, Götti, Chanel, Lindberg and many more.
Minimal maintenance
Keeping up with contact lenses can be challenging. Monthly lenses need to be cleaned every day, while daily lenses require a clean environment to put them in your eye. On the other hand, glasses require minimal upkeep – just put them on and clean them with a solution and cloth when needed. We even have heavy duty and stylish frames from Nano Vista for all your adventurous times.
Cost-effective
Over time, glasses often work out to be more budget-friendly because they don’t need regular replacements. You can hang onto a pair of glasses for a while and only update the lenses when your prescription changes. , here at Safarain and Simon we can replace your lenses but you can keep your frame! Most opticians will require you leave the frame with the opticians for at least one week, we have the right technology to avoid this inconvenience.
Suitable for eye conditions
Glasses are ideal for individuals with active lifestyles who prefer low-maintenance eye correction. They are also suitable for those with eye conditions such as sensitive or dry eyes, which may worsen with contact lens wear.
Cons of prescription glasses
Peripheral vision
When you wear glasses, sometimes peripheral vision is a little impaired. Although this may not impact day-to-day activities, it can still pose challenges in activities such as sports. If you play regular sports or work in a physically active environment, you may find contacts are more suited to you.
Distortion
Some wearers might notice distortion because of thicker lenses, particularly in stronger prescriptions. This can affect the appearance of your eyes, potentially making them appear larger or smaller, which could be a concern for some wearers.
Fogging
Entering a warm room after being outside in the cold can cause glasses to fog up, leading to impaired visibility. This can also lead to feelings of embarrassment for some people.
Slippage
Over time, glasses can loosen and slip down your face, which can be frustrating for various reasons, especially if your job involves looking down frequently. You may need to visit the optometrist to get them fixed.
Contact lenses
Invented in the late 1800s, contact lenses have come far from their humble beginnings. In modern times, contact lenses can come in a wide range of colours and materials for added comfortability. Read on to discover the pros and cons of contact lenses.
Pros of contact lenses
Enhanced vision
Contact lenses fit snugly on the eyes, providing a comfortable experience and a natural field of vision as they move with your eye. Being close to your eye, they minimise distortion and ensure objects appear true to size, enhancing your perceived vision. Also, contact lenses don’t obstruct peripheral vision, offering a comprehensive field of view.
Medical Contact Lenses
Patients with corneal curvature challenges such as Keratoconus, high astigmatism will see better in medical contact lenses, we use scleral contact lenses to give the best vision and comfort.
We use scleral contact lenses are dry eye patient or Amniotic membrane contact lenses for corneal dryness.
Freedom of movement
Unlike glasses, contact lenses offer wearers greater freedom, especially in activities such as sports or occupations like those in the trades and construction industries.
Natural aesthetic
Because contact lenses are virtually invisible, they maintain a natural appearance. This can be especially important to those working in sales and customer-facing roles. It may also suit those who have a natural preference for how they look without glasses.
Cons of contact lenses
Regular maintenance
Monthly contact lenses require regular cleaning and disinfection to prevent infections and maintain clear vision. For many people, especially children who may not be responsible enough, this can be too time consuming.
Alternatively, daily contact lenses don’t require regular cleaning, and have a lower risk of infection.
Comfort issues
Although contact lens technology has significantly improved over the past few decades, they can still be uncomfortable and lead to dryness or irritation, especially after wearing them for an entire day.
High cost
Contact lenses can be a little out-of-budget for some people, costing an average of £350-£550 a year for full time users. Although monthly lenses can be more affordable, they can be more uncomfortable and require constant upkeep.
Daily lenses can be significantly more expensive, however, if you aren’t wearing lenses every day, they can work out cheaper if you need them just for occasions! Most our patients prefer daily disposable, even those wearing 6 days a week
Prescription Limitation
Whilst the range of prescription of contact lenses is large, for some we just cannot get the vision equal to spectacles. Rest assured, with our corneal topography, tomography and anterior OCT we will do out best to make contact lenses work and many new patients attend with dry eye related contact lens use, we can undertake a vast array of dry eye treatments to make your contact lenses feel better.
Should you wear contacts or glasses?
Whether you should wear glasses or contacts depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle. Many of our patients are hybrid wearers, you must always have an up to date pair of spectacles even if you wear your contact lenses all the time and keep up your regular checks.
Technology is always changing and we are the forefront of both vision correction, so we can always look to minimise any challenges with glasses or contact lenses. Being truly independent we can offer the widest range of solutions without any contractual limitations from head office.
Consult our expert optometrist team who are registered with British contact lens association (BCLA) for unparalleled care, unbiased advice, advanced technology exam and find a solution that suits your individual needs and preferences.
