Glasses or Contact Lenses: What’s My Best Option?

We humans have been making efforts to combat refractive errors for hundreds – and perhaps thousands – of years. From ancient magnifying stones to early spectacles and later, contact lenses. And to this day, glasses and contact lenses are still used by hundreds of millions of people around the world. But which solution is the best – and is there a better option?

Effective Solutions to Common Refractive Errors

Both glasses and contact lenses can be extremely effective in correcting refractive errors, from hyperopia (long-sightedness) and myopia (short-sightedness) to astigmatism and presbyopia. So, it’s no surprise that both of these corrective methods remain exceptionally popular.

Many people with refractive errors use both of these methods, while others may start out wearing glasses before switching to more discrete contact lenses. But the fact is, neither of these corrective tools are without their flaws. So, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of glasses and contact lenses.

Glasses – A Suitable Solution for All

“Team Glasses” are quick to point out – and rightly so – that spectacles are an effective solution for all who require refractive correction. The external lenses can be tailored to correct even the highest prescriptions (though not always achieving perfect visual acuity).

Importantly, their design also means they can be put on and taken off with ease. This is a particular selling point for anyone who is squeamish about putting their finger in their eye every day!

But there are limitations…

Of course, glasses don’t represent a perfect solution. They can be expensive – especially if you’re a fan of stylish and trendy frames! Moreover, as an external visual aid, glasses can be easily damaged: their lenses can be easily scratched and their arms can be accidentally broken. Moreover, it is easy to misplace them, leaving you without any correction at all!

At times, glasses can even obstruct your vision. Whether it’s frames interrupting your peripheral vision or steamed-up lenses making things blurrier than your uncorrected vision! Finally, they can prevent wearers from taking part in activities such as sports.

Contact Lenses – A More Discrete Option

When contact lenses were introduced commercially in the 1960s and 70s, they quickly grew in popularity thanks to their improved discretion. They allow individuals to correct their vision without drawing attention to them, which for many is an important consideration.

Contact lenses can also offer convenience: they can be kept in all day, providing effective correction for a wide range of prescriptions. Moreover, there is no risk of losing them once they have been applied, and there is a much lower risk of damage.

But with more significant risks…

Yet, there is a flipside to some of these benefits. First of all, keeping contact lenses in all day can cause dry eyes and irritation. Moreover, some types of contact lenses pose a heightened risk of infection which, in some cases, can even be sight-threatening.

This risk is particularly heightened when wearing contact lenses in certain environments. For example, contact lens wearers should avoid wearing them when swimming or taking part in water sports. The simple act of applying and removing contact lenses can even increase the risk of eye infections.

What’s more, contact lenses are simply not a suitable option for some people. Whether you have dry eyes, suffer from allergies, or are prone to eye infections, unlike glasses, there are some significant restrictions on who can wear contact lenses.

To Summarise!

Glasses – Pros

Everyone can wear them!
A variety of styles are available to suit any style!
They can be put on and taken off with ease.
No risk of infection.

Glasses – Cons

They’re not a discrete option.
They can be easily lost or broken.
Frames can cause minor obstruction to vision.
They can prevent you from taking part in certain activities.

Contacts – Pros

There is no useless frame around your vision!
They offer a discrete form of vision correction.
They can be worn all day long!

Contacts – Cons

They can’t be worn in certain conditions, such as when swimming.
They involve a fiddly routine to put in and remove.
Contact lenses can increase the risk of eye infections.
They’re not suitable for all wearers.

Contact lenses and glasses both have their positives as a form of vision correction. Many people with refractive errors get along fine using one or both of these visual aids – but is there a better option? Tens of millions of people around the world would say so!

Laser Eye Surgery: A Better Option?

Since its introduction in the early 1990s, Laser Eye Surgery has become an increasingly popular solution to common refractive errors. The fact is that Laser Eye Surgery address virtually every one of the cons laid out in this article.

It is suitable for the vast majority of people (at London Vision Clinic, we can treat around 97% of the people we see!), it can completely eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses, and it can even improve upon the best-corrected vision achieved by these aids.

Moreover, it is considered an extremely safe procedure with the risk of serious infection being very small. The risk of complications is also low with the chance of a complication arising that a surgeon cannot correct is around 1 in 30,000.

If you’d like to learn more about the potential of Laser Eye Surgery, get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators today. Alternatively, Book a Consultation to see if this life-changing treatment could be right for you.