Pros and cons of glasses and contact lenses
It’s often difficult to decide whether glasses or contact lenses are right for you.
Where glasses may be better in some areas, contact lenses are an improvement in others. And of course there is the third option, Laser Eye Surgery — an elective procedure that can eliminate the need to use both glasses or contact lenses.
But for most people, their entrance into the world of vision correction begins with rectangular frames or thin see through lenses. So to get a better idea which is right for you, let’s take a cold hard look at them and compare some of their biggest pros and cons.
The pros and cons of glasses
Glasses certainly do have many positive points when compared to contact lens. Perhaps the biggest benefit is that anyone can wear them, regardless of age, making them a simple and quick solution to getting a grip of vision problems.
They can also be extremely accurate in vision correction and are easy to update when your eye prescription changes, meaning that you’ll always see what you are supposed to see.
Many think that glasses don’t suit them and look silly, but on the contrary there’s a huge trend for wearing non-prescription glasses simply because they look ‘cool’. Celebrities who wear glasses solely to look good include Jessica Alba, Tina Fey, and Emma Watson, and Elton John.
One major downside to wearing glasses is that they’re simply unsuitable for most (if not all) sports, as they easily fall off and get damaged. Whilst it’s true that some sports stars wear prescription goggles, most opt for contact lenses instead.
Long-term glasses use can also cost a pretty penny and leave unsightly marks on your nose. However, glasses are the overall safest form of vision correction; they don’t touch or change your eye at all meaning that they don’t put you are risk of infection. They may even prevent injury by stopping wind and debris from hitting your eyes, although you’ve got to be careful when your glasses fog up in cold or humid environments!
The pros and cons of contact lenses
Contact lenses are great for solving many of the issues with wearing glasses.
First off, there is no restrictive frame around your vision, which means you won’t have to worry about them looking silly or matching your outfit. Yet if you really like how you look in glasses, you always have the option to get a non-prescription pair.
What’s more, because there is no intrusive frame stuck on your face, no-one will know that you need them unless you tell them—unless one falls out and you are on your hands and knees searching for it. This more worryingly would also mean a significant sum of money down the drain.
Contact lenses generally provide greater visual clarity than glasses do, but the compromise in wearing them is they put you at a much greater risk of infection and eye-damage. For example, not removing them regularly and cleaning them according to the guidelines, could cause you many problems. They also aren’t very good in extreme weather conditions or when you go swimming, so you’ll still need those prescription goggles.
If neither takes your fancy, why not find out more about the third and most recent form of vision correction treatment: Laser Eye Surgery.
And if you’re already fed up with them both, contact one of our Patient Care Coordinators to discuss the benefits of choosing Laser Eye Surgery in more detail.
View Comments (13)
I have been thinking about whether or not I should get contact lenses, because I really like the idea of not having a restrictive frame around my vision. I think that not having that restriction would make me a safer driver, because the frame wouldn't be in the way of my peripheral vision. However, how would be peripheral vision be with contact lenses?
Hi Faylinn,
Contact lenses sit directly on your eye so vision, in particular, Peripheral vision, is unobstructed. We are a clinic that specialises in Laser Eye Surgery so we would recommend that you go to an optometrist to get more information about contact lenses and an assessment to determine if they would be your best option. Click on the link below to read more about contact lenses.
Thanks
London Vision Clinic
I'm thinking of switching to contact lenses. It's my 2nd day so far, however contact lenses give me blurry vision, not as sharp and clear as when I wear glasses. Is it something the eyes will need to get used to, and will get better? Thanks!
Hi Paige,
We specialise in Laser Eye Surgery so it would be best for you to go to see a contact lens specialist and ensure they are the best contact lenses for your eyes. Contact lenses can be a great solution for those who hate wearing contact lenses but can also be as much of a nuisance, it is very much dependant on the person. Read a little more about glasses and contact lenses here- https://www.londonvisionclinic.com/2016/06/glasses-or-contact-lenses-whats-my-best-option/. Please feel free to get in touch with the clinic if you have any further questions on 0207 224 1005.
Thanks,
London Vision Clinic
I agree with you that by wearing contact lenses, no one will be able to tell that I need them unless I let the people know. Aside from that, I can't have glasses stuck on my face because I'm not comfortable wearing one, and it's going to be really hard especially since I work in a warehouse. Thanks for sharing! I'm having problems with my vision, and I'm considering contact lenses over eyeglasses.
You are welcome!
Hi i have only cylinder no with 180 axis -1.75 in right and -1.00 in left i get lots of eye strains and headaches after getting new eyeglasses is it normal it has been for more than a month i went to doctor 3 times they say prescription is correct
Hi Amy. We cannot advise you fully without seeing your eyes, however we would recommend that you return to the Optician who prescribed your glasses or contact lenses and discuss the problems you are having. You may need to have some eye health checks.
Many Thanks,
London Vision Clinic
It's great that you elaborated on how contact lenses are more versatile when it comes to getting them to match with your outfit. My daughter has quite a fashion statement and she's wary that getting prescription glasses might limit her wardrobe options. I want her to continue to become the expressive person that she is and at the same time able to take care of her eye's health. I'd be sure to take her to an eye specialist this weekends to get her first pair of contact lenses. Thanks for this interesting read!
Hi Patricia, thanks for the comment! London Vision Clinic
hi. I'd like to ask if the non colored contacts is better than the colored ones? With regards to the adjustment of the pupil when on dark environment?
Jenna, thanks for your comment. Coloured contact lenses and normal contact lenses have different wearing requirements. As long as they are properly prescribed by your Optometrist, they are considered safe. If you are still unsure, it is advisable to discuss with them.
London Vision Clinic
Hi Ellie,
They can be uncomfortable for a lot of patients. Are you looking for more information on laser eye surgery so you don't have to wear them anymore. If so, please call 020 7224 1005 for more information and to discuss with one of our knowledgeable Patient Care Coordinators.
Thanks,
London Vision Clinic