Contact Lenses vs Eyeglasses

Which is Right For You?

Whether you choose to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses for vision correction, the decision is mostly based on personal preference. Factors to consider in this decision should include:

• Lifestyle
• Budget
• Aesthetics
• Convenience
• Comfort

To help you make a more informed decision, let’s compare some of the biggest pros and cons of each.

Eyeglasses

Pros:

• COST: In the long run, eyeglasses cost less than contact lenses and require less frequent replacement
• NO DRY EYE: You are less likely to suffer from dry eye while wearing eyeglasses
• NO EYE INFECTIONS: Because you don’t need to touch your eye when wearing eyeglasses, your risk for eye infections is significantly lower.
• FASHION STATEMENT: Glasses can act as an extension of your personal style and can make a great fashion statement!
• SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE: Unlike contact lenses, eyeglasses require very little maintenance and everyone, including children and infants, can wear them.

Cons:

• In some types of work (such as firefighting) or in active sports, eyeglasses may be unacceptable
• Eyeglasses can be broken or lost
• Sometimes spectacles can be uncomfortable or inconvenient (they tend to fog up in humid or cold environments for example.)
• Poor peripheral side vision can often lead to neck pain or poor posture
• Glasses require periodic tightening and other adjustments

Contact Lenses

Pros:

• CLEAR VISION: Unlike eyeglasses, contact lenses move with your eyes to give you a full field of focused and sharp vision.
• VERSATILE: There is a wide range of contact lens types to suit every individual need and for all weather conditions.
• IMPROVED APPEARANCE: Contact lenses won’t detract from your natural appearance and will match everything you wear.
• FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT: Contact lenses are especially suited for an active lifestyle as they won’t break or fall off while playing sports.
• GREATER COMFORT: Contact lenses are lighter and less obtrusive than eyeglasses

Cons:

• There is an increased risk of corneal infections, scratches and scrapes when wearing contact lenses.
• Some patients may initially have difficulty inserting and removing their contact lenses. However, at Sunridge Eye Clinic, our qualified eye doctors teach the proper technique and practice to rectify this.
• Because lenses reduce the amount of oxygen your eyes receive, contact lens wearers tend to be at a higher risk for developing dry eye syndrome.
• If you work at a computer often, wearing contact lenses may exacerbate the symptoms of computer vision syndrome.
• Contact lenses require an everyday commitment to proper care and cleaning to avoid serious eye infections.

Book a contact lens fitting

Though there are many differences between eyeglasses and contact lenses, they share some similarities as well. Both options:

• Require careful handling and cleaning
• Can correct astigmatism
• Are affordable

Contact Us

At Sunridge Eye Clinic, our mission is to provide you with quality eye care. Whether you decide on eyeglasses or contact lenses, our eye doctors are here to help.

Book an eye or contact lens exam today or contact us at 403-280-7518 or use our online contact form.