Contacts Vs Glasses: Which Is Best?

Normally, the choices you make about your eyes' health come down to what can help you the most. But the choice between wearing contacts or wearing glasses to correct your vision is more personal preference than it is a competition. So if you're trying to decide which form of vision correction is right for you, then here are some pros and cons you need to know.

Glasses

Possibly the oldest form of vision correction, glasses have been used since roughly 1268. Today, millions of people all around the world wear glasses for various reasons, including:

  • They're clean. Since the glasses sit in front of your eyes, rather than in them, you reduce the risk of infection that comes naturally from contact application.
  • They work for a broad range of people. No matter what the particular quirks of your eyes, glasses can handle them. They don't dry out already dry eyes, and don't irritate sensitive eyes.
  • They're cheap. Unlike contacts, which you have to buy on a yearly (if not more often) basis, you can keep your glasses as long as you want--provided you don't break them. 

However, there are a few cons to wearing glasses.

  • They can distort vision. Because they sit away from your eyes, glasses can distort the scene in front of you, and don't help at all with peripheral vision.
  • They can be uncomfortable. Not only do you constantly have something sitting on your face, but if you're sensitive behind the ears--literally--then the frames can cause significant discomfort.

Contacts

Developed in 1801 by an English scientist, contacts are slowly but surely growing in popularity, especially with the younger generations. There are many very good reasons to wear contacts, such as:

  • They're non-obstructive. Wearing glasses can involve jumping a lot of hurdles, such as fogging, shifting, breaking, and even the presence of the frame in general. With contacts, you have unimpeded corrected vision.
  • They're invisible. If you're worried about corrected vision having a negative effect on your outward appearance, then you'll want to go with contacts. Because no one can see them, you can tie together a seamless look, without worrying about glasses getting in the way.
  • They're constantly improving. It wasn't that long ago that contacts could only be worn by specific people with specific vision problems, but that struggle is a thing of the past. Contacts can improve a number of vision ailments, from nearsightedness and farsightedness, to more extreme issues such as astigmatism.

However, there are a few reasons to avoid these lenses entirely.

  • They're delicate. If you're not good with fine motor skills, you might want to skip contacts. They require precision--and practice--to put in, and if you're better with big objects (or constantly in a hurry), contacts may not be a great fit for you.
  • They can dry your eyes. If you suffer from slightly dry eyes already, contacts are not for you. They can extend the problem, making it worse than ever.

For more information you should consult your eye doctor at a clinic like Buffalo Grove Eye Care Center.


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