How to Choose Glasses vs Contact Lenses

How to Choose Glasses vs Contact Lenses

If you’ve discovered that you need to wear corrective lenses, you will most likely have the choice between traditional glasses or contact lenses. At R Woodfall, we can help you decide which is the best option to suit your vision as we can offer both glasses and a variety of contact lenses. 

In most cases, contact lenses will be suited for most people but it’s important to visit an optometrist to ensure you are making an informed and safe decision.

What’s the difference between glasses and contact lenses?

The most obvious difference is how you wear glasses versus how you wear contact lenses, as the latter goes on your eye itself. However, there are other differences that you may not be aware of.

If you choose to wear contact lenses, you will require a different prescription to your glasses. This is because the two sit differently on your face, with the contact lenses much closer to your eye while glasses will sit further away. This is why it’s important to visit an optician before wearing contact lenses for the first time.

Your glasses will generally be one type, such as single vision or varifocal. On the other hand, there are many different types of contact lenses including daily disposables and frequent replacements, as well as specialist contact lenses like gas permeable and Ortho-K.

What to consider about contact lenses

Contact lenses can offer a number of advantages to your lifestyle, particularly if you are active. This is because you can remove the need to wear frames or plastic lenses which may be a hindrance if you play sport. Similarly, if you’d like to achieve the aesthetic value of no longer having to wear frames, such as for special occasions, you can still see clearly with contact lenses. 

It’s important to remember that you must wear contact lenses with care. If you’re new to wearing them, you may be more susceptible to scratches or infections, and they can take some time to get used to. You might notice your eyes feel drier than usual with contact lenses, and there will be some maintenance to consider to keep your contact lenses clean and hygienic.

You may also find that contact lenses can provide a wider field of view with better peripheral vision than traditional glasses.

What to consider with glasses

Glasses will offer less need to touch your eyes, which can reduce your chance of infection. Your glasses might even help to protect your eyes better against the outside world, including things like debris and wind. 

While some glasses will still take some getting used to, they are generally very easy to use. The better quality the lenses, the easier they will be to adjust to.

In some cases, glasses may be cheaper in the long run than having to buy new contact lenses frequently. 

No harm in choosing both!

There’s no reason why you can’t alternate between both glasses and contact lenses, depending on the occasion. Just remember that your glasses should be an up-to-date pair, just in case you need to take an unexpected break from contact lenses due to irritation or an infection.

The team here at R Woodfall can help you to make the right decision depending on your vision needs and eyesight. Get in touch today to learn more about our eye care services. 

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