Prescription Glasses vs. Contact Lenses: What Are the Pros and Cons? 

Any change in your vision calls for the need for prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. Whether you are dealing with eyestrain, blurred vision or other visual concerns, all you have to do is get your eyes checked and invest in high-quality eyewear options. Your decision-making process while choosing between contact lenses and prescription glasses depends on different factors such as comfort, lifestyle, budget, convenience and aesthetics. 

While both options are potent enough to take care of your vision, keeping yourself updated about their advantages and disadvantages is extremely crucial. In this blog, we will explore valuable details about them. Stay tuned with us and keep reading. 

A Brief Note on Prescription Eyeglasses 

Donning prescription glasses is simply the easiest way to take care of your eyes. It is the most classic solution that also acts as an incredible fashion accessory these days. Supporting multiple eye health problems, prescription pairs have always been a saviour for every glass wearer. 

Speaking of glasses prescription, you will come across abbreviations and numbers like OS (oculus sinister) and OD (oculus dextrus). They represent the left and right eyes respectively. These numbers speak volumes regarding the amount of vision correction required by each of your eyes. Also, the prescription includes a minus and plus sign which means farsighted and nearsighted respectively. 

A Brief Note on Contact Lenses 

Contact lenses, on the other hand, are placed directly on your eyes. Whether you are looking for fortnightly, monthly or daily use, there is a contact lens for every time span. You can opt for multifocal lenses for presbyopia, toric lenses for astigmatism and spherical lenses for hyperopia and myopia. 

Some of the variables included in contact lenses are BC (Base Curve) and DIA (Diameter). Apart from that, contact lens prescriptions require lens material or brand- each one of them offers oxygen permeability of different levels. Also, contact lenses tend to expire after a year or so. Make sure to visit your optometrist every year and get your prescription updated. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Prescription Eyeglasses 

Let’s scheme through the pros and cons of prescription eyeglasses at a quick glance: 

Advantages	Disadvantages
Eyeglasses are an easy, quick and cheap way to keep your vision in check.	Eyeglasses can block and affect your peripheral vision.
You don’t need to touch your eyes while wearing these glasses. As a result, the chances of eye infections are less.	Due to unforeseen circumstances, they can be easily lost or damaged.
While shopping for eyeglasses, you can choose between a plethora of styles and frame options. The internet is up to the brim with endless eyeglasses, you can always experiment with different pairs and protect your eyes.	Designer and fashionable frames can be expensive.
When maintaining your glasses is considered, It doesn’t involve a lot of hassle. All you need to do is use a cleaning solution and microfibre cloth- rub your glasses with the cloth and place it inside your case.	Lenses tend to get dirty or fog up after excessive use. If you are using them in outdoor and sporting activities, taking proper care is way too important.
Prescription glasses can be converted into prescription sunglasses. Hit the streets and keep sun rays at bay.	Strong prescriptions pave the way toward crafting thick glasses. It might look unappealing to some.
You can install protective coatings and combat eye fatigue and eye strain while working on computers.	There are frames that exert pressure on your ears and nose. It naturally leads to general discomfort and headaches.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Contact Lenses 

Now, it’s time to learn the advantages and disadvantages of contact lenses. Keep scrolling: 

Advantages	Disadvantages
Contact lenses, unlike glasses, don’t affect your appearance. They are not even noticeable on your eyes.	Studies say that the majority of the contact lens wearers suffer from serious eye problems and infections. It can lead to blindness.
They are an excellent choice for every outdoor activity.	People sleeping with their contact lenses on are more prone to developing serious infections.
Contact lenses are easy to wear and remove. Getting adapted to the overall process isn’t much time taking.	Inadequate hygiene, cleaning and maintenance pave the way toward causing irritation, infections and inflammation.
Contact lenses can be worn for 7 days at a stretch.	Contact lenses can be a problem for people with sensitive or dry eyes.
When compared to eyeglasses, contact lenses don’t necessarily affect your peripheral vision.	Contact lens wearers demand for frequent prescription renewals and eye check-ups.
Contact lenses don’t become dirty or foggy.	Debris is a potential element that can harm your eyes and get under the lens.
People often wear them to improve their self-esteem.	When compared to the glasses, contact lenses can be more expensive.

Hopefully, you are now aware of the advantages and disadvantages of contact lenses and eyeglasses. If you feel the need for glasses or contact lenses, make sure to get in touch with an eye specialist. They will help you to make an informed decision. 

References: 

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/glasses-vs-contacts#contact-lenses