Contacts or glasses? This is a typical question among individuals with vision issues or those wanting to refine their look using these types of eyewear. While contacts and glasses perform the same function, their modus operandi and design are quite different. Knowing their traits, including the advantages and risks of each, is key to helping you make the right choice.
What are contact lenses and glasses?
Contact lenses are thin, round lenses put directly on the eye’s surface to rectify vision problems, though they can be used for cosmetic purposes, too. Their placement is not permanent since they need to be removed by the end of the day, whether using daily, bi-weekly, or monthly options. You can’t sleep with them unless they are designed for overnight wear.
Like contacts, glasses are worn to help you see clearly. This is if you have a challenge seeing objects up close, far away, or at different distances. They also come in handy for those with eye alignment issues and age-related eye conditions. What normally differentiates glasses from contacts is that they have frames that hold the lenses and rest on your nose and ears.
The prescriptions
Prescriptions for contact lenses and glasses don’t work the same since each lens type refracts light differently. This means that different measurements are made during eye tests. In this case, your contact lens prescription focuses on these variables:
- Base curve (BC)-this determines the curvature of your contact lens’ inner surface to ensure it matches the natural shape of your cornea.
- Diameter (DIA)- measures the width of the lens in millimeters (mm).
- Addition (ADD)- applies for multifocal lenses and specifies the extra power required for near vision correction.
- Date of expiration-prescriptions for contacts usually expire within a year or 2 at most. So, you need to be examined afresh to purchase contacts after the expiration period.
- Lens brand or material- this is needed since every lens material has a varying level of oxygen permeability. The material used also differs from soft, RGP (Rigid Gas Permeable) to hybrid.
- Power/sphere- this denotes the lens’ strength. A plus sign (+) applies for long-sightedness, while a minus sign (-) is for short-sightedness.
For glasses, these are some of the specific tests unique to it:
- Prism- measures the amount of light bending that’s required to rectify eye alignment issues (e.g., diplopia).
- Pupillary distance (PD)- this determines the distance between the centers of your pupils (in mm) to ensure the optical centers of your lenses match correctly with your eyes.
- DS (Diopters Sphere)- measures the spherical power of a lens prescription, mainly correcting nearsightedness or farsightedness.
|
Parameter |
Contact lens prescription |
Glasses prescription |
| Base curve | Yes | No |
| Diameter (DIA) | Yes | No |
| Addition (ADD) | Yes – for multifocal lenses | Yes – for progressive or bifocal glasses |
| Power/sphere | Yes | Yes |
| Prisma | No- contact lenses don’t correct eye alignment problems | Yes |
| Pupillary Distance (PD) | No- contacts are placed directly on the eyes | Yes- ensure proper alignment of lenses with the pupils |
| Lens material/brand | Yes-indicates material due to oxygen permeability | No- any lens material can be used |
| Expiration date | Yes – 1 to 2 years | No – glasses do not have an expiry date |
Note: Due to differences in vision, glasses and contact lenses cannot be used interchangeably unless you have a prescription for both after a comprehensive eye exam.
A comparison: similarities and differences
Glasses and contact lenses are similar in the following ways:
- Both correct common vision problems such as farsightedness (hyperopia), nearsightedness (myopia), and astigmatism.
- You need a prescription to use both vision aids.
- Both offer a wide range of options for users. They are available in different designs, materials, and technologies, including breathable materials for contact lenses and different tints for glasses.
- They can be worn purely for fashion reasons.
These types of vision aids also have some differences. Let's take a closer look at these below:
User-friendliness
Putting on and removing eye glasses is as easy as wearing a hat or scarf. You don’t need to apply any special technique like with contacts. For a first-timer, wearing contacts can be challenging, especially if it folds or sticks to the finger; proper handling and hygiene is also required. But the insertion and removal process should be less stressful with time.
Comfort
Glasses are generally comfortable though they can be bothersome if they are heavy, too tight, or frequently slip down on your ears. The pressure they exert on the ears and nose bridge can also be irritating when you wear glasses for a long time. With contact lenses, you might even forget you are wearing them and go about your business until it’s time to remove them. They blend naturally with your eyes and are hardly noticeable unless someone is up close. However, proper fitting is essential to avoid eye strain, dryness, or irritation.
Field of view
Contact lenses have a wider field of view than glasses. They move with your eyes, which ensure you enjoy consistent vision across all angles. This makes the lenses ideal for outdoor activities, sports, and tasks needing sharp peripheral awareness. Frames for eyeglasses can limit peripheral vision, so blind spots at the edges are very real. Scratches or smudges on the lenses may affect clarity further.
Durability
Glasses can serve you for years, as long as you care for them properly. But they are at risk of scratching, breaking and bending if mishandled. Contact lenses, on the other hand, have a specific lifespan—daily to monthly use. You have to replace them regularly to ensure good eye health and clear vision. Contacts don’t break, though they can dry out, tear, or cause discomfort if not stored well.
Cost
You may incur a higher upfront cost when acquiring glasses, but the advantage is they last longer with proper handling and care. For standard contacts, the case is different. Although they are cheaper at first, recurring expenses related to replacement, cleaning solutions, and storage cases can add to the overall cost in the long run and surpass that of glasses.
|
Category |
Contact lenses |
Glasses |
Conclusion |
| User-friendliness | Needs practice for proper insertion and removal, with a learning curve for new users | Easy to wear and remove. |
Glasses are more user-friendly. |
| Comfort | Feel natural once worn appropriately | Can be uncomfortable if heavy, tight, or slip down | Contact lenses are more comfortable and feel more natural. |
| Vision | Wide and unrestricted vision. | Narrow field of view | Contact lenses offer better peripheral vision. |
| Durability | Limited lifespan |
Long-lasting with proper care |
Glasses win – last longer |
| Costs | Lower initial cost but higher ongoing expenses |
Higher initial cost with occasional repairs |
Glasses win – more cost-effective |
Benefits/Risks
Contact lenses and glasses offer several benefits, including easy accessibility, customizability, and eye protection. Unfortunately, they also carry some risks, such as:
Contact lenses
- Eye infections can occur if handled improperly.
- They can cause dry eyes and irritation.
- They can be uncomfortable if they don't fit properly or are worn for too long.
- Some users may experience allergies due to the materials used or cleaning products.
Glasses
- Glasses can break easily and cause injury.
- Certain environmental conditions (e.g., rain, fog, or dust) can cause the lenses to fog up and impair vision.
- Some glasses can cause glare, which can impair vision, especially at night.
- If you have strong prescription glasses, they may affect the appearance of your eyes. This is due to the reducing or magnifying effect of the lenses on your external vision.
What considerations should you make when choosing
Before deciding on contact lenses or glasses, there are a few things you should consider:
Lifestyle
If you have an active lifestyle or play sports, contact lenses may be ideal. You don't have to worry about them falling out frequently or being damaged during movement. However, if you have a sedentary lifestyle and want to avoid the hassle of regular maintenance, glasses may be the better choice.
Eye health
Do you frequently suffer from eye infections, corneal disorders, uncontrolled allergies, or dry eyes? If so, you should avoid contact lenses, as they can exacerbate these problems.
Aesthetic needs
Do you want to look good? Both types of vision aids can help you do that. With contact lenses, you can choose a color that matches your eye color. Glasses come in a variety of stylish frames and shapes to suit different face shapes and personal styles. The choice is yours!
Bottom line?
Between contacts and glasses, which is the better option? There’s no conclusive answer. Either eyewear can be good for you; it all depends on your visual needs, preferences, budget, and more. But if you are looking for minimal maintenance, durability, and convenience, consider purchasing glasses. For more comfort, a wider field of view, or enhance your style, contacts should sort you out.
What about getting both contacts and glasses? That’s possible, too. You can enjoy the best of both worlds by switching between the two in different environments. For instance, you can wear glasses while at home and switch to contacts during workouts or special occasions. But remember you need to get a prescription for each if you choose this route.