Contact Lenses vs Glasses

Tina Patel Tina Patel
Tuesday, 17 January 2023 Share this blog: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy link Copy Link

Should you wear contact lenses or glasses? We know it can be difficult to know which option is best for you. As with most things, there are advantages and disadvantages to wearing both. Read on to discover how beneficial each option can be and how to choose between contact lenses and glasses.

Benefits of wearing glasses

Here are some of the top reasons to wear glasses:

Glasses are a fashion accessory

Glasses aren’t just a way to correct your vision; they are a fashion accessory too. There are so many different glasses styles available you’ll definitely find the right one to suit your personal style.

Glasses act as a barrier

Glasses can act as a barrier and protect eyes from pollen, dust and flying insects.

Low-maintenance option

Monthly and 2 weekly contact lenses require a lens cleaning routine, and glasses only need to be cleaned every now and again. Although it’s worth noting that daily disposable lenses don’t need to be cleaned, therefore, can be used as a fuss-free alternative.

You can customise your glasses

There are a variety of lenses for glasses to suit a range of needs and lifestyles. This includes single-vision lenses, bifocal lenses and varifocals. You can also choose different lens options to create an accessory that fits you and your lifestyle.

contact lenses vs glasses optician

Cons of wearing glasses

Although glasses are an excellent choice for many, these are some things to consider as potential drawbacks to this option.

Foggy glasses

When going from cold environments to hot ones, glasses tend to fog up, obstructing your vision.

Style

Some people just don’t like how they look in glasses. Although there are many different colour and shape varieties to choose from.

Not great for sports

Sports and glasses generally don’t mix well; this is because flying objects like balls and rackets can easily break your glasses. Running with glasses on can also be challenging, as they may end up slipping down and off the face. When playing sports outdoors, rain can also collect on the lens surface of glasses, obstructing vision.

Benefits of wearing contact lenses

Many people across the world choose to wear contact lenses, and with good reason. Once you are used to putting them in and taking them out, wearing lenses is an easy, convenient and excellent way of correcting your vision.

1. They’re great for active people

Contact lenses offer the most efficient eyewear solution for keen athletes and active individuals who enjoy playing sports. They don’t move around when your head or eyes move, meaning you won’t have to worry about them falling out and potentially breaking. Contact lenses rarely escape from the eye socket, and on the incredibly rare occasion they do (most commonly if a wearer rubs their eyes too hard or if they get too dry), they’re very difficult to break. Contact lenses are most certainly more ideal than glasses for those who live an active lifestyle.

Less obstructive than glasses, contacts also won’t interfere with safety gear such as helmets, caps and goggles.

contact lenses are great for active people

2. Clearer vision

Contacts sit comfortably on the eye's curvature, giving you excellent focus and a wider field of view than glasses. Your lenses won’t be affected by adverse weather conditions such as fog and rain, while they also won’t steam up in hotter conditions. Reflections and distortions that can arise with glasses will become a thing of the past, and you won’t have to worry about scratches to the lens that would otherwise have you forking out for a new pair of spectacles. Therefore, if you'd like a clearer field of vision, we recommend contact lenses.

3. You can get creative

Whilst you can choose from a wide range of glasses to suit your face shape, contact lenses will allow you to change your eye colour. They come in an array of shades that will enable you to temporarily and safely change the colour of your eyes. Whether you want a more natural and subtle change or to stand out from the crowd, we offer a fantastic range of coloured contact lenses from comfi colors, Air Optix and FreshLook.

4. You don’t have to compromise on style

A stylish pair of glasses can certainly complement your look, but they can also get in the way, particularly if you wear eye makeup. Many people who wear glasses opt for light-reactive lenses to protect their eyes from UV rays. As well as being expensive, they don’t come in the versatile and fashionable range that sunglasses do.

woman applying mascara

5. Comfort

Contact lenses are available for even the most specific of prescriptions. You’ll find a wide range of lenses on the market for vision correction. There are toric lenses for astigmatism and multifocal contacts for those who require multiple prescriptions in one lens to correct blurry vision caused by presbyopia. Those with vision problems and refractive errors no longer need to suffer. Even sensitive eyes can enjoy maximum comfort with our comfi Pure 1 Day contact lenses, perfectly suited for those who often suffer from dry eyes.

6. Life is just easier

For starters, it’s easier to kiss, as contacts won’t get in the way of those sweet moments like some clunky spectacles could. You can also ride roller coasters without worrying your glasses will fall off, and you also won’t have to deal with lens glare next time you take a selfie. We think those are all excellent reasons to wear contacts instead of glasses.

Cons of wearing contact lenses

Contact lenses aren’t for everyone, there are some reasons that lenses may not be ideal for you and your lifestyle.

1. Contacts can be more expensive than glasses

The price of contact lenses varies depending on a wide range of factors, including what brand you opt for, whether you go for monthlies or dailies, and the lens's technology. Daily disposable lenses are usually the most expensive because they offer convenience as they can be disposed of at the end of the day. Monthly and two weekly lenses are more affordable than dailies.

Glasses are more affordable over time compared to lenses. Although, you can buy our comfi Daily Disposable contact lenses (5 pack) for as little as €2.99. Whatever contacts you decide to opt for, we stock the best range of lenses at the lowest prices in the UK. To be sure of this, we also offer a Price Match Guarantee.

What are the pros and cons of contact lenses and glasses?

Glasses can be a stylish option, with many frame sizes, silhouettes and colours/patterns to choose from. However, wearing your specs while playing sports can result in a broken frame, so not a practical choice for all occasions. Lenses also have some drawbacks, but on the whole, they are well-suited to most people and can be an excellent way of correcting your vision.

pros and cons of contact lenses

Lenses recommended for dry eyes/sensitive eyes

1 Day Acuvue Moist

1 Day Acuvue Moist is one of the most popular lenses due to its hydrating feel, comfort and convenience. These daily lenses use Lacreon technology to help keep moisture at the surface of the lens.

comfi Daily Disposable

comfi Daily Disposable contact lenses are soft hydrogel lenses that promise comfort and moisture all day long. These handy daily lenses can be thrown away at the end of each day, making them a hygienic choice. Great for first-time lens wearers.

Are contact lenses safe?

The latest innovations in eye technology make contact lenses extremely safe, and as long as you follow a thorough eye care routine, you shouldn’t encounter any problems. Most modern lenses are now made of silicone hydrogel, which allows a higher oxygen level to reach the cornea. As a result, many problems which became prominent in the 90s are less of a concern now.

Is it better to wear glasses or contacts?

There are benefits to wearing both contact lenses and glasses, so it can be challenging to decide which option is better suited to you. There are a lot of myths about contact lenses that prevent people from trying them; however, lenses are safe to wear if maintained properly. Two weekly and monthly contact lenses must be cleaned and stored correctly to maintain your eye health and avoid eye infections.

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