There are many types of corrective lenses available to consumers, but perhaps the most common forms are glasses and contact lenses. People have been wearing both types of glasses for quite some time, dating back at least to the 11th century.
The goal of corrective lenses is to restore or correct impaired vision so that a person can see more clearly. The most common types of vision conditions that can be corrected with glasses and contact lenses include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, while both are designed for the same purpose (to help people see), there are some major differences between the two. In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of glasses and contact lenses, and what makes them different from each other.
Affordability
When it comes to the difference between contact lenses and glasses, affordability can be one of the most vital factors. Of course, this is relative to the individual’s income in addition to what she or he needs in terms of corrective vision. Contacts tend to be a bit costlier than glasses for many reasons even though contact lenses offer greater comfort with the general wear and tear on your eyes. However, many ophthalmologists provide access to contact lenses at very good prices as a method to promote their services. Also, those who wear contact lenses can normally purchase multipacks rather than having to buy them individually as the prescription for each lens may vary barely from one to another.
On the other hand, glasses tend to be a little cheaper because of their more common use. In other words, there isn’t any need for a special prescription for somebody to wear glasses as these can be used without corrective lenses being inserted into the frame. However, many people find that eyeglasses aren’t as snug or fashionable as contact lenses, so it is necessary to keep this in mind when deciding which type of vision correction device will best benefit you.
Appearance
The first difference between the two types of corrective lenses is their appearance, particularly what you see when someone wears them. When a person wears glasses, the entire face can be seen clearly because there aren’t any obstructions, aside from the frame. This means that if it’s a visual frame, then others may know they’re wearing it glasses even if they cannot say precisely what type of correction they need. On the other hand, when someone wears contact lenses, only their eyes are visible unless they’re looking directly at you.
This makes it approximately impossible to tell whether or not they’re wearing a vision corrective device without having the ability to look them in the eye or hold both in your hand. Contact lenses are also more likely to be worn all the time as some people find they look better and more natural, whereas glasses may not at all times be snug or possible.
Comfort
Another difference between contact lenses and glasses is the degree of comfort, which can depend upon factors such as the type of corrective lenses, how they’re worn, and whether a person has sensitive skin. In general, corrective lens those worn every day tend to cause less irritation because they do not need to have a long-term effect on your vision. However, contacts normally take some getting used to particularly if you just entered them within the last few hours or days. Some eye doctors have barely different prescriptions, meaning you may must return a few times if you feel uncomfortable.
On the other hand, glasses tend to fit better because there’s more room for error and may not be as noticeable even if they aren’t positioned properly on your face. Likewise, those who wear glasses can easily adjust them as needed without having to worry about losing their contacts in the process.
Handling
Another major difference between contact lenses and glasses has to do with handling certain tasks such as riding a bicycle or playing certain sports. While both corrective lenses can be easily removed and put back on as needed, contact lenses can be a little tougher for some people to handle. This is because contact lenses tend to move around in the eye at times, requiring occasional blinks to keep them from falling out. Conversely, glasses are less likely to slide or move because they rest on your face without much movement.
Because of this difference, those who wear contact lenses may need someone with them during activities which could cause their vision correction devices to fly spontaneously from their eyes if they attempt these tasks alone. However, there’s nothing stopping you from wearing both types of corrective without delay with special clip-on lenses designed particularly for eyeglasses.
In the end, contact lenses and glasses have their own advantages and downsides that must be considered before making a decision. Before you take this leap, it is important to understand precisely what you are getting into. For more information on any of the corrective devices, feel free to contact your local optometrist and visit the website of an optical store near you to find out about their latest offers, discounts and sales.
