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Contacts and Eyeglasses Pros and Cons


Statistically speaking, more people in the United States still prefer wearing glasses over contact lenses. With that said, contact lenses have seen a wide growth in popularity ever since the invention of the disposable contact lens just over 25 years ago. While many choose to stay exclusive to wearing contact lenses or eyeglasses, a more recent trend that is occurring is for people to own both glasses as well as contact lenses. Generally speaking, contacts and glasses offer a wide array of individual benefits, but they each have unique drawbacks in addition to their benefits. Read below to see where you stand and whether contacts or glasses would be more beneficial for your lifestyle.

Benefits of Wearing Contact Lens

  • Contacts offer natural eyesight without distortion, glare, or poor peripheral vision
  • No additional weight on your face, and no readjusting glasses
  • Great for athletes and people who lead an active lifestyle
  • Contact lenses will never fog up due to cold weather or excess moisture
  • Contacts offer the option to change your eye color via colored contacts
  • Contact lenses won't ever look "geeky" and show off your natural eyes

Drawbacks to Wearing Contact Lenses

  • Forgetting to clean contact lenses can lead to eye irritation, or even infection
  • Contacts require daily attention and more upkeep than glasses
  • Contacts can amplify seasonal allergy symptoms
  • Contacts may be more difficult for children or elderly to use

Benefits of Wearing Glasses

  • Eye glasses won't require frequent replacement purchases, and are cheaper in the long run
  • Glasses can compliment your style, and may give you an "intelligent" look
  • Glasses are very low maintenance and pose zero risk for infection or eye irritation

Disadvantages of Wearing Glasses

  • You may experience reflection and glare, especially at night when wearing glasses
  • Eyeglasses may become uncomfortable, especially around the nose piece
  • Disadvantageous for athletes, and special goggles are often required just to participate in some sports.
  • Glasses offer poor peripheral vision, and sometimes have edge distortion
  • Many individuals would prefer not to wear glasses in terms of fashion, as they may hide facial features.