Many people with refractive errors that require vision correction started their vision correction with eyeglasses when young. As they age, they become aware of other correction options, like contact lenses. Glasses are a great vision correction aid, serving many people well when using them. 

However, eyeglasses are also quite inconvenient in several situations, which makes them limiting. Some people may find it easier to switch to contact lenses. Ultimately, it all depends on the cons you are willing to deal with when choosing corrective eyewear.

What Are Corrective Lenses?

Corrective lenses are eyeglasses or contact lenses that you use to correct vision. They are available for both aesthetic purposes and vision correction. They come in various forms, types, and designs depending on the eye issue they are correcting. But despite their variations, they fall under two main categories: soft and hard contacts.

Pros of Contact Lenses and Cons of Eyeglasses

Visibility

These tiny discs are almost invisible, especially when they match your eye color. Moreover, they are invisible to the wearer, something that eyeglasses cannot do. Eyeglasses have frames in the field of view, while contact lenses provide a perfectly clear field of vision.

Lifestyle

Glasses can make it hard to engage in any active sports because they can fall off easily. With contact lenses, you can engage in different sports without fear of them falling off. You are also assured of clear vision even in your peripheral, which is essential when playing sports. 

Fogging Up

Eyeglasses tend to fog up in the cold or when you bend over a hot cup of coffee. You will never have to worry about this with contact lenses because your eyelids and tear film keeps them clear. Also, you do not have to worry about walking in the rain or getting anything on them like mud or dust.

Pros of Eyeglasses and Cons of Contact Lenses

Maintenance

The maintenance you need for contact lenses is much more comprehensive than with eyeglasses. You will need to maintain hygiene to prevent chances of infection. Eyeglasses are easy to use and maintain and rarely have any cases of infection. You only need to occasionally clean the lenses and frames, which takes less than a few minutes.

Putting Them On

Eyeglasses are easy to wear and do not require any skills or getting used to; you slip them on and carry on. Contact lenses are challenging to put on, especially in the first days of using them. This may become a real struggle if you are uncomfortable having something in your eye. 

Cost

Eyeglasses are more cost-effective than contact lenses because they do not require frequent replacement. They are also more durable than contact lenses, which may become gritty with overuse. 

Eye Conditions

Eyeglasses help prevent other eye conditions by forming a protective covering over your eyes. They also protect your eyelids and can prevent UV exposure through customizable lens coatings. On the other hand, contact lenses can lead to dry eye syndrome, even in people without the condition initially. Sometimes, dry eyes can occur just because of the type of contact lens that you are using.

For more on the pros and cons of corrective lenses for nearsightedness, visit Federal Hill Eye Care at our office in Baltimore, Maryland. Call (410) 752-8208​​​​​​​ to book an appointment today.