What Are the Benefits of Eyeglasses Vs. Contact Lenses?

Both eyeglasses and contact lenses serve as vision correction aids that require a prescription from an eye doctor before being purchased. Depending on your lifestyle, you may prefer one form of vision correction over another.

Cost

• Eyeglasses are a one time purchase, while contacts are purchased in boxes that contain a supply that may last three or six months. Both types of vision correction aids are usually at least partially covered by the majority of vision insurance plans.

Maintenance

• Cleaning eyeglasses involves wiping the lenses with a soft cloth and lens cleaner a few times a week and takes less than a minute. Although daily disposable contact lenses are thrown away after one time use and require no maintenance, extended wear contacts and gas permeable contacts require more care.

Physical Appearance

• Contacts allow you to keep your physical appearance unobstructed. Some varieties of contact lenses allow you to change the color of your iris while wearing them. Eyeglasses complement and draw attention to your facial features. Custom eyeglass frames allow you to accessorize and express your individual style.

Considerations

• Although new technology has made some glasses more durable, all glasses can break. Disposable contact lenses can tear, while gas permeable lenses can break.

Benefits to Vision

• Contacts provide unobstructed vision, while the frame of your glasses is always within your field of vision. Tinted eyeglass lenses offer protection from UV rays and make day driving easier. Contact lenses do not fog up during wet or cold weather.