Contact lenses vs Glasses: Which is best for you?

Not sure whether to choose glasses or contact lenses? Or, do you already have glasses, and don't dare to wear contact lenses? We've listed the pros and cons of glasses and contacts to make your choice easier.

What are the benefits of glasses?

• One-time costs: Glasses only have to be purchased once, provided they do not break or the eyesight does not deteriorate.
• Healthy eyes: Unlike contact lenses, glasses do not block oxygen flow. So there is no risk of inflammation or irritation.
• Allergies and colds: If you have watery and itchy eyes glasses can be worn and, unlike contact lenses, do not affect the healing process and do not irritate the eyes additionally.
• Protection of the eyes: The glasses protect your eyes from dust or insects.
• Convenient to carry: Glasses can be easily put on or taken off anywhere, without having to stand in front of a mirror and worry about maintenance and hygiene.

What are the disadvantages of glasses?

• Annoying during sports: During sports, glasses can often get in the way because they can slip or fall off. In addition, it only offers a limited field of vision.
• Restricted vision: Dirt can quickly build up on the lenses; they can reflect or fog up when the temperature changes.
• Thick and heavy lenses: The higher the correction values, the thicker and heavier the lenses become. As a result, the eyes can often appear very large and wearing them can become more uncomfortable due to more pressure.
• Nickel allergy: Nickel is often used as a material for glasses. Nickel can cause skin rashes and redness in people with allergies.
• Aesthetics: Not everyone is attracted to glasses - especially teenagers who are not very enthusiastic when they suddenly must wear them.
• No sunglasses: If you wear spectacles, you cannot wear sunglasses at the same time. You must be specially fitted with prescription sunglasses. Alternatively, some lenses darken automatically when bright; these are called Transitions.
• Uncomfortable to wear: Sometimes glasses do not fit properly and therefore be very uncomfortable and annoying.
• Risk of damage: Glasses can fall, scratch, bend or even break. Therefore, they should always be treated with great care.

What are the benefits of contact lenses?

• Handy for sports: Contact lenses are great for sports - they allow you to see clearly and sharply, and you don't have to worry about breaking them or worrying about them falling on the ground.
• Clear view: Lenses offer a clear field of vision - in contrast to glasses, contact lenses do not fog up or reflect, but offer an unrestricted view.
• Correction of solid values: Very strong visual impairments can be corrected with contact lenses without any problems, without changing the thickness of the lens.
• Regular replacement: Lenses can be replaced regularly. If the lenses are damaged, they can easily be changed.
• Wearing sunglasses: If you wear contact lenses, you can use sunglasses without correction values. 
• No reading glasses: With multifocal lenses, you can see perfectly in different visual areas. You can say goodbye to your reading glasses.
• Different lens types: Contact lenses are available as daily lenses, monthly lenses, and two weekly lenses. This provides many options to choose from and makes them suitable for most lifestyles.

What are the disadvantages of contact lenses?

• Dryness and irritation: When wearing contact lenses, the eyes are more prone to dryness and irritation.
• Unsuitable for allergies: Contact lenses are uncomfortable and unsuitable for allergies, so you should reach for your glasses if your eyes are watery, itchy, or irritated.
• Elaborate hygiene and care: Weekly and monthly lenses must be cared for regularly and stored overnight.
• No continuous wear: Contact lenses cannot be worn continuously. Especially before going to bed, it is important to ensure that the lenses are removed before going to sleep.

So, are contact lenses or glasses better?

Glasses and contact lenses both have their pros and cons. That is why everyone should individually decide which option is most suitable. Of course, the decision also depends on your lifestyle, habits, hobbies, and other factors.

Contact lenses are particularly beneficial if you are any of the following:

• Active: For those who live an active lifestyle and play a lot of sports, contact lenses can be very useful. By using contact lenses, vision is kept clear and sharp, and there is no worry about breaking them or worrying about them falling on the ground.
• Fashion-conscious: People conscious of their appearance may prefer contact lenses because they do not obstruct their facial features. This allows people to experiment with their clothing without having to match their glasses. Also, coloured contact lenses are available for those who want to experiment with different eye colours.
• Working in a specific occupation: In certain professions, individuals may be required to have unobstructed vision. Occupations like actors, models, athletes, etc. will benefit from the freedom contact lenses provide.
• Seeking convenience: Contact lenses offer a hassle-free solution for correcting vision as they eliminate the need to constantly wear and adjust glasses.
• Suffering with a strong prescription: When people with stronger prescriptions wear glasses, they usually have thicker lenses which can cause distortion and limit peripheral vision. The wearer will benefit from wide peripheral vision and no distortion by using contact lenses.

It's important to note that while contact lenses can be a great option for many individuals, they may not be suitable for everyone. An eye care professional can guide whether contact lenses are the right choice for your specific needs. However, you always must have glasses on hand anyway – in case a lens is lost, you have sore eyes, or your eyes need a breather from contact lenses.