You can choose between contact lenses and eyeglasses to see better if your eyes are healthy but lack 20/20 vision. They both have their pros and cons. If your eye doctor diagnoses you with a refractive error, deciding between the two can be tasking. Read on to find out which is suitable for you.

Contacts

Contacts are glass or plastic lenses that correct vision by sitting on the eye lens. They consist of two types, soft and hard contacts. A soft contact lens comprises daily wear contacts, daily disposables, and extended wear contact lenses.

Hard contact lenses last longer than soft ones. They are less comfortable but easy to handle. They help individuals with astigmatism see better. They also suit individuals who have allergies.

Advantages of Contacts

Contact lenses allow you to have a natural vision without anything blocking your eyes. They do not get wet or fog up when it rains or gets cold. They also do not interfere if you take part in sports.

Disadvantages of Contacts

Contact lenses require a lot of care. After cleaning them, they need to be stored immediately. You risk infections if you handle them with dirty hands. They also require some time to put on.

Another disadvantage is that people with astigmatism can have blurry vision whenever their contact lenses rotate. You will also need to visit your eye doctor at Seaside Eyecare Optometry regularly for follow-up care.

Glasses

Eyeglasses consist of two types. Single vision ones correct distant problems, while multifocal glasses correct distance and near vision. Multifocal eyeglass lenses consist of bifocals, trifocals, and progressive lenses. The bifocals have a division where the upper half corrects distance and the lower part aids with reading. 

The trifocals have three divisions, the top section for distance and the lower part for reading. The third division between the two is to aid the central vision. Progressive lenses are a smooth transition of bifocals and trifocals without a division line.

Advantages of Eyeglasses

Eyeglasses do not require any preparation to wear. You just put them on and go about your business. They do not need a cleaning solution or a lot of care. You can also pick a frame based on your style.

You can stay with the same glasses for a long time as they do not need frequent changing if your vision remains the same. Eyeglasses also reduce your chances of touching your eyes and you can wear them and take them off whenever you please.

Disadvantages of Eyeglasses

Most glasses with a strong prescription can distort vision, specifically at the edge of their lens. The frames you choose can make sides or periphery vision hard to see. The weight of the eyeglasses may feel uncomfortable on your nose and can exert pressure on your two ears.

Some individuals do not like how eyeglasses look on them. Some also struggle to adapt to progressive lenses. Eyeglasses can also be hard to use when it rains as they fog up. They may also not be suitable for activities like sports.

Which Is Right for You?

Contact lenses and glasses are both meant to correct refractive errors. Your eye doctor will prescribe them after diagnosing you have a vision problem. You can wear either contacts or glasses. Some people wear both, depending on their situation. 

Some individuals may not wear contact lenses. However, technology advancements have developed specialty contacts. They allow people with conditions such as keratoconus to wear contact lenses that suit their needs.

You can know which between contacts and glasses is right for you, depending on your preference, comfort level, and lifestyle.

For more about contacts and glasses, visit Seaside Eyecare Optometry at our office in San Clemente, California. You can also call (949) 493-2269 to book an appointment today.