Glasses vs Contact Lenses: Pros and Cons | VisionDirect AU (2024)

Glasses and contact lenses are two common methods for vision correction, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.

In today’s world of vision correction, choosing your everyday method doesn’t only depend on eye health needs, but personal preference and lifestyle.

Whether you’re a longtime glasses wearer and considering switching to contacts, or you’re exploring your options after getting your first prescription, understanding the advantages and drawbacks of each option can help you make an informed decision.

Let’s take a look into what each offers to help you find what will work best for you.

Single vision lenses: Designed to correct a single vision issue, such as hyperopia (farsightedness), myopia (nearsightedness), or astigmatism.

Progressive lenses: Provide clear vision from multiple distances all in one pair of frames. Ideal for those with presbyopia.

Prism lenses: Correct double vision, also known as diplopia.

Reading lenses: Designed to enlarge the viewing area, aiding with close-up tasks.

Occupational lenses: Optimise vision for near and intermediate distances, reducing strain from prolonged screen use.

Prescription sunglass lenses: Combine UV light protection with vision correction.

Tinted lenses: Available in a range of colours, these lenses enhance contrast and visual clarity in certain environments, while offering a subtle reduction in brightness and a personalised style.

Polarised lenses: Reduce glare from reflective surfaces, such as water, snow and car windows, enhancing visibility and comfort in bright environments.

Mirrored lenses: Feature a reflective coating that significantly limits the amount of light entering the eyes, ideal for bright, sunny environments while adding a bold, fashionable look.

The most notable attribute of glasses is convenience: glasses are easy! You simply put them on and you’re good to go. They are low-maintenance and there’s no need to worry about sanitising precautions when handling them.

Unlike contact lenses, they can also act as a barrier against dust, wind and other environmental irritants. With the add-ons, you can even add an extra layer of customised protection.

Even though they can be pricier upfront when compared to contact lenses, they can last for years if properly taken care of, making them a more cost-effective option over time.

Finally, they come in a variety of styles and colours, adding an extra touch to your everyday look. Nowadays, there is a type of frame for every face shape, personal taste and lifestyle.

Although various benefits come with this option, there are some inconveniences to consider.

Glasses can sometimes be uncomfortable due to minor design features or differences in facial structure, which may cause them to slip down your nose or put pressure on your ears. It is best to acknowledge why they are causing discomfort and how to fix it.

They also limit peripheral vision and can create distortion or blurriness at the edges, especially for those with strong prescriptions or astigmatism.

In certain weather conditions, glasses are prone to fogging up and may smudge or scratch if not properly cared for, making them less compatible with certain active activities.

SmartBuyGlasses carries various lens coatings, such as scratch-resistant and superhydrophobic that can help avoid these problems.

Glasses can also be easy to lose, which is especially problematic for individuals with high prescriptions who rely on them to see.

Additionally, some may not like how they look in glasses, but with the wide variety of styles available, along with tools like our Virtual Try-On, finding a flattering pair has become easier.

Soft contacts: Made up of silicone and hydrogel, promoting breathability and comfort. However, options may be more limited for those requiring high astigmatism correction (high cylinder).

Hard (RGP) contacts: Made of silicone-containing compounds. Although it is not as initially comfortable as soft contacts, they provide sharper vision, good for people with dry eyes and high prescriptions.

Multifocal contact lenses: Available in both soft and hard contact lens material. Combining prescriptions for multiple distance vision, these are perfectly suitable for those who suffer from presbyopia.

Monthly contact lenses: Often more cost-effective, as they are reusable for up to 30 days with proper cleaning and care. They are durable and made from breathable materials, making them a good option for those who wear contacts every day.

Daily contact lenses: Single-use lenses that are discarded after being worn for the day. They offer ultimate convenience since they don’t require daily cleaning or storage, making them hassle-free.

Dailies are a great choice for those who want a low-maintenance option and only wear contacts occasionally. However, options for high astigmatism correction in soft daily lenses are more limited.

Contact lenses offer several advantages, including a wider field of vision since they rest directly on the eye, providing unobstructed peripheral vision for a more natural and seamless experience.

This is a great advantage for active individuals, as they also stay in place without interfering with activities, unlike glasses. Contacts do not fog up due to changes in weather, hot drinks, or face masks, ensuring clear vision in all conditions.

Their concealed appearance makes them nearly invisible, allowing you to maintain your natural look while also giving you the freedom to wear non-prescription frames like sunglasses.

Additionally, coloured contact lenses provide a fun option for those looking to change or enhance their eye colour for special occasions or everyday wear.

Although they can be very practical, contact lenses come with a few drawbacks, primarily due to their high maintenance requirements.

A proper contacts cleaning routine is crucial to prevent infections and more serious issues, like corneal damage. It is also essential to avoid sleeping in them.

Contacts can also cause irritation, particularly when worn for extended periods, as they may lead to dry eyes or discomfort, especially in environments with dry air or low humidity.

For beginners, inserting and removing contacts can feel challenging, as it involves direct eye contact. Proper insertion techniques are crucial for both comfort and eye health. If you’re new to contacts, our step-by-step guide can make the process easier.

There are also limitations in eye correction options, as mentioned previously. Contact lenses don’t correct prism, which is used for certain eye alignment issues.

Additionally, daily contact lenses have fewer options for those needing high astigmatism correction (high cylinder), particularly in soft lens materials.

The decision between glasses and contact lenses depends on your lifestyle, comfort preferences and vision needs.

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance and cost-effective option, glasses may be a better choice. On the other hand, if you live an active lifestyle and need constant unobstructed vision, contacts could be more convenient.

Many people find that combining glasses and contacts offers the best of both worlds.

Some prefer glasses for everyday wear and contacts for special occasions, sports, or more active days. Contrarily, others prefer to wear contacts daily for constant clear vision while using glasses for specific tasks like reading or working at the computer.

Exploring a combination of both can be a great option. Just remember that prescriptions for glasses and contacts can be different, so you’ll need separate prescriptions for each.

Finding the right glasses or contact lenses starts with a visit to an eye care professional. They will assess your vision needs and recommend a solution tailored to you.

Whether you choose a flattering pair of frames to express your style, or contacts for their convenience, you should prioritise a correct fit which provides clear vision and comfort.

If you need some quick, helpful advice, contact our opticians for easy access to expert guidance.