Contact Lenses vs. Traditional Eyeglasses
Contact lenses and eyeglasses are the two most common choices for correcting someone’s vision, also known as their refractive errors. However, they are not the only options. Surgical interventions include: LASIK, PRK, refractive lens exchange, cataract surgery, and more. Both contact lenses and eyeglasses can potentially improve your vision, but they also have some key differences. The eye care professionals at University Eye Associates in Davidson, Harrisburg (Rocky River) and University areas of Charlotte, NC, are here to ensure you have a proper eye examination and discuss your options for corrective lenses.
Visual Appearance
One obvious distinction between contacts lenses and eyeglasses comes down to aesthetics and visibility. There are several different reasons why someone might choose contact lenses over glasses and vice versa. Contact lenses are directly placed on the eye to appear as though someone is not wearing anything to correct their vision. Glasses, on the other hand, are worn on one’s face and can sometimes be considered more of a style or statement piece depending on one’s preference.
Convenience and Comfort
Everyone is different and has their own personal preference for convenience and comfort. Contact lenses take a little more time to insert and remove during the day, but that is something that University Eye Associates can help teach you to improve efficiency. Some might find that contact lenses are more beneficial for sports, outdoors, help eliminate issues such as fogging when moving between different temperature extremes, and more. Contact lenses do not directly replace glasses though. It is important to have a backup pair of glasses in case of an infection. Glasses, if selected properly, can be more comfortable and give you the best clarity of vision. University Eye Associates is here to assist you to help determine the best option for your everyday needs.
Unique Vision Needs
Your visual needs may determine whether contacts or eyeglasses best suit you. Glasses and contact lenses may not be for everyone. There are different situations where glasses may work better compared to contact lenses such as a large amount of astigmatism (eye is shaped more like a football rather than a soccer ball) and vice versa. Astigmatism can make wearing contacts more challenging at times due to the different eye shape. There are contact lenses that can correct these types of prescriptions. Certain prescriptions, also known as refractive error, may work best in contact lenses such as a high myope (nearsighted) or high hyperope (farsighted). Eyeglasses are initially easier for children, but this does not disqualify them from trying contact lenses. Talk with your optometrist near you about your specific vision needs to ensure you achieve all of your visual goals.
Lens Care and Costs
Glasses and contact lenses are medical devices used to correct your vision. Glasses may have a higher initial cost depending on the specific lens parameters, but usually do not require ongoing care. Contact lenses on the other hand, may require a higher initial cost if an annual supply of contact lenses are purchased or they can be ordered for a few months at a time. Contact lenses can require additional purchases throughout the year such as rewetting drops, contact lens cases, and contact lens solutions. Vision insurance plans can help reduce the cost of contacts and glasses depending on the type of plan you have. UEA is here to help guide you through that process for both glasses, contact lenses, as well as determining your insurance coverage.
Get the Vision Correction You Need at University Eye Associates
Knowing the differences between contact lenses and eyeglasses is vital for determining the best option for your vision correction needs, so contact University Eye Associates in Davidson and the Harrisburg (Rocky River) and University areas of Charlotte, NC, to schedule an eye exam and determine which vision correction option best suits you. Call us today at our Davidson office at (704) 896-9090, our Rocky River office at (704) 536-6042, or our University office at (704) 547-1551.