Glasses or contact lenses: what to wear?

When you suffer from vision problems, it’s necessary to go to an optometrist for a complete visual examination. This, in addition to completing a total checkup of your eye health, will determine if you need to wear visual orthoses to correct your vision. You will have the choice between wearing glasses or contact lenses. You don’t know what to choose between these two solutions? Do they offer the same comfort and the same improvement in day-to-day vision? This is what we will try to explain through this article.

The different types of contact lenses

By definition, contact lenses are worn directly in contact with the cornea (surface of the eye), and offer several advantages: in addition to being ultra discreet, they correct most visual defects, i.e. myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia.

There are 2 main types of corrective lenses:

rigid contact lenses: created from a firm polymeric plastic material, they offer very good visual acuity. They are used more rarely for patients who have special needs such as keratoconus or severe eye dryness.

soft contact lenses: made with silicone hydrogel, a thin and flexible material, they are the most common type of contact lenses on the market. They are comfortable and correct most visual defects. Their advantageous cost and ease of use make them super accessible to the majority of patients willing to wear them.

What are the benefits of each of these medical devices?

To wear contact lenses

There are many advantages to wearing contact lenses and for good reason, they are very discreet, effective and easy to wear. Always more flexible, thin and adapted to the morphology of your eye, they are to be preferred if you are the active type!

Ideal for sports: you never have to worry about your vision during your sports session, since your lenses are discreet, do not cause fogging and avoid having a frame that breaks.

Affordable price: lenses are more affordable than a pair of glasses, and they also save you from having to buy a pair of sunglasses for your eyesight.

Treatment of all vision defects: whether you are nearsighted, farsighted, astigmatic or presbyopic, contact lenses correct many visual defects. They also offer much more pleasant peripheral vision than a pair of spectacles, for example.

Multi-Purpose: Whether you choose monthly or daily lenses, it’s very easy to slip a few boxes into your bag, as they take up very little space.

To wear glasses

On the other hand, a good pair of glasses is never out of trend!

Different styles: as a real fashion accessory, glasses allow you to proudly reflect and display your style and personality, through original, extravagant, stylish and chic frames. And nothing prevents you from having a pair for each type of event, to stick even better to the atmosphere of the moment.

Easy to wear every day: a pair of glasses is comfortable, easy to wear and to store in its case, when not required. In addition, it requires very little daily maintenance.

Treatment of all vision defects: glasses make it possible to correct absolutely all vision defects, according to the prescription given by your optometrist.

What are the disadvantages of glasses and contact lenses?

Now, it is also important to understand the limitations and downsides of each of these medical devices.

The downsides of contact lenses

Beware of water: because they absorb water, wearing lenses in an aqueous environment (swimming pool, shower, beach, etc.) is not recommended. Indeed, water contains microorganisms that can be harmful to eye health.

Be vigilant about cleanliness: always wash your hands well before putting on/taking off your lenses, because the slightest dirt can irritate the eye, or even pose a risk of infection. Also remember to remove them every night before sleeping, as the eye may lack oxygen.
Some side effects: most side effects that occur with contact lens wear are itching, dry eyes, burning sensation, tearing, sensitivity to light, and occasional blurred or distorted vision.

Be rigorous about changing lenses: there is an expiration date on lenses, which it is very important to respect. It will therefore be necessary to renew them regularly, just like the conservation solution which allows them to be cleaned every evening. Also, slightly worn lenses can cause damage/irritation to the surface of the eye, so don’t skimp on buying new boxes!

The downsides of glasses

Price: a pair of glasses for sure, represents a certain budget: between the selection of glasses custom designed for you and the choice of frame, the bill can be higher than contact lenses.

Breakage/Scratches/Loss: Glasses are more often exposed to lens scratches, breakage and even loss.
So, glasses or contact lenses?

In itself, everything will depend on your preferences, your level of comfort and above all, what your optometrist recommends. Contact lenses are certainly easier and more discreet to wear, while glasses have become a real style accessory. Why don’t we meet at our VU clinic in Montreal to discuss the visual orthosis you need? Our team of specialists will be happy to guide you towards better vision, all in comfort.