Individuals with refractive errors have several options to help improve their vision and eye health. Many choose to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses as they are practical and effective. Both can correct vision problems like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Eye care professionals recommend prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses after an exam identifying vision problems. 

Most people with a refractive error can wear either of these, and some choose to wear both in certain situations. You may be wondering how you determine the best option if you have the option of wearing both. After all, eyeglasses and contact lens prescriptions are different, so you cannot use the prescriptions interchangeably.

Similarities

Prescription eyeglasses and contacts can help correct refractive errors, including myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia, and presbyopia. While eyeglasses sit on the bridge of your nose and do not touch your eyes, contacts sit directly on the eye. 

You can wear your contact lenses for extended periods or switch them daily, but wearing them without removing them to clean them can increase the risk of eye infections.

When Are Eyeglasses the Better Option?

Wearing contacts poses a greater health risk than wearing eyeglasses due to infection. Studies suggest that about one in five hundred people who wear contact lenses develop an eye infection annually. That is because many people do not follow appropriate care and maintenance instructions. 

Eyeglasses pose less of a risk and provide added protection for your eyes. Also, they are easier to care for than contacts and are more affordable. They might be the better option in the following situations:

 

• The patient is a young child

• There are specific concerns about eye infections

• It is uncomfortable putting contact lenses in the eyes

• You have limited time to invest in contact lens cleaning, maintenance, and care

• You suffer from dry eye syndrome and other conditions that prevent you from wearing contact lenses
  
   

When Are Contacts the Better Option?

Contacts are the better option for more active individuals. You can still lead an active lifestyle if you wear eyeglasses. However, contacts make it easy to participate in physical activities at any time without worrying about breaking them. 

Furthermore, contacts do not restrict your field of vision as eyeglasses do when they block some of your peripheral vision. Many people choose contacts for aesthetic reasons. They do not like how they look with glasses. Also, they do not slip down the nose, make the face sweat, or fog up. 

Glasses, Contacts, or Both?

How do you know which one to choose for a better vision? Should you get both? Ultimately, it is a personal choice. However, there are several actors to consider when determining whether contacts, glasses, or both are the best option for you. Some of these include the following:

 

• Vision needs

• Lifestyle

• Comfort

• Sense of style

• Cost
  
   

Conclusion

Generally, those who wear contacts need glasses, but those who wear glasses do not need contacts. If you switch to contacts, you should have a pair of glasses with a current prescription. You will have a backup if something happens with your contacts or your eyes develop an infection.  

For more on corrective eyewear, visit Mid-Modern Eyecare at our Midland, Michigan office. Call (989) 486-3025 to schedule an appointment today.