Making the decision of wearing contacts or glasses can be a little difficult, but it really comes down to the kind of lifestyle, comfort, convenience, budget and style you prefer. We’re going to give you the pros and cons of both glasses and contacts, so that you can come to a final decision on your own.

Before deciding between contacts and glasses, keep in mind that one is not necessarily better than the other.

Eyeglasses offer many benefits over contact lenses. They require very little maintenance, you don't need to touch your eyes to wear them, and they are less expensive than contact lenses in the long run because you don't need to replace them every couple months.

Eyeglasses can also be customized with our “CBHA Armor”, like adding scratch resistant coating, anti-reflective coating and photochromic lenses. Photochromic is a feature that transitions your glasses into sunglasses when you’re out in the sun. They adjust to the sun making it darker so your eyes are protected by the sun. Although some contact lenses can block some UV light from entering the eye, photochromic eyeglass lenses block 100 percent UV and protect not only the inside of the eye, but the exterior of the eye and eyelids as well.

Glasses Pros:

• Wearing glasses reduces the need to touch your eyes, which in turn reduces the likelihood of irritating your eyes or developing an eye infection.
• If you have dry or sensitive eyes, glasses won't make the problem worse like contact lenses might.
• Glasses generally are less expensive than contact lenses, long term. You don't need to replace glasses as often (unless you break them!) and if your prescription changes over time, you may be able to keep your current frames and just replace the lenses.
• Frames are fashionable and can speak volumes about your personality and style — the look of your glasses can make a bold statement.
• Glasses offer some protection from environmental factors such as wind, dust and debris.

Glasses Cons:

• Eyeglasses sit about a half inch from your eyes, so peripheral vision can be distorted.
• Eyeglasses can be affected by the elements — your vision can be obstructed or blurred by precipitation collecting on your lenses or when they fog up in cold weather.
• Some frames can exert constant pressure on your nose and behind your ears, leading to headaches and general discomfort.
• If you have a strong prescription, the edges of your lenses may be thick and unappealing, or your glasses might make your eyes appear unnaturally minified or magnified.

Contact lenses also have many advantages over glasses. Contacts sit directly on your eye, so your peripheral vision is just as sharp as your regular vision. It’s also easy to participate in sports and outdoor activities without fear of your eyeglasses getting in the way, falling off or breaking. You can even change the color of your eyes with color contact lenses.

Contacts Pros:

• Contacts conform to the curvature of your eye, providing a wider field of view and causing less vision distortions and obstructions than eyeglasses.
• Contact lenses don't get in the way when playing sports and exercising.
• Contacts typically aren't affected by weather conditions and won't fog up in cold weather like glasses.
• Contact lenses won't clash with what you're wearing.

Contacts Cons:

• Some people have trouble putting on contacts, but proper technique and practice can make it easier over time.
• Contacts reduce the amount of oxygen reaching your eye and can cause or increase the severity of dry eye syndrome.
• If you work on a computer often, wearing contact lenses will likely contribute to symptoms of computer vision syndrome.
• Contacts require proper lens care and lens case cleaning each day, to avoid potentially serious eye infections. If you can't commit to the care and recommended replacement cycle of your contacts, consider daily disposables.
• If you accidentally fall asleep while wearing daily wear contacts, your eyes typically will be dry, gritty, red and irritated when you wake up. If you find yourself frequently falling asleep with your contacts in, talk to your provider about extended wear contacts - some extended wear contacts are approved for up to 30 days of continuous wear.

With contact lens technology being so advanced, most people can wear contacts successfully, even if they prefer to wear glasses as their primary form of vision correction.

So the decision to wear either contacts or glasses, and when to wear them, usually is a matter of personal preference.

Keep in mind, though, that if you wear contact lenses full-time, you also should have an up-to-date pair of glasses — in case you need to stop wearing contacts due to an eye infection or irritation, or you simply want to give your eyes a break.

Make an appointment with your eye care provider if you are looking to try out some new glasses or contacts. Call/Text 509-488-5256 or schedule below.

Source: https://www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/faq/contacts-vs-glasses.htm