One of the most common questions asked by people who need to wear corrective lenses is whether they should get contact lenses or glasses. While both of these options have their advantages, they each have their drawbacks as well, and it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making your choice. There are many factors to consider in this decision - here are some of the most important points you should think about when choosing between contacts and glasses
Is it true that wearing contacts damages your eyes?
People who wear contacts are often under the assumption that they're doing less damage to their eyes than those wearing glasses. That's not the case, and in fact, people with contacts have a higher risk of eye infections such as conjunctivitis and keratitis. Contacts also put pressure on your eyelids which can lead to styes or corneal ulcers. Contact wearers also have a higher incidence of dry eye syndrome than those who wear glasses.
Who are contacts made for, anyway?
Contacts are made to improve vision, whereas glasses correct the vision. Contacts can correct a variety of eye issues, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. However, you must be fit to wear contacts by an optometrist before purchasing them. Contacts don't have to be cleaned as often as glasses do, but they can cause discomfort if not properly taken care of.
The truth about gas permeable (GP) contact lenses
Gas permeable (GP) contact lenses are a great option for some people, but they're not right for everyone. In general, GP contacts offer more comfort and convenience than regular soft contact lenses because they can be worn longer with less risk of side effects such as dry eye and corneal ulcers. But GP contacts have their downsides too: the insertion process can be uncomfortable and time-consuming, and it's difficult to see clearly in them when you wake up in the morning.
Do you need eye exams every year with contacts, just like with eyeglasses?
Contacts do not require an annual eye exam, but you will need to schedule an appointment with the optometrist if you are experiencing problems with them. If you are wearing contacts and experiencing blurry vision, a stinging sensation in the eye, pain behind the eye, redness of the eye, discharge from the eye or any other problem, you should call your optometrist immediately.
How often should you replace them?
Contact lenses should be replaced every 3-6 months, depending on the type of lens. The average life span of a lens will depend on how often you wear them. For example, daily wear contacts should be replaced more frequently than monthly wear contacts. Glasses typically last anywhere from 1-2 years before they need to be replaced.
Does wearing glasses cause a lazy eye to go away?
It can be difficult to know if wearing glasses may cause a lazy eye to go away. Some people with lazy eyes notice that their vision improves after they get glasses, while others notice no difference in their vision. If you're concerned about a possible lazy eye and the possibility of wearing glasses causing it to go away, it's best to speak with an eye doctor.
Can someone's eyeglasses prescription change over time due to aging, even if their vision is perfect now?
- If a person has been wearing glasses or contacts for many years, they may need to get a new eyeglass prescription as they age.
- Some people require reading glasses because of the natural aging process.
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