Contacts vs. Glasses: 7 Reasons to Choose Contacts

In the war of contacts vs. glasses, which is the victor? According to a 2016 study, 74% of the Canadian population requires vision correction. Of that number, 55% primarily wear eyeglasses. This result is not surprising, as glasses have been the traditional choice for vision correction.

But that does not mean glasses are necessarily better than contacts. The choice between the two is a matter of personal characteristics, such as lifestyle and aesthetics. Each option has its pros and cons. But we don’t want you to follow the herd. We explore 7 compelling reasons for you to make the switch from glasses to contacts.

1. Contacts Offer Full Field of Vision

If you wear glasses, the shape of your lenses and the thickness of your frames determine your field of vision. If you try looking to the sides of your glasses, you may find your view blocked or very blurry. Glasses can obscure your peripheral vision. So you’ll need to frequently adjust them in order to see clearly.

But this is not a concern with contact lenses. Since contacts cover your corneas, you have full access to your entire field of vision. Once your lenses are in place, they don’t need any adjustments. Contacts are the ultimate plug-and-play vision correction aid!

2. Contacts Let People See Your Entire Face

It’s true that eyeglasses are a lot more fashionable than they were decades ago. We now have an array of colours and styles for every face shape and preference.

But glasses still cover your face a bit. It’s possible for people to notice your glasses more than your features. This is not an issue with contact lenses.

Want people to notice your makeup? Contacts don’t block any of your facial features like glasses do. You are able to accentuate certain areas of your face and eyes for a different look each time. Contacts allow people to see the real you shining through!

3. Contacts Let You Enjoy Sunglasses

You’ll never be able to wear your prescription specs and a trendy pair of sunglasses at the same time. Although transition glasses are available as part of your prescription, you still won’t have many choices.

So why restrict yourself to only what’s available in your eye doctor’s office? If you opt for contact lenses, you can have the freedom of wearing any sunglasses you want. You’ll be able to visit the mall or your favourite sunglasses shop to get yourself the best selection of sunglasses for every occasion!

4. Contacts Make Exercise and Playing Sports Easier

Anyone who wears glasses knows the pain of getting hit in the face with a beach volleyball. Or maybe losing them while constantly on the go. Then there’s the inconvenient fogging over of your glasses that happens during your workout session.

Eyeglasses are never ideal for strenuous activities or sports. Glasses are easily damaged and may cause serious injuries. They are even prohibited in certain high-contact sports.

Contact lenses are simply a better choice for anyone who loves playing sports, or staying active. In the early years, there were tales of people losing their contacts. But those lenses were made of hard plastic (PMMA), which is not really used anymore.

Most modern contacts are soft lenses with maximum hydration. They allow oxygen to reach your eyes and often self-moisturize with every blink. Even “hard” contact lenses are made of materials that are more flexible than PMMA. This means they conform to the shape of your eyes much better and remain in place all day.

The chances of your contacts falling out with regular care and appropriate wear are next to zilch. Contacts are a definite must-have for every sports lover and active individual.

5. Contacts Let You Change Your Eye Colour

Have you always wanted your own baby-blues? Or maybe you want to try having brown eyes for the day? With coloured contact lenses, you can enhance or change your natural eye colour in seconds!

If you like cosplay or costume parties, then coloured contacts are ideal for adding authenticity to your entire look. These contacts help to make you appear as dramatic as you want. Even if you are not a fan of cosplay or costumes, coloured contact lenses are a great way to try out new looks or highlight your current one.

6. Contacts Can Be Used to Treat Complex Eye Conditions

Myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness) are two of the most common types of eye problems. But there are many complex eye conditions that can occur alongside myopia and hyperopia.

One such condition is astigmatism. Astigmatism occurs when the eye's cornea is misshapen. It causes vision to be blurry and can be hard to correct with regular contact lenses. Another is presbyopia, which the majority of older people have. It usually requires them to use reading glasses.

Orthokeratology (ortho-k) is the use of special gas permeable contact lenses that are worn overnight for vision correction. As you sleep, they help to reshape your corneas. During the day, you experience 20/20 vision without the need for any standard contacts or glasses. However, this effect is only temporary. You’ll need to wear your ortho-k lenses every night for optimal results.Ortho-k can help both astigmatism and presbyopia.

You can also use multifocal contacts to correct presbyopia. In fact, there are contacts that correct almost every type of vision disorder, so don’t lose hope if you have something beyond nearsightedness or farsightedness.

7. Contacts Protect Your Eyes While Chopping Onions

Yup! Contacts can even protect you from onions! While this benefit is an obscure one, it should make foodies with vision problems rejoice. Wearing contacts while chopping onions makes your eyes less likely to get irritated and tear up from the vegetable's fumes.

If you wear eyeglasses while chopping onions, your corneas react to the fumes and have no real protection against them. But contacts cover a great portion of the corneas and protect them from irritation.

While you may not be completely tear-free, your eyes will be less irritated if you're wearing contact lenses. And that's reason to celebrate with a favourite meal!

Contacts vs. Glasses: The Verdict

For us, the debate of contacts vs. glasses is over: contacts rule! As you can see, there are numerous benefits when you choose contact lenses. Not only are they more convenient, but they’re safer as well.

Ready to make the switch? Then speak to your eye doctor today about what options are available for you.