If a person requires vision correction to see clearly, they can either choose to wear glasses or opt for contact lenses. As per Zuhal Butuner, opting to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses for vision correction typically relies on the personal preferences of a person, including their budget, convenience, comfort and lifestyle. A certain option is not necessarily better than the other; and each of them has their distinctive pros and cons in regards to convenience, eye health, and more.

Zuhal Butuner briefly compares the pros and cons of contact lenses and eyeglasses for vision correction

If a person does not have 20/20 vision but their eyes are otherwise healthy, they may choose between glasses and contacts to help them see. There are positives and negatives to both. First, let’s talk about eye classes. Today there are broadly two types of eyeglasses available, single vision ones that correct distance issues, and multifocal glasses that help with distance and with near-vision issues, such as reading.

Eyeglasses provide several benefits over contact lenses. They require minimal maintenance and cleaning. Plus, one does not have to touch their eyes while wearing their glasses, which lowers the risk of eye infections. Furthermore, glasses tend to be more affordable than contact lenses in the long run as they do not have to be replaced as often.

Eyeglasses can also do something that contact lenses can’t, which is to adjust the amount of light entering the eye for optimum vision and comfort. Photochromic lenses, in particular, are clear indoors and at night. They automatically darken in sunlight, allowing for comfortable and clear vision in almost any light.  Even though certain contact lenses can block some UV light entering the eye, photochromic lenses are able to block 100% UV. They not only protect the inside of the eye from UV, but the exterior of the eye and eyelids as well. Eye glasses may also act as an extension of one’s personality and help them to make an impressive fashion statement.

Top pros of eye glasses:

• Wearing glasses reduces the need to touch the eyes.
• If one has dry or sensitive eyes, glasses will not exacerbate the problem like contact lenses can.
• Glasses may provide a degree of protection from environmental factors such as wind, dust and debris.

Top cons of eye glasses:

• Eyeglasses sit about 12mm from the eyes, and hence might distort the peripheral vision of a person.
• Eyeglasses can get wet in the rain or fog up in cold weather.
• Certain frames can exert constant pressure on the nose and behind the ears.

As Zuhal Butuner mentions, as opposed to eye glasses, contact lenses sit directly on the eye. Hence, the vision, the peripheral vision, in particular, is not obstructed. One can take part in almost any sport and outdoor activity without fear of eyeglasses getting in the way, falling off or breaking.

Top pros of contact lenses:

• Contacts conform to the curvature of the eye, providing a wider field of view.
• Contacts typically aren’t affected by weather conditions.

Top cons of contact lenses:

• Some people have trouble applying a contact lens to their eye.
• Contact lenses require extensive care.