Wearing Contacts Lenses Vs Glasses for Better Vision - Which is Better?

Ever since the invention of the nickname "four eyes", people have been trying to conceal their vision problems. It's a funny thing because the makers of eye glasses can be very trendy names. Some include Versace, Tommy Hilfiger, and Vera Wang. Yes, the top brand names and designers have tapped into the eye wear industry! It's no wonder, because according to VisionWatch (Jobson Medical Information LLC and Vision Council of America), June 2006, it has been reported that Approximately 168.5 million U.S. residents use vision correction such as eyeglasses or contacts, representing 75 percent of the country's total adult population! Yikes!

So with so many of us having to use some type of vision correction, many may be asking which is better. Well there are three possible answers; Glasses, Contacts or Both, but it's ultimately up to you to decide what works best for you and your lifestyle. I know I had to give up my contacts when I became pregnant with my first son, because I was very tired with the pregnancy and would take naps in the middle of the day. Even though I was just snoozing for a short time, my contacts became corroded with calcium deposits and Glasses became my only alternative.

Now three children later, I am back to wearing contacts, but also use my glasses regularly. The key is understanding what your lifestyle demands. Someone who is very trendy may like glasses as they add a sense of unique intriguing style to ones appearance. Vision is immediately corrected once you put them on, you can lay in bed and turn out the lights before you even take them off and before you get out of bed in the morning, place them back on. Glasses may last longer as long as they are well cared for and you get even find lenses that transition into glasses, either by the lens sensing light, or a clip on sunglass attachment. Many people with slight vision problems prefer glasses because they can just pull them out for reading and forget about them the rest of the day. Also, more insurance companies cover glasses verses contacts with a better percentage rate of out of pocket expenses. Glasses may also offer more reliability, as contacts may rip, fall out, or get lost; and in that case unless you have a back up pair, you may not be able to see until you get new ones. This is also why it is recommended that you always have a pair of glasses even as a back up when wearing contacts to correct your vision. Those who wear glasses can get most vision problems corrected by the lens, this would include double vision, blurred; vision and those with astigmatism. You can also always wear your glasses no matter what problems you may have with your eyes like allergy eyes, dry eyes, or infections like pinkeye, where as contacts may make those conditions worse.

However, glasses may not be right for everybody. Some find that they do not fit into their life style very well. You have more versatile well it comes to choosing fashion eye wear like sunglasses. Those who wear contacts do not have to worry about not seeing in the shower or pool as you can wear your contacts in both situations. Contacts also enable you to appear as if you have no vision problems because they can not be easily spotted in the eyes. Those who wear contacts are even able to change their eye color through a specific lens; which you certainly can't do with traditional glasses. In some cases, wearing contacts may be cheaper, especially when using online discount sources like 1800Contacts Contacts lenses can get pricey though when you needs to buy specialty lenses like those designed for astigmatism or bifocal lenses. Contact lens wearers also need to be sure they are taking good care of their lenses by taking them out regularly, replacing them on schedule and using good hygiene practices when removing/putting the contacts in. Some find specialty lenses hurt the ye, so if you have a astigmatism, ask your doctor for free trials before buying them.

The third option is doing a bit of both, which is my preferred method. Those who chose this option have the most versatility and get the most out of their money spent. Although it may be more expensive to have both at first, you will notice that your contact lenses last longer, and your glasses stay in better shape. I almost always put my glasses on in the morning and don't put my contacts in unless I am going out. I use contacts that have to be replaced monthly, which is 30 days of wear, at times a pair can last me over two months! I tend to wear my contacts when it's raining or when it's really sunny out because I hate water droplets on my glasses, and I can wear sunglasses of my choice on those sunny days. I have three pairs of sunglasses, all totaling less than thirty dollars spent, where as a prescription pair would have easily been over two hundred dollars! Those who chose this option have to be careful though when it comes to maintaining their contact lenses. It's easy to forget to take them out every night, since the days you have your glasses, you just slip them on the night stand. It's also easy to lose count of the days you do wear your contacts to accurately know when to replace them. You can put a special mark on the calendar if that helps, but you need to remember to do that too!

To give you an estimated cost of option three, I spent two hundred dollars on my glasses two years ago, and pay sixty dollars for a 6 month supply of contacts. Remember though, I have basic lenses, not made for astigmatism, and they get replaced only as often as I wear them, so at times I spend only sixty dollars a year on contacts. Also, my vision screening for the contacts cost me close to one hundred dollars out of pocket because they have to fit you for the contacts and do a demo to be sure you know how to put them in and take them out. Your costs will vary depending on insurance, doctors and the products that are right for you.

I hope I have given you a good list of pros and cons to each option so that you can make the best decision for yourself; whether it be contact lenses, glasses or both; it's up to you!