As a Doctor of Optometry and someone who has worn prescription glasses and contact lenses for the past twenty years, I thought, why not create a guide that can help you better choose between glasses and contacts based on your lifestyle, eye health, comfort, and budget.
So, let’s break it down!
Key Takeaways
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Glasses are low maintenance, more comfortable, longer lasting, and more convenient.
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Contacts give you a wider field of view and are great for sports and active workdays.
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Cost includes not just the purchase price but also the cost of a full year of supplies, replacements, exams, and other lifestyle needs.
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Sometimes comfort matters as much as the prescription or cost.
The Short Answer. Which One Is Better?
I wish it were that simple. Both glasses and contacts have their pros and cons. The right option depends on your eye health, what you are comfortable with, your daily routine, and your budget.
So, if you ask me, for example, I would likely say glasses are better. But that’s because I need vision correction 24/7, and wearing glasses is a lot more convenient than contacts.
But that doesn’t mean I don’t use contact lenses. My contacts come out on special occasions, when getting dressed up and looking pretty is more important than comfort or convenience!
However, what might work best for me may not be suitable for you. That is why at Insight Optometry, we dig deeper to find out more about your daily routine and lifestyle needs.
We usually ask our customers questions like what work do you do? Does it require excessive screen time? How long is your daily commute? Do you play sports? And how do your eyes feel at the end of the day?
Answers to these questions can tell us a lot about what option would be best suited for your individual needs.
Contacts vs Glasses: Pros & Cons
Before we go further. Let’s break down what prescription glasses and contact lenses are.
Contact lenses are circular, thin, and curved plastic lenses that are placed directly on your pupils. They help correct vision and offer a natural and wider field of view (usually more than glasses).
Prescription glasses, on the other hand, are frames into which lenses are set. These frames are worn in front of your eyes to correct vision.
Both glasses and contact lenses correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Pros and Cons of Glasses
Pros
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Easy to use and very convenient. Just put them on and go.
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Long-lasting and durable.
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Great for dry eyes. No lens sitting on the surface of the eye.
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Plenty of lens options, including anti-reflective coatings, UV protection, and progressives.
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Lower day-to-day risk compared to contacts because there is no lens care routine.
Cons
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Can fog up, get wet in the weather, and slide during activity.
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Frames can feel heavy or uncomfortable if the fit is not right.
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Peripheral vision can feel limited for some prescriptions and frame styles.
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Upfront cost can be higher depending on lenses, coatings, and frame choice.
Pros and Cons of Contact Lenses
Pros
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Wider field of view and fewer distortions, especially at the edges
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Ideal when playing sports or doing active jobs, especially in bad weather.
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No fogging and no frame in the way.
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Options available for astigmatism and multifocal designs.
Cons
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Requires consistent hygiene and replacement habits.
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Fragile and sometimes hard to put on.
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Usually made for single-day or one-month use.
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Higher ongoing costs because lenses are replaced on a schedule.
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Can worsen dryness for some people, especially with heavy screen time.
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Risk of infection if wear time is stretched.
Cost Breakdown. What You Actually Pay For
Usually, contact lenses have a much lower upfront cost, but higher ongoing costs as compared to prescription glasses. This is because contact lenses have to be replaced frequently, whereas prescription glasses can last for years without requiring replacement.
How Much Do Prescription Glasses Cost?
Prescription glasses can cost anywhere from $200-$1000+ in Nova Scotia. It really depends on your budget, eye health, and style preferences.
At Insight Optometry, we offer specialized plans and personalized advice to help you budget better. Contact us for our full catalogue.
How Much Do Contact Lenses Cost?
Contact lenses can cost anywhere from $200-$1000+ annually. It all depends on the type of contacts you choose (daily, monthly, or bi-weekly contacts) and your current eye health.
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If you do go the route of bi-weekly or monthly contacts, you will also require a cleaning solution to keep your lenses hydrated and fresh. Solutions can cost $10-$30, and you might need at least a couple of bottles a year.
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Other costs to account for include contact lens case replacements and lens replacements in case they dry out or somehow get lost. I know I have lost at least a couple of contact lenses, and it's never a good feeling.
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You also need to factor in the cost of backup glasses. Relying solely on contacts is risky. At the end of the day, you need at least one pair of prescription glasses just to be safe.
Hidden Costs Most People Miss
While contact lenses can seem like a much cheaper upfront option, their annual and long-term costs far surpass the cost of even a designer pair of prescription glasses.
Contact lenses also aren’t for everyone. For some, contacts irritate their eyes, and for many, they can be hard to put on.
This has happened to me as well. While I love wearing contacts for the freedom they offer, I sometimes still struggle to put them on and find that they start irritating my eyes if I leave them on for the entire day.
This means I wear them less, and because of that, I still haven’t used a lot of my supply and in some cases even had a few of my lenses expire.
Lifestyle Match Guide: What Works Best for You?
Contacts tend to fit best when you
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Play sports or stay active often
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Work in environments where glasses slip, fog, or get dirty
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Want the feel of “no eyewear” for social and work confidence
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Have the patience for a simple routine and replacement schedule
Glasses tend to fit best when you
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Have dry eye, allergies, or sensitivity that flares easily
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Want low day-to-day maintenance
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Do not want to think about supplies, solution, and replacement cycles
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Prefer an eyewear style you can change with fashion and seasons
Many (Including Me) Wear Both
Prescription glasses and contact lenses have their own set of pros and cons. To get the best of both worlds, most people use both. Daily single-use contact lenses work best for special occasions and during physical activity, while prescription glasses are best for everyday use.
Choose Better at Insight Optometry!
Our team is dedicated to delivering the best eye care services for all your vision needs. Whether you're a new or returning patient, you can count on us to provide the individual care, advice, and solutions you need.
Check out our online store or visit us in person at our clinic located in Cambridge Suites Plaza, 1575 Brunswick St, Halifax, NS, B3J 2G1. You can also call us at (902) 422-4444 for further information or to book an appointment.
FAQs
Are contacts or glasses safer?
Glasses carry less daily risk because there is no lens care routine. Contacts are safe when worn and cared for properly, but infections can happen with poor hygiene or over-wearing.
Are daily contacts worth the cost?
They can be, especially if you value convenience and comfort. There is no cleaning routine, and you start fresh each day. Your best choice depends on your prescription, wear time, and budget.
Can I wear contacts if I have dry eyes?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on your tear quality, your screen time, and the lens type. A dry eye assessment is recommended to determine suitability.
Do I still need glasses if I wear contacts?
Yes. You need a backup pair for sick days, travel, dry-eye days, and any time you need to remove your lenses.
