When it comes to correcting your vision, two of the most popular options are contact lenses and eyeglasses. These two options are widely available in Singapore and help address nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and other vision conditions. But which is better for you — contact lenses or glasses?
The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer, as each option has its pros and cons. As such, the decision between contact lenses and eyeglasses will depend on your lifestyle, preferences, and specific eye care needs.
Understanding Your Options: Prescription Contact Lenses vs Prescription Glasses
Choosing the right vision correction method begins with understanding how prescription contact lenses differ from prescription glasses, as well as the unique benefits and limitations of each. Whether you are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism, knowing your options can help you make an informed choice tailored to your lifestyle and comfort.
Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are thin, curved lenses that sit directly on the surface of the eye. Generally, they are prescribed for various vision problems, including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
They are often categorised based on their material and special features.
Material
These are the most common contact lenses based on their material:
- Soft Contact Lenses: These lenses are crafted from flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea, ensuring optimal comfort and vision.
- Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: RGP lenses are firmer and made from oxygen-permeable materials, such as silicone polymers. Though they take more time to adjust to, they are particularly helpful for those with astigmatism or high refractive errors because they are designed to potentially provide sharper vision.
Special Features
Some contact lenses come with special features to address certain eye conditions:
- Multifocal Contact Lenses: These lenses help correct both distance and near vision, making them ideal for people with presbyopia (age-related farsightedness). Multifocal contact lenses contain multiple prescriptions in a single lens, enabling seamless transitions between different visual ranges.
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses: These are rigid lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, correcting issues like nearsightedness while you sleep. Upon removal in the morning, users could potentially have optimal vision throughout the day without needing daytime lenses or glasses. However, it is important to note that ortho-K must be fitted and monitored by an eye care specialist.
Identify the Pros and Cons of Contact Lenses
These are some of the benefits and factors to consider when using contact lenses:
Pros of Contact Lenses
- Corrects a Wide Range of Vision Problems: Suitable for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
- Enhanced Peripheral Vision: Since contact lenses conform to your eye’s curvature, they offer a full field of vision with minimal distortion.
- Customisation Options: Available in clear or coloured variants to change your eye colour or match your style.
- Flexible Wearing Schedules: Choose from daily disposables, bi-weekly, monthly, or extended wear based on your preferences and eye health.
Cons of Contact Lenses
- Risk of Eye Infections: Improper hygiene, overuse, or wearing contact lenses while sleeping could increase the risk of developing eye infections.
- Requires Ongoing Maintenance: Multi-use lenses need daily cleaning, disinfecting, and proper storage.
Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses are vision correction tools consisting of lenses set into a frame that rests on your nose and ears. Designed to address refractive errors and other visual impairments, these lenses help improve your eyes' ability to focus.
Types of Lenses in Eyeglasses
There are three common types of lenses used for eyeglasses. They include:
- Single-Vision Lenses: These lenses contain one consistent prescription throughout.
- Bifocal Lenses: These lenses incorporate more than one prescription in a single lens. Typically, the top part is for distance vision, and the bottom is for near vision, with a line separating the two portions.
- Progressive Spectacle Lenses: Similar to bifocals but without a visible line, progressive spectacle lenses feature a gradual shift in prescription from top to bottom, with the bottom section providing support for near vision.
Common Materials Used in Eyeglass Lenses
Some of the materials used for eyeglass lenses include the following:
- Standard Plastic: Plastic lenses are lighter than glass and offer good vision quality. These are typically thicker due to a lower index of refraction and can scratch easily unless treated with a scratch-resistant coating.
- Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate lenses are thin, lightweight, and resistant to impact. Due to their durability, they are often used by children, active individuals, and for safety glasses.
- High-Index Materials: Glasses with high-index materials have a refractive index of 1.60 or higher and can be made from either glass or plastic. They are mainly used for strong prescriptions to make lenses thinner and more attractive.
Get to Know the Pros and Cons of Eyeglasses
Like any eyewear, eyeglasses come with both benefits and drawbacks depending on your lifestyle and preferences. Some of these include:
Pros of Eyeglasses
- Simple to Care For: Glasses often do not require cleaning solutions or extensive care. You will only need to wipe the lenses with a microfibre towel or lint-free cloth.
- Durable and Long-Lasting: With stable prescriptions, a quality pair can last for years.
- Minimal Risk of Infection: Since they do not touch your eyes, glasses reduce the chance of irritation or eye infections.
Cons of Eyeglasses
- Limited Peripheral Vision: Unlike contacts, the frames may block the peripheral vision.
- Can Be Uncomfortable: Some frames may feel heavy or put pressure on the nose and ears.
- Fogging and Smudges: The lenses may fog up as you move through environments of varying temperatures and humidity.
- Not Sport-Friendly: Glasses may slip or break during physical activity.
Can You Wear Both Glasses and Contacts?
You can alternate between glasses and contact lenses based on your daily needs and activities. Many people use both in different situations. For example, they use contacts for convenience or in active situations, while glasses serve as a backup or for comfort at home. Having both options ensures flexibility and consistent vision correction when one is not suitable.
Are Contact Lens Prescriptions the Same as Glasses?
No, your contact lens prescription is not the same as your prescription glasses. This is because contact lenses rest directly on the surface of your eye, while glasses sit a short distance away. As a result, your optometrist will need to take separate measurements when prescribing each.
A contact lens prescription includes extra details such as:
- Base Curve (BC): This refers to the curvature of the lens, ensuring it fits your eye comfortably.
- Diameter (Dia): This refers to the overall size or width of the contact lens.
In addition to these, the prescription also specifies the lens power, brand, type of lens, and expiration date.
How to Make the Right Choice Between Prescription Glasses vs Prescription Contact Lenses
Choosing between glasses and contact lenses is not just about vision—it is also about what fits best into your lifestyle, routine, and personal comfort. These are a few important factors to help guide your decision:
- Lifestyle: If you are physically active or play sports regularly, contact lenses may offer greater freedom and comfort. They will not slip, fog up, or interfere with protective gear.
- Convenience: Glasses are quick and easy to use—no need for cleaning solutions or insertion routines. Therefore, if you prefer not having to go through the hassle of cleaning your lenses and putting in contact lenses, glasses are a hassle-free choice.
- Budget: While a single pair of glasses can last for years with proper care, contact lenses, especially daily disposables, can become costly over time. Therefore, consider how often you will wear each one and what fits your budget in the long term.
- Eye Health & Comfort: If you experience dry eyes, allergies, or frequent irritation, glasses may be a more comfortable option. Contact lenses require clean handling and may not be suitable for sensitive eyes without proper guidance from an eye care professional.
Get the Contact Lenses or Eyeglasses You Need at Kacee Eye Care
Whether you prefer contact lenses or eyeglasses, it is important to consult a qualified optometrist who understands your vision needs. At Kacee Eye Care, we provide expert guidance, comprehensive eye screenings, and personalised fittings for both spectacles and contact lenses.
Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you make the best choice for your lifestyle and prescription needs. From stylish frames and progressive lenses to contact lenses for nearsightedness and astigmatism, Kacee Eye Care is here to ensure you find the right support for your vision.