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Spectacles vs Contact lenses – how do you choose what’s right for you?

Spectacles vs Contact lenses - Gurjeet Jutley
There are many factors that can determine whether spectacles or contact lenses are the right option for you. It’s important to move away from the idea that one is actually better than the other – what’s right for one person may be completely wrong for someone else. Personal preference tends to play a big role in decisions made about solutions for improving eyesight. In this article, Gurjeet Jutley takes a look at some of the reasons people choose spectacles over contact lenses, vice-versa and why choosing both can be an option.
The benefits of spectacles
Some people opt for spectacles because they don’t require much maintenance or cleaning. You don’t need to touch your eyes in order to wear spectacles, and they obviously last for longer than contact lenses, which means they can be a better option for the budget-conscious. Spectacles or eyeglasses are also able to control the amount of light that enters the eye more effectively. Many people also like spectacles because they allow them to express their personality and make a statement. When you opt for eyeglasses, you can normally keep your frames and simply change the lens when your prescription changes.
Why choose contact lenses?
However, some people find contact lenses more beneficial than eyeglasses. When you wear contact lenses, you don’t need to worry about them breaking or falling off whilst you partake in your daily activities. This can make them particularly useful for sporting activities. They won’t obstruct your view and won’t fog up when temperatures drop.
Common complaints about glasses
Some people find that glasses disguise their face’s natural features and don’t like the way that they look when wearing glasses. Those with strong prescriptions may complain that their eyes look magnified when they wear spectacles, with some experiencing peripheral vision distortion. The pressure placed on your nose and behind the ears when you wear spectacles can feel uncomfortable, especially over prolonged periods of time.
Issues some people face with contact lenses
It’s not uncommon for people to find it difficult to apply contact lenses to the eyes. You may also experience dry eye syndrome or other irritation when you wear contact lenses, which can make it difficult to get on with your day. Contact lens wearers who spend a lot of time looking at screens may face challenges with computer vision syndrome. You will also need to clean your lens frequently to prevent eye infections unless you wear disposable lenses.
Can I opt for both?
It’s important to remember that you don’t necessarily have to choose one option over the other. Some people opt to keep an up-to-date pair of glasses even when they wear contacts on a full-time basis to ensure they are covered when an eye infection or another form of irritation occurs. Others like to swap between the two as and when they get the urge. You may like to wear spectacles during your day-to-day life but decide to leave them at home when you attend formal events. Both spectacles and contact lenses come with a wide range of valuable benefits so if you’re unsure what’s right for you, then get in touch with Gurjeet Jutley for professional advice.

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