If you need contact lenses or glasses for vision correction, you’re in good company. Nearly two-thirds of US adults use some form of corrective eyewear. Whether you use contacts or glasses exclusively or you prefer to switch between the two, here’s how to find the best option for you.
Selecting the Best Contact Lenses for You
Contact lenses offer many benefits for people with vision impairments. Since they sit on your eyes’ surface and therefore move with them, they offer complete vision correction. And if you lead an active lifestyle, they won’t get in the way of sports or activities.
If you’ve settled on wearing contact lenses, you have a few options to consider.
Hard vs. Soft Contact Lenses
First, you have the option of rigid gas permeable, or “hard” contact lenses. While they’re less flexible than soft lenses, they still allow oxygen to pass through to your eye. They’re easy to care for, provide crisp vision, and are exceptionally durable. But some people find them hard to get used to and less comfortable than soft lenses.
Soft contact lenses, on the other hand, are the preferred choice for 90% of contact lens wearers. They come in several options: daily wear and extended wear, as well as daily disposables. As their name suggests, daily wear contacts are worn every day and must be disinfected each evening until their designated discard date. Extended wear can be worn overnight, but the risk of infection is higher when worn during sleep.
Daily disposable or single-use contacts are an attractive alternative, as they eliminate the need for nightly disinfecting. Simply remove and discard them, then replace them with a new set the next day. Do note, however, that since they require frequent replacements, their overall cost may be higher than lenses with longer lifespans.
Daily vs. Monthly Contacts for Dry Eyes
If you have dry eyes, be sure to mention it during your eye exam. Our eye care specialists can recommend contact lenses that have been formulated to help with dryness. The best contacts for dry eyes allow ample oxygen to pass through the lens to your eye. Some also feature a low water content, which helps your eyes retain the natural hydration they need.
Since single-use contacts aren’t prone to buildup, you may also find them more comfortable if you have dry eyes. There are several daily contact lens brands available, and our eye doctors can help you find the best type for your needs.
Finding the Right Glasses for You
If you prefer not to touch your eyes or deal with contact lens care, you’ll appreciate the simplicity of glasses. Glasses also have a protective barrier effect, which can be helpful if your dry eyes are caused by environmental factors like allergies. And you might also choose to wear glasses occasionally to give your eyes a break from contacts. No matter your reason for wearing glasses, finding the right pair calls for just as much consideration as choosing contacts.
There are several lens types to consider. The most basic is single-vision lenses, which correct for one field of vision. But if you have both nearsightedness and farsightedness, you might benefit from bifocal lenses, which offer two prescriptions in one lens. From there, you can also add on coatings such as anti-glare, UV blocking, and scratch resistance.
Finally, the right frames come down to a matter of preference. Face shape can play a role here: some people with round faces feel more balanced with boxy frames, while angular features can be softened with a rounder pair. Our advice? Try on several pairs to see what you like best!
Work With Eye Consultants of Atlanta To Find the Best Glasses or Contact Lenses for You
Whether you’re looking for glasses, contacts, or both, our eye care specialists can help. With our Optical Shop and Contact Lens Center, our licensed opticians are here to help you find the best option for you. To request an appointment, use our web form online or call (404) 351-2220.