Difference Between Glasses and Contacts

 Glasses vs Contacts

When we talk about glasses and contacts, we talk about prescription eye wear. Grownups, teens, males, females with vision defects or not will have to face the question of whether to use glasses or contacts in some point in their lives. Which is more advisable? Let us examine the facts.

Glasses are the frame-bearing lenses worn in front of the eyes while contacts are therapeutic lenses placed in the eye particularly on the cornea. Both are used to correct various eye defects including astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness.

The earliest reference to glasses was traced to the 5th century B.C. during the hieroglyphic period in Egypt. The first written records were in the 1st century A.D. (Emperor Nero’s era).

For contacts, historical documents points to the mid-14th to 15th century. It is attributed to Leonardo da Vinci for his sketch and idea although the actual wearing of lenses took place 300 years later.

There are different types of glasses to suit particular needs and types. Glasses differ as to style (retro, rimless, half-rimless), frame (jeweled, wood, bendable), tint (yellow, amber, gray, rose), lens shape (oval, square, circle, star, heart shape), and focal (single-vision, multi-focal).

Contacts are classified as to daily wear (daily disposable or extended), color soft (visibility tint, enhancement tint, color tint, light filtering tint), rigid cornea permeable, bifocal, Toric and corneal reshaping.

In terms of effectiveness in eye defect correction, studies show that contacts are better than glasses.

Cost-wise, the price for glasses varies (cheap or costly), but the price for the number of times one has to maintain, dispose and purchase contacts is higher than buying several pairs of glasses.

In terms of availability, once an eye examination is done and prescription is given, contacts are easier to purchase than glasses. It can be bought from the ophthalmologist, from optical wear shops, or from online specialty shops. Glasses can be purchased from ophthalmologists and optical shops, but it can’t be ordered online considering the hassle and the shipping cost if the frame or specification doesn’t suit.

Glasses can be used to project or enhance an image in coordination with one’s outfit. Retro or modern, an artist-like look, or ultra-conservative, one can do whatever image one wants to have with glasses. You can’t do so much with contacts though various designs are available. The only way for others to notice it is by closely looking at the eyes.

Whether to use contacts or glasses, it all boils down to individual needs, convenience, budget and preference. For the undecided, a new alternative is available, laser treatments.

Summary:

1. Glasses and contacts are used to correct various eye defects. Glasses are the frame-bearing lenses worn in front of the eyes while contacts are therapeutic lenses placed on the eye.
2. The earliest reference to glasses was traced to the 5th century B.C. while historical documents for contacts points to the time of Leonardo da Vinci and the mid-14th to 15th century.
3. Glasses differ as to style, frame, tint, lens shape, and focal. Contacts are classified as to daily wear, color, rigid cornea permeable, bifocal, Toric and corneal reshaping.
4. In terms of effectiveness, studies show that contacts are better than glasses.
5. Cost-wise, glasses are cheaper than contacts.
6. Contacts are easier to purchase than glasses.
7. Glasses can be used to project or enhance an image; contacts can’t be used for that.
8. Whether to use contacts or glasses: it all boils down to individual needs, convenience, budget, and preference. For the undecided, a new alternative is available, laser treatments.

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