Various methods of correcting vision are available, the most popular being eyeglasses and contact lenses. The Vision Council of America states that three out of four adults need corrective lenses, and about 64 percent of adults wear glasses. In the United States, approximately 34 million people wear contact lenses. When choosing an option, the buyer should consider personal taste, occupation, physical activity level, lifestyle and cost.
Pros of Glasses
Eyeglasses correct vision with prescription refractive lenses and may have better accuracy in correcting astigmatism. Featherweight glasses are available, providing the user with less weight on the bridge of the nose. Some people think glasses give a smarter, more sophisticated appearance. Eyeglasses users need little maintenance and are an affordable option to correct vision.
Cons of Glasses
Glasses can be inconvenient when the lenses fog up or in the rain. The condensation blurs vision, making it difficult to see. If you wear glasses while playing a sport, eye injuries may result from balls striking and breaking your glasses. Some occupations can also pose risks if you wear glasses.
Pros of Contacts
According to the Food and Drug Administration, contact lenses may correct myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia. Some people prefer contact lenses for aesthetic reasons. People who play sports wear contact lenses to decrease the risk of eye injury. However, all contact lenses users benefit from the lack of obstruction caused by eyeglass frames. Furthermore, contact lenses provide complete vision correction compared to eyeglasses, which do not correct peripheral vision.
Cons of Contacts
Contact lenses must be cleaned daily and replaced often, so they usually cost more than eyeglasses. The beginner may incur a usage learning curve, which could result in eye irritation. Contacts can cause eye irritation, especially in smoky rooms, when swimming and after wearing them for many hours. More serious conditions from wearing contacts include eye infections and corneal ulcers. The Food and Drug Administration states that blindness has resulted in rare cases.
Alternatives
Laser eye surgery is an alternative to wearing glasses or contact lenses. Three types of laser eye surgery exist, the most common being LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. It has helped many people achieve 20/20 vision. An eye doctor determines if you are a good candidate for the surgery. LASIK has risk factors, including the chance that a patient can achieve 20/20 vision but still have double vision. Other rare risks include difficulty seeing at night due to light halos or glare.
