Should You Switch From Glasses to Contact Lenses?

June 3, 2022

Are you planning to switch to wearing contact lenses? If so, you will be joining the more than 45 million Americans who wear contacts. Contact lenses help correct different refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. The lenses can also help treat eye conditions such as damaged cornea and keratoconus. 

Contacts may not be for everyone, but you can determine if they are right for you. Should you switch from glasses to contact lenses?

Getting Trial Contacts

If you are unsure whether you should start wearing contact lenses, talk to your eye doctor at Eye Associates of New York about sample lenses that you can wear for some time. It will help you determine whether you are comfortable with the lenses. 

However, you need to realize that it usually takes time to get used to contacts. Consider the pros and cons of the lenses before you make the switch. 

Good Reasons to Switch 

There are several good reasons to switch from glasses to contact lenses. Contacts provide a full range of vision, do not reflect or distort light, and do not steam up. The lenses will give you the freedom to participate in the activities you love and enjoy an active lifestyle. 

You do not have to worry about the lenses slipping or falling off or pinching your nose. Contacts will give you more confidence as they can help enhance your appearance. You can show off your eyes and wear fashionable sunglasses at any time. 

Downsides of Wearing Contacts

Before making the switch, it is essential to find out the disadvantages of contact lenses. The lenses require more maintenance and care than glasses. The daily cleaning and disinfecting of the lenses can be inconvenient and complicated. You must follow specific directions. 

Poor hygiene can expose the wearer to infections and other complications. Contacts are more costly than eyeglasses, especially with frequent replacement.

A Contact Lens Exam

You will need to go through a contact lens exam before getting contact lenses. The exam takes longer than the regular eye exam, and it will help determine the best contacts for you. It includes various eye measurements to ensure that the lenses fit perfectly. You will learn how to care for the lenses and wear and remove them. 

You will find out how often or when to dispose of the lenses. If you have dry eye or other eye conditions, regular contact lenses may not suit you. However, you can talk to your eye doctor about special contact lenses. 

Glasses and Contacts

Most people choose to have both glasses and contacts. You can switch back and forth as you wish. Having both options help you to protect your eyes much better. It is safe to transition from one method to the other. 

However, you might experience some temporary distorted vision when switching your eyewear. If you get tired of wearing contacts, you can always go back to your glasses. You should always remove your contact lenses before sleeping. 

If you find it difficult to choose between glasses and contacts, you can get both. Many optometrists recommend having backup glasses to give the eyes a break from daily contact wear. Making a gradual switch from glasses to contacts will give your eyes time to get used to the new sensation. 

To know whether to switch from glasses to contact lenses, visit the Eye Associates of New York at our office in New York, New York. You can call (212) 650-4888 today to schedule an appointment.