subject: Contacts Over Glasses - Obvious Benefits [print this page] Glasses or contact lenses? One of the eternal questions many people with poor vision struggle with on a daily basis. It is a decision not to be taken lightly because there are pros and cons to each; however, the one truth remains clear: You have to have one or the other to see clearly and correctly. For many, contact lenses are the obvious choice especially when driving.
Deciding to get contact lenses is best left to the individual. Children do not need contact lenses until the child can prove themselves to be sufficient enough to take care of contact lenses. A child needs to be able to put contact lenses in and take them out. Contact lenses have made considerable advances in recent decades, but there are still certain aspects of contact lenses that are not for children. Of course, children do not drive so the necessity of contact lenses for them is a moot point.
For many people, contact lenses are preferred for a myriad of reasons. The main reason many choose to wear contact lenses is a simple one: Contact lenses allow users to have a far greater selection of sunglasses to wear. Many glasses-wearing people are limited by the types of sunglasses they can wear and the expense of prescription sunglasses is beyond the affordability of many. Contact lenses allow wearers to select similar sunglasses as people with normal vision. This way their choices include discount, something not available to those who wear glasses, and brand name sunglasses.
Prescription sunglasses, in particular those that darken in UV light, do not work behind car windshields. Self-tinting glasses are therefore not a viable option. Many brands of sunglasses are polarized; polarized glasses filter out certain wavelengths and clear vision on sunny days. An example is the glare coming off of the windshield in the car before you. Polarized glasses cut the glare and make following another vehicle more comfortable to the driver. Prescription polarized glasses are available, but they cost significantly more than the standard prescription sunglasses.
For the myopic, or near-sighted, contact lenses can actually improve vision over glasses. Getting contact lenses allow the lens to sit on the eye and not before it. Because of the proximity, the eye is better able to focus images on the retina and gives the wearer better vision. For some myopic patients, those whose vision is severely compromised, contact lenses may be the only choice as the sheer weight of glasses can cause headaches and strain.
Contact lenses, since they rest on the eye itself, benefit drivers with side and peripheral vision. Glasses do not cover the entire vision area except the immediate front. Being able to use peripheral and side vision is necessary for drivers, and contact lenses improve this vision.
If you want to get contact lenses, there is only one thing you can do. Schedule an appointment with your optometrist or ophthalmologist and inquire if you are a candidate. Your eye care professional will help you with the correct fit, care and answer any questions you have about contact lenses and contact lens care. Additionally, your eye care professional will get you started with everything you need for cleaning and storing your contact lenses.
