Why Are Glasses A Healthier Alternative to Contact Lenses?
People who wear glasses often feel uncomfortable about their aspect because of an unspoken social stigma. To solve this issue, contact lenses have been invented, and have since then been marketed as a convenient solution to other minor issues, such as having to clean the glasses once in a while. However, contact lenses have their pros and cons, including some serious health risks such as corneal damage and infections. So, which one is better?
Today, glasses have become a popular fashion choice up to the point that some people wear them just to improve their outfit even if they don’t need them. Even the shyest individual has now no reason anymore to feel embarrassed by wearing them – instead, there are a lot of reasons why wearing spectacles is much better than wearing contact lenses.
Wearing contact lenses can be dangerous for your eyes’ health
Contact lenses are small, transparent things that really look like the most harmless thing you’ve ever seen. How can they be so dangerous to our eyes? Human eyes are exposed to environmental wear on a constant basis. The air itself is always full of dangerous pathogens such as bacteria and fungi, and the eyes use tears to protect themselves in two ways. First, they physically remove the microbes by washing them away with each tear, and second, they kill the remaining ones with their (bland) antibacterial properties.
Contact lenses can reduce both these activities by making the eyes become dry. Eventually the concentration of many pathogenic microorganism can be an issue. Parasites can also bind on the surface of lenses increasing the risk of eye infections, corneal ulcers and vision loss. Even the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned about the dangers of wearing contact lenses.
Wearing glasses is much more comfortable
Contact lenses sit over the cornea of the eyes, preventing this tissue from receiving the normal oxygen supply it requires to stay healthy. Dry and red eyes are a normal consequence, but wearing lenses all day long can literally suffocate our corneas, causing even more discomfort as the eyes get irritated and inflamed. If you forget to remove them before going to bed, things can get even worse. Glasses, on the other hand, are not associated with any one of these issues and you can safely sleep with them.
Glasses are way less expensive
Contact lenses can really affect your monthly expenses. You cannot purchase cheap ones because of the above-mentioned health risks, so a yearly supply of hydrogel lenses plus all the equipment required to maintain them (such as drops and solutions) can easily add up to over $350 – $400. They’re significantly more expensive than glasses since now you can buy a lot of different frames and lenses for an average of $100.
Specific or unusual prescriptions may cost you more than this, but you are also paying for the additional comfort and benefits of, for example, progressive or photochromic lenses rather than basic contact lenses. A trendy pair of glasses for women can be used for a lot more time than just one year.
Glasses add charisma to your personality
Choosing the right eyewear design is a great way to portray your personality through a fashionable accessory. Are you a sporty type? Go for a neon-colored mold. Are you an offbeat artist? Buy a pair of vintage oversized cat-eyes. Are you a serious businessman? Look out for a silver-laced wiry frame. Each detail can speak volumes of your character, adding a tasty topping of charisma and uniqueness to your outfit that will greatly improve your first impression. By wearing glasses, you can stand out in a crowd, by wearing contact lenses… well you’re just another ordinary guy or girl.
Glasses can make you even more beautiful
A good pair of carefully chosen glasses can enhance your facial features and make you look even more interesting than you are. You can emphasize your strongest point while drawing attention away from those features you don’t like too much. Is your face too round? Use a square or rectangular frame to make it appear longer and slimmer. You don’t like your forehead? Aviators with ow-set temples and curved edges can balance your features and highlight your shining smile.
Choose a pair of spectacles whose color matches or contrasts with your eyes, such as a red frame with green eyes to accentuate them. Needless to say, feeling better with yourself will help you improve your overall psychological health.
Conclusion
Although in some occasions contact lenses may still serve their own purpose, spectacles are, hands down, the better choice. As you can see, wearing glasses over contact lenses is a healthier choice that will make your life better, brighter, and more enjoyable.
