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Glasses, Contacts, or Surgery: How to Choose the Best Vision Correction for Your Lifestyle
Nearly 75% of Americans use some form of vision correction to help them see clearly.
If you’ve recently noticed that your vision is blurry during daily activities such as reading, driving, or working at the computer, you’re probably wondering whether glasses, contacts, or refractive surgery is right for you.
Dr. Anand Bhatt and our team at Orange County Cataract and Glaucoma,, understand that choosing a vision correction option can be overwhelming, which is why this blog provides an overview of each and highlights the pros and cons.
By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll have a better understanding of what glasses, contacts, and surgery offer, so you can make the right choice for your situation.
Understanding refractive errors
Refractive errors are common eye problems that affect the way light enters your eye. Anytime that light refracts and doesn’t focus properly on the retina, a piece of tissue at the back of the eye, it causes blurry vision, which can make daily activities challenging.
Common refractive errors include:
- Nearsightedness (myopia): makes faraway objects appear blurry
- Farsightedness (hyperopia): makes close-up objects appear blurry
- Astigmatism: causes blurry or distorted vision at all distances
- Presbyopia: causes close-up objects to appear blurry due to age-related eye changes
The good news is that refractive errors are relatively easy to treat. With the right glasses/contacts prescription or refractive surgery, you can sharpen your eyesight and see clearly.
Glasses: A simple and reliable solution
Glasses, which feature two lenses attached to metal, plastic, or wooden frames, are the most common way to treat refractive errors.
They come in various styles and rest comfortably on the bridge of your nose, making it easier to see, whether you’re driving, working at a computer, or spending time outdoors.
The main downside of glasses is that they can fog up, get dirty, or break. These drawbacks aren’t an issue for many people, but if you play contact sports or do other similar activities, another option may make more sense.
Contact lenses: More freedom and flexibility
Contact lenses are similar to glasses. The difference is that contacts are clear, round lenses that sit directly on the surface of your eyes rather than inside frames. Because of this, they’re able to sharpen your central and peripheral (side) vision, making them a great option if you need a wider field of view, play sports, or lead an active lifestyle.
Modern contacts are breathable and comfortable, and some are designed for extended wear. However, they require daily cleaning and maintenance to prevent eye irritation and infection.
If you play sports or simply don’t want to wear glasses, contact lenses are worth considering.
Vision correction surgery: A longer-term option
Some people don’t want to wear glasses or contact lenses at all because they feel self-conscious, have sensitive eyes, or don’t want to worry about regular maintenance.
If you fall into one of these camps, you may benefit from refractive surgery, such as laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).
Both of these procedures take a slightly different approach, but the goal is the same: to improve the way that light focuses on the retina to sharpen your vision.
Dr. Bhatt doesn’t perform refractive surgery, but if you’re interested in learning more about either option, he can refer you to a nearby surgical provider for a consultation.
Questions to ask yourself before making a choice
Selecting a vision correction option is a very personal choice. Asking yourself a few questions beforehand can help you make the right decision for your needs. We recommend asking the following:
- How active is your lifestyle?
- Do you want a temporary or long-term solution?
- How comfortable are you with daily lens care and maintenance?
- What are your vision goals and budget considerations?
If you still have questions even after considering the above, we’re here to help!
After a review of your health history and a comprehensive eye exam, we can make personalized recommendations.
To learn more about the pros and cons of glasses, contacts, and refractive surgery, schedule a consultation at our Santa Ana, California, practice today. Call our office at 714-541-4185 or use the online booking feature.
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