As I cleaned my glasses for the three millionth time this morning it occurred to me – again – that I think differently than other people do. In the case of eyewear and vision, I prefer to wear eyeglasses rather than wear contact lenses.
I’ve been wearing glasses full time for over 20 years and wearing them part-time since I was in high school. I think I can honestly say that working with computers (back in the Wordperfect/Lotus 1-2-3/DOS days on PCs without hard drives) probably hastened a decline in my vision but it was inevitable – I’ve got the genetics to need to wear glasses and I’m sure that my children will eventually as well.
I have tried wearing contact lenses in the past, especially in university. I can wear them but after a couple of years of trying, I didn’t bother keeping it up.
Here are the reasons why I continue to wear eyeglasses instead of contact lenses:
1. Adequate vision – I see just fine with glasses and I’m not bothered by the slight loss of vision around the glasses frame.
2. Cosmetic – I look just fine in glasses. In fact, I’d almost argue that I look better with glasses than without.
3. Cost – in the long run, contact lenses can cost more, especially if they aren’t covered by a health plan.
4. Glasses are easier to put on in the morning and get going with than contacts.
EDIT 5. Contacts never really felt that comfortable to me and just got worse as the day went on. No fun for long distances, classrooms, or in the evening.
These are just my thoughts. As I mentioned before, I think differently than some people.
Do you have a preference for contacts? Do you prefer eyeglasses? What do you think?
I had this discussion with my coworkers the other day, all of whom wear glasses (my vision is still good, but I’m headed down that road someday). Somehow the question of contacts came up and most cited cost as their primary reason. One found contacts very uncomfortable and all agreed that they thought they look fine in glasses (and I’d agree).
When the day comes, I’ll just wear glasses, I think.
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@Mrs. Micah: there’s always laser eye surgery, I suppose, but I’ve never been interested in pursuing that.
I’ve been considering getting some contact lenses for cosmetic purposes – I look fine in glasses too, but the range of frames available with clip-on sunglasses is very small. Thanks to some sensory dysfunction (I’ve got a massive light sensitivity) I need some kind of shades – and it’s a lot easier to find good looking ten dollar cheap sunglasses than it is to find good looking clipons. Much less getting the clipons replaced if they fail or get lost.
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@Ian – I hear you about the clip ons, but I’ve been fortunate enough to find ones that match my frame quite well. What about lenses that automatically darken in bright light? Don’t they make those anymore?
When I wear corrective lenses at all (which is not nearly often enough) I wear contacts. Largely because the lack of peripheral clarity DOES bother me, and also because I am a complete klutz and would break, smudge, forget and lose my glasses constantly. I break, smudge, forget and lose my contacts, too, but they’re much cheaper to replace.
@Kat: well…. you’ve got a good case for contacts then.
I’ve never tried contacts. I have a weird eye thing…wouldn’t exactly call it a phobia. I agree with all the reason you gave, plus the thought of poking myself in the eye eveyday just does not seem very fun.
@KatieT – it wasn’t that hard for me to get used to touching the eye. I think I can still do it today. Not that I want to very often.
Glasses are a great combination of style and I’m-way-too-lazy-for-contacts.
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@Michael – succinct as ever. And, now that I think about it, there was another reason why I didn’t like contacts, which I’ll add as an edit to this post.
I like your reason and the biggest reasons for me were:
1. Partying (I’m 19), I never enjoyed trying to take my contacts when I’m drunk and can’t when I’ve passed out so wearing glasses in this situation over contacts is a no brainer for me. Not to mention I’ve cut myself in the forehead once while trying to take a contact out drunk.
2. I usually get home late whether its because I’m hanging with friends or working out and the last thing I want to do is take my contacts out. I know it doesn’t take long take them out but I really feel like it is a pain to do so.
3. Finally I think it’s better for your eyes in general. I mean unless you are completely sure that your hands are clean and that the contact case is clean less harmful bacteria enters your eyes when wearing glasses.