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Contact lens Vs. Glasses

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Dr. Marc

4 MINUTES READ
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Contact lens prescriptions and eyeglass prescriptions are not the same. One significant difference is that eyeglass lenses are positioned approximately 12 millimeters from your eyes, while contact lenses rest directly on the surface of your eyes.

This means that if you want to wear both contact lenses and eyeglasses, you will need two separate prescriptions

The difference between eye exams for glasses and contacts

A major reason you would need different eye exams is that not all contact lenses are the same, and neither are our corneas.

Essentially, the clear domed cover over the front part of the eye can vary significantly between patients, which is why it is necessary to perform a number of assessments to determine which lenses will fit you best, which includes an evaluation of the gradient of your corneal curve, measurements of your pupils and iris, and a check to see how much tear film your eyes produce.

This information will determine the perfect size and shape contact lens based on your individual requirements. While some patients are found to be poor candidates for regular contact lenses, there are some specialty designs, which means that the vast majority of patients can benefit from wearing contact lenses.

Once this is covered, you will be given a generic pair of that style to try in order to check the fit and so that you can let them know if they are comfortable, and you can handle placing them in your eyes and removing them again. After this, a prescription can then be ordered.

The difference between glasses and contact lens Rx

These are the basic differences between getting prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses, as explained earlier, if you wish to wear both contact lenses and eyeglasses at different times, you will need to have two separate eye exams.

One important detail is your vision. This applies in both cases, whether you are going to wear contact lenses or eyeglasses. The first step in establishing a correct prescription is to establish the condition of your eyesight. This is where the exam comes in.

Once you have been through an eye exam, the doctor can write a prescription for eyeglasses, contact lenses, or both. Because eyeglasses sit some distance away from your eyes, the prescription for glasses is typically a bit stronger than for contact lenses. This is the primary difference between the two prescriptions.

When you wear eyeglasses, you must establish a proper fit for these, as well. Besides having your eyesight evaluated, you will need to find an eyeglass frame that fits you properly.

Why you should have a pair of glasses even if you wear contact lens

This is a common question among people who wear contacts or who are making a choice on which to opt for between glasses and contacts.

One reason to keep a pair of glasses is that it is smart to give your eyes a rest. This is an advantage of glasses over contact lenses. Glasses don’t touch your eyes, so oxygen can reach them, and there’s less chance of an infection. It’s important to give your eyes at least a few hours every night, a day- or week-long break from your contacts.

In situations where you have an unexpected trauma to your eye, even something minor like a scratch or infection, wearing a contact lens may cause discomfort or even put you at risk of long-term damage. This makes it necessary to keep a pair of glasses as they are better options in these situations.

Also, in the case where a patient has allergies irritating the eyes, it is not a good idea to trap them under a contact lens, pressing them close to your eyeballs. Carrying a backup pair of glasses when your allergies flare up gives you a quick solution that will bring you back to a clear and comfortable vision.

A pair of glasses could also be a great spare to have as a person who constantly needs prescribed lenses. It comes in handy even in times where there is no particular need for a change, but it is what is trendy. Here, a pair of glasses could also be a fashion statement. Having these options makes it easy to stay trendy while wearing lenses in the forms prescribed.