If you’re trying to decide between glasses and contacts, you’re not alone. Many Arlington Heights residents face the same choice when updating their prescription or exploring new vision correction options. Both have advantages, but the right decision depends on your lifestyle, vision needs, and comfort preferences. At Koziol-Thoms-Eye, patients receive personalized guidance to help them make a confident, informed choice.
Understanding the Basics of Glasses and Contacts
- Glasses rest outside the eye and are easy to use
- Contacts sit directly on the eye’s surface for full peripheral vision
- Both correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and more
- Your daily activities can influence which option is best
Glasses and contacts serve the same purpose: correcting refractive errors. However, how they fit into your lifestyle can vary. Glasses are external, low-maintenance, and often used as a fashion accessory. Contact lenses offer more natural vision, especially for sports or active routines. At Koziol-Thoms-Eye in Arlington Heights, patients receive comprehensive exams and fittings to determine which is best suited to their visual goals.
When Glasses Might Be the Right Choice
- Ideal for low-maintenance users
- No direct eye contact, so they’re easier on sensitive eyes
- Great for children, seniors, and those who prefer simplicity
- Stylish frames can enhance your appearance
Koziol-Thoms-Eye offers a wide selection of stylish frames for every age group. Whether you’re looking for a bold look or something discreet, the optical team ensures a comfortable fit and accurate prescription. Plus, glasses are often more affordable long-term, especially if you’re not replacing them frequently.
When Contact Lenses Are the Better Fit
- Provide full peripheral vision with no frame obstruction
- Ideal for athletes or those with active lifestyles
- Available in daily, weekly, or monthly replacement options
- More discreet than glasses for aesthetic preferences
If you’re constantly on the go or play sports, contact lenses might be a better choice. Since they move with your eyes, they offer a more natural field of vision and don’t interfere with physical activity. Patients at Koziol-Thoms-Eye can choose from soft lenses, rigid gas-permeable lenses, or specialty contacts based on eye shape and visual needs.
Factors to Consider Before Making a Choice
- Lifestyle and activity level
- Eye health and existing conditions
- Budget and long-term maintenance costs
- Personal comfort and aesthetic preferences
During your eye exam at Koziol-Thoms-Eye, your optometrist will assess your eye shape, tear quality, and any underlying conditions. You’ll also be asked about your daily routine, screen time, and any past experiences with corrective lenses. This comprehensive approach ensures the recommendation fits your exact lifestyle.
Can You Wear Both Glasses and Contacts?
- Many patients use both depending on the occasion
- Contacts for active days, glasses for rest, or eye recovery
- Great for travel flexibility or backup options
- Koziol-Thoms-Eye helps patients maintain both seamlessly
Some Arlington Heights patients choose not to decide at all, they wear both. It’s common to use contacts during work or events and switch to glasses at home. This combination keeps your eyes from becoming overworked and offers backup if a lens gets lost or damaged.
Koziol-Thoms-Eye supports this dual approach by helping you manage prescriptions for both options. From contact lens evaluations to fitting stylish backup glasses, the team makes it simple to maintain both forms of correction comfortably and affordably.
How Koziol-Thoms-Eye Helps You Make the Right Choice
- Personalized evaluations and professional recommendations
- Full range of glasses, contacts, and hybrid options
- In-depth education on care, hygiene, and wear schedules
- Local Arlington Heights support and follow-up care
What makes Koziol-Thoms-Eye different is its focus on personalized care. Whether you’re new to contacts or need help selecting a durable pair of glasses, the team is dedicated to walking you through the entire process. Patients benefit from a wide selection of lens types, frame styles, and fitting services, all under one roof.
Still unsure? You can always start with one option and adjust over time. With regular screenings, updates, and expert guidance, Koziol-Thoms-Eye ensures that your vision correction always matches your life.
To explore your options for glasses and contacts, schedule an appointment today and see clearly, on your terms.
FAQs
Can I switch between glasses and contact lenses?
Yes, many patients use both. Contacts are great for active days, while glasses offer comfort and ease at home. Koziol-Thoms-Eye helps you manage prescriptions for both.
Are contacts more expensive than glasses?
Contacts often have ongoing costs for replacements and cleaning, while glasses are usually a one-time expense. Your eye care provider can help you compare long-term costs.
Do contact lenses hurt to wear?
No, properly fitted contacts are comfortable. If you’re experiencing discomfort, it may be due to dryness or the wrong lens type, something Koziol-Thoms-Eye can address.
Can I get colored contact lenses at Koziol-Thoms-Eye?
Yes. Cosmetic options like colored lenses are available for patients interested in changing their eye color safely and temporarily.
What if I can’t decide between glasses and contacts?
You don’t have to choose just one. Many patients use both for different purposes. The team at Koziol-Thoms-Eye can guide you based on your lifestyle and eye health.
