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Are Contact Lenses Better for You Than Glasses? | Opticians in Dagenham & Woodford

  • By Zeliha
  • 24 Feb, 2025

When it comes to vision correction, the age-old debate continues: Are contact lenses better than glasses? Whether you’re searching for opticians near you or specifically looking for opticians in Dagenham or opticians in Woodford, it’s essential to understand which option suits your lifestyle, comfort, and vision needs best. At Care Optics, we’re here to guide you through the pros and cons of both, helping you make an informed decision.

contact lenses vs glasses

Glasses vs Contact Lenses: Which is Right for You?

Both glasses and contact lenses offer effective vision correction, but the best choice depends on various factors, including comfort, lifestyle, and eye health.

Advantages of Glasses

Low Maintenance – Glasses require minimal care compared to contact lenses, making them a convenient option.

 ✅ Protective Benefits – They shield your eyes from dust, debris, and even harmful blue light. 

Cost-Effective – Although an initial investment, glasses can last years with proper care. 

Fashion Statement – With countless styles and frames available, glasses can be a stylish accessory.

Disadvantages of Glasses

Limited Peripheral Vision – Unlike contact lenses, glasses can restrict your side vision. 

Weather Interference – Fogging up in cold weather or getting wet in the rain can be annoying. 

Weight & Comfort – Some people find glasses heavy or uncomfortable on their nose and ears.

Advantages of Contact Lenses

Natural Vision – Contact lenses move with your eyes, providing a more natural field of view. 

Active Lifestyle Friendly – Ideal for sports and outdoor activities without the risk of breaking. 

No Fogging or Reflection – Unlike glasses, lenses won’t fog up or reflect light. 

Variety of Options – Coloured contacts, daily disposables, or extended wear – there’s a lens for everyone.

Disadvantages of Contact Lenses

Higher Maintenance – Contact lenses require proper cleaning and care to prevent infections. 

Potential for Dry Eyes – Some wearers experience discomfort, particularly in dry environments. 

Learning Curve – Inserting and removing contacts can take some practice.

Who Should Choose Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses are great for individuals who:

  • Lead an active lifestyle and want hassle-free vision correction.

  • Dislike how they look in glasses or want a natural vision experience.

  • Need a wider field of vision for work or sports.

Who Should Stick to Glasses?

Glasses may be a better choice for those who:

  • Have sensitive or dry eyes that make contact lens wear uncomfortable.

  • Prefer a low-maintenance and budget-friendly solution.

  • Work in environments with high exposure to dust or allergens.

Can You Use Both Glasses and Contact Lenses?

Absolutely! Many people switch between glasses and contact lenses depending on the occasion. For example:

  • Daily Wear: Contact lenses for work or social outings.

  • Relaxing at Home: Glasses for ease and comfort.

  • Outdoor Activities: Contact lenses for sports and travel.

Finding the Right Fit: Visit an Optician Near You

If you’re still unsure about whether to choose contact lenses or glasses, visiting a professional optician is the best step forward. At Care Optics, we provide expert consultations and comprehensive eye tests in both Dagenham and Woodford, ensuring you get the best vision solution tailored to your needs.

Why Choose Care Optics?

  • Experienced Optometrists offering personalised recommendations.

  • State-of-the-Art Eye Exams to assess your eye health and prescription.

  • Wide Range of Frames & Lenses to match your style and budget.

  • Contact Lens Fittings to ensure a comfortable and clear vision

Book Your Eye Test Today!

Still debating between contact lenses and glasses? Let our experts help! Visit Care Optics – your trusted opticians in Dagenham and opticians in Woodford. Book an appointment today and take the first step towards clearer, more comfortable vision.

📞 Call us at0208 592 6060 (Dagenham) 0203 551 6075 (Woodford) or 📍 Book your eye test today!

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Contact lenses have become a popular choice for vision correction, offering convenience and improved aesthetics. However, improper care and handling of contact lenses can lead to serious eye health issues.
By Monica Coelho February 27, 2025
     Also known as "Surfer's Eye", Pterygium is an elevated, wedged-shaped growth from the lining of the eyelid onto the cornea. Although is benign, the growth itself can permanently disfigure the eye, reduce significantly the eyesight or even cause blindness. It became known as "Surfer's eye" because it is usually a consequence of being exposed to bright sun for long hours, specially by the water or snow - which reflects the UV rays to your eyes. 

Causes
     As written above, UV exposure seems to be one of the main reasons for Pterygium development, but wind and dust can also cause it as this leads to Dry Eye Disease, which by consequence will lead to this condition. Genetics may also play an important part, as some people seem to be more at risk than others.

Signs & Symptoms
     Pterygium usually appears on the side of your eye that is closest to the nose, but it can also appear on the other sometimes. It is common to have it in one eye only, although sometimes it may appear on both eyes.
     There are people who don't experience any symptoms or require treatment in the beginning, but as the growth develops, there can be redness,  gritty, itchy or burning sensation, the eyes can become irritated and even swollen.
      When the Pterygium starts to invade the cornea, it distorts the shape of the front of the eye, causing  the curve of the cornea to change, leading then to refractive errors (Astigmatism in most cases).

Treatment
    The treatment depends on the size of the Pterygium itself. If it's just a small growth, your Optometrist/Ophthalmologist can advise the patient on lubricants (eye drops or gels) to temporary reduce symptoms like redness, swelling, itchy or gritty felling.  
      If the Pterygium is more advanced, the only option is then surgery.

How to avoid it
     As previously said, UV radiation and exposure seems to be one of the main reason leading to Pterygium. For that you have the perfect solution that is available for everyone - sunglasses . A good pair of sunglasses will filter the UV rays, giving you a sharper vision but also protecting you from conditions like Pterygium, Cataracts, Glaucoma, etc. Make sure to buy your sunglasses from a Optician instead of a shop non-related to eye care. A good pair of sunglasses should have UVA, UVB and UVC protection, and usually those shops will only have one of those protections - or even none.

     We remind you that if you have any of these symptoms or any other, if you need to book an appointment or if you have any queries, please contact us over phone or email. We will be very happy to help you.

Keep in mind: At Care Optics - Eye Care, We Care 




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Conjunctivitis is a common condition which causes the surface of your eyes to go red and, often, sticky or watery and your eyes become sore. Read all about it here.
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What is Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is a common condition which causes the surface of your eye to go red and, often, sticky or watery and your eye becomes sore.

Types of Conjunctivitis:

Conjunctivitis can be caused by infection from bacteria, viruses or other organisms, and also by allergy or inflammation.


Viral conjunctivitis tends to cause a watery red eye and can last for two to three weeks even with the correct treatment. In most cases viral conjunctivitis does not affect your vision but rarely you might notice your vision becomes blurry or you may see glare when looking at lights. This is due to an inflammatory reaction causing small white dots on the cornea, the transparent window at the front of the eye. These usually fade with time, but it can take a few weeks or even months.  


Bacterial conjunctivitis is more likely to cause a red eye with a sticky yellow discharge.

I think I may have Conjunctivitis. What should I do?

There is no antiviral medication for viral conjunctivitis and it does not respond to antibiotic drops as it is not caused by bacteria. The best treatment for viral conjunctivitis is to use artificial tears and simple painkillers, with regular lid cleaning and cold compresses. The conjunctivitis disappears when your body becomes immune to the virus and fights the germs off, just as in a cold or flu. Very rarely, steroid drops are given for severe cases of viral conjunctivitis or when the cornea is affected.


Antibiotic drops can be helpful in cases of bacterial conjunctivitis and are often prescribed for a one or two-week course.  


Contact lenses should not be worn during any type of conjunctivitis.

Infection control:
Conjunctivitis is contagious and spreads very easily by water droplets (coughing, sneezing) or contact with tissues, flannels, towels, pillowcases and so on. For that reason, it’s really important to wash your hands frequently and dispose of tissues after use to prevent the condition from spreading to other family members or work colleagues.

In addition to proper hand hygiene, it's also important to avoid sharing personal items such as towels, pillowcases, and eye drops. If you have conjunctivitis, it's best to stay at home until the symptoms have subsided to avoid spreading the infection to others. Avoiding close contact with others, and avoiding touching or rubbing your eyes are also important to prevent the spread of infection. For people who wear contact lenses, it's essential to discard the lenses and switch to glasses until the infection is gone. After the infection is cleared, it's important to properly clean and disinfect the contact lenses and lens cases before reusing them.

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