Can You Get Both Glasses & Contacts?
If you’re torn between getting glasses and contacts, here’s a game-changing perspective: you don’t have to choose. In fact, incorporating each into your vision care routine offers the best of both worlds. Having both options affords greater flexibility—but how do you make this work practically and financially?
If you feel limited to a single option, you’re not alone. Read on to explore how to use both glasses and contacts without compromising your lifestyle, comfort, or budget.
Glasses vs. Contacts: Practical Considerations
Given the choice between glasses and contacts, it can be tricky to determine which is better, especially when your daily needs change. Each option offers unique benefits for different situations.
Glasses or Contacts for Different Tasks
The ideal vision correction option can be largely a matter of personal preference, but keep these considerations in mind:
- Driving. Both glasses and contacts can be suitable for driving, but some find that contacts provide a wider field of vision and better protection from glare.
- Reading. Glasses sometimes have the upper hand with reading, as they are easily removed. However, contacts just for reading, like multifocal lenses, are an option.
- Sports and Exercise. Contacts are generally the preferred choice for physical activity because they don’t fog up or slip during movement. Protective sport glasses also work.
- Travel. Both have their advantages. Contacts can be more convenient, but glasses don’t require special care or cleaning solutions.
Your work environment can also dictate which option may be better:
- Office workers might prefer glasses with blue light filtering lenses.
- Those in dusty or dirty environments might opt for glasses as a protective barrier.
- People who switch between close-up and distant tasks may prefer multifocal contacts.
Talk to your eye care provider about your workplace to determine the best option for you.
Preferred Solutions for Time of Day
Some people like to start their day with contacts, particularly if they plan to exercise in the morning. It largely depends on your daily routine and what activities you have planned throughout the day.
Many contact wearers find that their eyes become dry or irritated toward the end of the day. For these people, glasses can be a more comfortable option.
Important Eye Care and Health Considerations
As you decide what’s best for you, it’s important to address common eye health concerns.
Do Your Eyes “Get Tired” of Contacts?
Contact lenses can worsen eye fatigue, and wearing them for long periods of time can lead to discomfort, eye dryness, or eye strain, especially if you spend too much time looking at digital screens.
This is where having glasses on hand can be beneficial. They give your eyes a break from contact lenses while still providing vision correction.
Should You Alternate Between Glasses and Contacts?
Switching between glasses and contacts can be advantageous for your eye health. Wearing glasses allows your cornea to receive more oxygen and can help prevent some of the risks associated with overwear of contacts, like irritation or infection. Eye care professionals recommend wearing glasses for at least one full day each week to give your eyes a break.
Can You Wear Glasses with Contacts?
It’s not recommended to wear glasses over contact lenses, but there are a few exceptions:
- Wearing contacts for distance vision correction and using reading glasses for close-up work
- Wearing contacts and using non-prescription sunglasses for UV protection
- Wearing special prescription contacts under glasses to treat some eye conditions
If you find that wearing glasses over contacts for driving, exercise, reading, or any other activity seems to benefit your vision, consult with your eye care professional right away. They’ll help you find a safe, ideal solution to wear.
Learn more about how prescriptions differ between contacts and glasses.
Affording Glasses and Contacts with Vision Insurance
One of the main considerations in having both glasses and contacts is the investment. With careful planning and a good understanding of vision insurance coverage, you can afford both.
Does Insurance Cover Glasses and Contacts?
Most vision insurance plans provide an annual allowance that covers one form of vision correction, but policies rarely offer coverage for both glasses and contacts. This typically works as follows:
- A set amount is allocated for frames and lenses for glasses.
- A separate amount is allocated for contact lenses, usually covering the fitting as well.
Policyholders must choose between using their allowance for glasses or contacts in any given year. This means that you have options from year to year.
How Should You Prioritize Your Purchases?
Consider these strategies as you plan to incorporate both glasses and contacts into your vision care regimen:
- Year One: Use your insurance allowance for whatever is most expensive—usually glasses. Then, purchase a limited supply of contact lenses out of pocket.
- Year Two: Keep your existing glasses and apply your annual allowance to a full supply of contacts. If your glasses need updating, use your remaining allowance or pay out of pocket.
- Year Three: Continue alternating the use of your insurance allowance based on your current needs.
Cost-Saving Measures for Glasses and Contacts
To make having glasses and contact lenses more affordable, these money-saving tips can help.
How to Save on Glasses
- Take advantage of sales and promotions at Visionworks.
- Opt for affordable frames over designer options.
- Ask about package deals that include a second pair at a discount.
- Consider purchasing lenses and frames separately.
How to Save on Contact Lenses
When selecting contact lenses, there is sometimes a tradeoff between convenience and cost:
- Daily disposable lenses are convenient, but usually the most expensive choice.
- Monthly lenses are generally cheaper but require more maintenance.
- Two-week lenses offer a middle ground with cost and convenience.
You can also mix contact lens types to strike a balance, using monthly lenses for regular wear and keeping a supply of daily disposables for certain occasions.
Additional Cost-Saving Tips
It’s entirely possible to enjoy the benefits of glasses and contacts at the same time as long as you’re mindful of immediate and long-term investments:
- Look into flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs).
- Practice proper care and maintenance to extend the lifespan of glasses and contacts.
- Schedule regular eye exams to keep your vision prescriptions current.
Remember, only you and your eye care specialist can make the right decisions for you and your vision correction needs.
Make the Most of Your Vision Correction Options
Your vision needs can change over time. A dual approach to vision correction with both glasses and contacts offers a great deal of flexibility and comfort no matter how your needs and preferences shift.
Having both options to choose from makes it easier to transition between different activities, environments, and even moods. With both, you always have reliable options for achieving clear, comfortable vision.
To get started, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with a trusted eye care provider and talk about your needs, goals, and eye health concerns. Investing in your eye health with personalized vision solutions is an investment in your quality of life. Schedule an appointment at your local Visionworks today!
Learn more about "The Works" package from Visionworks, designed to provide a complete vision care solution as you consider both glasses and contacts.
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Information received through Visionworks® content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Claims regarding blue light efficiency are supported by manufacturer-provided test results.
