We’ve done the research for you, so you can make an educated decision

Considering contact lenses?

If you wear glasses, and you’re a teen, chances are you’ve thought of switching to contacts. We’ve done the research for you, so you can make an educated decision.

Yes!

Contact lenses can be a great option. They allow you to look yourself without metal or plastic frames on your face (as attractive as they might be). Wearing contacts is also much more comfortable than eyeglasses when playing sports (have you ever had a basketball smash your glasses into your face?). You might also appreciate having unobstructed peripheral vision, not seeing the frames of your glasses in your line of vision. If you live in a place where masks are still mandated in public places (like I do), there’s the huge plus of not dealing with fogged-up glasses! Contact lenses don’t slip down your nose or get fingerprints on them, either.

No?

Are you wondering what you’ve been waiting for? Wait, not so fast. There are some reasons to consider sticking with your good ol’ glasses. Consider the fact that you need to be very careful to follow directions to avoid eye infections or other eye health problems — some of which can, chas v’shalom, cause long-term, permanent vision problems. You must be able to take responsibility for properly caring for your lenses to avoid injury. Wearing contacts can increase your risk of red, irritated eyes, eye infections, eye abrasions (bruises), and corneal ulcers. (Though you’ve probably heard horror stories of contacts getting “lost” behind the eye, that’s not really possible. It is possible for a lens to get “stuck,” but un-sticking it is usually fairly straightforward.) Another thing to consider is that if you have seasonal allergies or dry eyes, contact lenses are not advisable for you. They can increase itchiness and burning.