Advantages and disadvantages of contact lenses for nearsightedness

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Advantages and disadvantages of contact lenses for nearsightedness

Advantages of contact lenses

• Contacts provide predictable vision correction.
• They eliminate the need to wear eyeglasses all the time.
• Contacts provide better side vision than eyeglasses.
• A wide range of lens types is available to meet individual needs.
• Contacts cost more than eyeglasses but less than surgery (although surgery may be less expensive in the long run if it allows you to go without glasses or contacts).
• Some people prefer the way they look when wearing contacts rather than eyeglasses.

Disadvantages of contact lenses

• Cleaning and disinfecting your lenses can be complicated and inconvenient. You need good hand-eye coordination to clean, insert, and remove the lenses.
• There is an increased risk of corneal infections, scratches, and scrapes.
• Lenses can be easily damaged or lost.
• Some people cannot wear contact lenses comfortably. After going through the initial discomfort and expense of contact lenses, some people continue to find them uncomfortable or otherwise unsatisfactory.
• Wearing contact lenses can cost at least $150 per year, including the costs of cleaning and disinfecting solutions. People who have to replace their lenses or change prescriptions regularly may spend much more. The cost of the lenses varies according to the type of lens you wear.
• In some work areas, you will need to use protective eyewear if you wear contact lenses.

Credits

Last updated:	July 07, 2007
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Carol L. Karp, MD - Ophthalmology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman