For patients in Oconomowoc, Watertown, and Waukesha, the decision between eyeglasses and contact lenses often comes down to personal priorities.
Are you looking for convenience during your workday? Comfort during allergy season? Style options? Or simply what fits best into your morning routine?
At Oconomowoc Vision Clinic, we help patients from all walks of life - busy parents, growing teens, professionals, and retirees - find the best vision correction option for their unique needs. Whether you're exploring contacts for the first time or switching back to glasses after years, understanding the pros and cons can help you make a confident, informed choice.
Eyeglasses: Practical and Stylish in Every Season
For many patients in Oconomowoc, Watertown, and Waukesha, eyeglasses offer a dependable, low-maintenance way to see clearly without touching your eyes. They’re easy to wear, easy to clean, and with the right pair, they can even feel like part of your personality. Let’s examine the benefits and limitations of wearing glasses daily.
The Pros of Eyeglasses
- Low Maintenance: Unlike contacts, glasses require no soaking, cleaning solution, or hand-washing routine. Just a lens wipe and you’re good to go.
- Eye Protection: Glasses can help shield your eyes from Wisconsin winds, pollen, and dust - especially helpful in allergy season.
- Cost-Effective: You buy them once and wear them daily, making them budget-friendly over time.
- Style-Driven Options: With over 1,500 frames available at Oconomowoc, our optical shops offer something for every face shape and fashion sense.
- No Direct Eye Contact: Ideal for anyone with dry eye or sensitivity issues - especially during heating season, when indoor air gets drier.
The Cons of Eyeglasses
- Field of Vision: Glasses don’t offer peripheral clarity, which can be frustrating for some wearers.
- Weather Troubles: Glasses fog up quickly in Wisconsin winters and slip during humid summers.
- Activity Limitations: Playing sports or engaging in high-motion hobbies? Glasses can get in the way or fall off.
- Discomfort from Wear: Nose bridges and earpieces can cause pressure headaches or skin irritation if worn for extended periods.
Contact Lenses: Freedom, Flexibility, and Full Vision
Contact lenses are a popular choice among patients who prefer clear vision without the need for frames. Whether you're heading to the gym, working outdoors, or simply don’t want anything sitting on your nose, contacts offer invisible support that fits seamlessly into active lifestyles. Here's what to consider if you're thinking about switching - or just want a refresher on the pros and cons of wearing contact lenses.
The Pros of Contact Lenses
- Full Visual Range: No frames = no blind spots. Contacts offer seamless peripheral vision—perfect for driving or active jobs.
- Freedom of Movement: Whether you're on the go, playing sports, or just chasing after the kids, contacts stay in place and move with you.
- Weather-Proof: They don’t fog up in the cold, and they won’t collect rain or snow.
- Face-Forward Comfort: Contacts leave your face free for sunglasses or safety goggles - ideal for outdoor work or sports.
- More Natural Look: No frames means your features and eye color take center stage.
- Variety of Options: Dailies, extended wear, toric, and multifocal lenses mean there’s a solution for nearly every vision need.
The Cons of Contact Lenses
- Daily Care Is Non-Negotiable: Poor hygiene poses a significant risk of eye infection, particularly with reusable contact lenses.
- Dry Eye Risk: Wearing contacts can exacerbate dry eye symptoms, especially during screen-heavy days or in low-humidity months.
- Not Always Budget-Friendly: Replacement costs and solution expenses add up — especially if you wear lenses daily.
- Fit Matters: Poorly fitted contacts cause discomfort or blurry vision. Fitting exams at Oconomowoc Vision Clinic help minimize this risk.
- Age or Health Restrictions: Certain eye conditions or medications may make contacts less ideal.
How to Choose Between Glasses or Contacts in Wisconsin
If you’re debating whether to go from glasses to contacts - or vice versa - you’re not alone. In our experience working with patients across Oconomowoc, Watertown, and Waukesha, most people want a mix of comfort, convenience, and clarity. But how do you know what truly fits your needs?
Ask yourself:
- Do your eyes feel dry or irritated often?
- Do you work long hours on a computer or outdoors?
- Do you play sports or spend a lot of time behind the wheel?
- Are you comfortable with a daily contact lens hygiene routine?
- Do you like wearing glasses as a fashion accessory?
For example, if you’re a teacher in Watertown who spends most of your day looking at a screen, glasses may help relieve digital eye strain and reduce dryness. On the other hand, if you're an active parent juggling carpools and soccer games in Waukesha, contacts might offer more flexibility.
Oconomowoc Vision Clinic Recommendation: Personalized Care Comes First
We take a personal, not one-size-fits-all, approach to vision correction at Oconomowoc Vision Clinic.
- First-time wearers: We’ll walk you through your options and help you try on frames or test out contacts.
- Multifocal users: We can show you how both glasses and multifocal contacts perform - and which might be easier to manage day-to-day.
- Children and teens: We often recommend glasses first, especially for younger patients; however, we also offer contact lens fittings for responsible teens.
- Dry eye patients: In drier seasons or for those managing chronic dryness, we often recommend glasses - unless we fit you with specialty lenses designed for comfort.
At all three of our locations, our experienced optometrists - including Dr. Bjork, Dr. Brahm, Dr. Bruns, and Dr. Herron - take the time to understand your needs before making a recommendation. We’re here to help—not upsell.
Clarity That Fits Your Lifestyle Starts at Oconomowoc Vision Clinic in Wisconsin
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, “Is it better to wear contacts or glasses?” The right answer is the one that suits your daily life, comfort needs, and personal preferences.
Whether you're interested in sleek new frames or want to try contact lenses for the first time, the team at Oconomowoc Vision Clinic is here to guide you. Our team in Oconomowoc, Watertown, and Waukesha is ready to help you see your best - with care that feels like home. Book your eye care appointment for a personalized consultation.
Glasses vs Contact Lenses FAQs
Is it better to wear contacts or glasses in the long term?
It depends on your eye health and lifestyle. Glasses are typically more comfortable for the eyes and more cost-effective over time, while contacts offer greater freedom and a wider field of vision.
Are contacts safe for teens and children?
Yes - with the right maturity level and hygiene habits, many teens can successfully wear contacts. Our team offers special fittings to help them adjust.
Can I wear contacts if I have dry eyes?
Possibly. While some contact lenses may exacerbate dryness, others—such as daily disposables or specialty lenses—are specifically designed to be more comfortable. We’ll help you choose based on your symptoms.
What’s the most cost-effective option?
Glasses often win on long-term savings, but for part-time wearers, contacts may be affordable too. Our optical team can help you weigh options based on your insurance and budget.