Category
Glasses
VSP Contributor, 2 Sep 2026

Glasses vs. Contacts: Which Should You Choose?

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Trying to decide between glasses and contacts? Each has its upsides and downsides, and knowing them makes it easier to pick what works best for you and your family.

What are the benefits of wearing glasses?

Glasses used to feel bulky and a little unfashionable, but that has changed. In recent years frames have become a real style statement, even among celebrities. With so many frames to choose from, glasses are a way to show off your personality.

Both glasses and contacts correct your vision, but glasses tend to last longer. A pair or two can last several years with good care, while contacts need regular replacing to avoid infection.

On the flip side, glasses are easy to misplace, do less for your peripheral vision, and fog up when you walk into a warm room.

What are the benefits of wearing contact lenses?

Contacts sit right on the eye, so they skip a lot of the hassles of glasses. You get wider peripheral vision, and there are no frames resting on your nose and ears.

They are also a solid choice if you play sports or stay active, since you are not worried about frames getting knocked off or broken.

For style, contacts are great if you are not a fan of how you look in glasses. You can even get colored contacts if you want purple, blue, deep brown, or something else.

Contacts do come with trade-offs. They can lead to infection if you do not clean or replace them properly, and none of them last forever. There is also the routine of putting them in and taking them out. Some people are not comfortable touching their eyes, which makes glasses the easier pick for them.

Which option is more affordable: glasses or contacts?

Contacts usually cost more than glasses, mostly because you replace them more often, though the gap is not huge. Designer frames can flip that, pushing glasses above contacts.

Either way, you will need an eye doctor visit, which adds up fast without vision insurance. Out of pocket, a full-service eye exam runs about $75 to $200. Add roughly $150 for frames and it climbs quickly. Contacts vary with your prescription and lens type; an annual supply can run anywhere from $200 to $1,000.

How can I save money on glasses or contacts?

Since both can get pricey, it pays to look for ways to bring the cost down.

One of the best ways to lower your eye care costs is a vision plan from VSP® Individual Vision Plans. Whether you choose glasses or contacts, your VSP coverage helps cut the cost and stretch your eye care budget.

Is VSP vision insurance worth the price?

Between the eye doctor visit and the glasses or contacts themselves, a VSP Individual Vision Plan can be a convenient, flexible fit for what you need. As you shop for your next pair, take a look at VSP Individual Vision Plans and get started on better eye care. Signing up is simple, and the VSP Individual Vision Plan Selector can help you find the plan that fits best.

Ready for the next step? Take a look around VSP Direct, compare VSP Individual Vision Plans, or let the VSP Individual Vision Plan Selector match you with a plan in a couple of minutes. You can also see everything a plan includes on the Benefits & Savings page.

Sponsored by VSP. Information received through VSP Individual Vision Plans' social media channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Reviewed by Chris A. Smiley, O.D.

Chris Smiley, O.D. is the owner of Vision Professionals, a multi-location private practice in Central Ohio. With more than 25 years of experience, he focuses on comprehensive eye care, early detection of eye disease, dry eye, contact lens fitting, and helping patients maintain clear, comfortable vision.

In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Smiley is a VSP Vision Care provider and serves as a VSP Vision Ambassador, where he works with other doctors to improve patient access to care and promote eye health awareness. He is passionate about helping patients understand the connection between eye health and overall health.