Glasses, contact lenses or surgery? How to choose the right option
25.04.2025
Vision problems affect many of us. Fortunately, there are now several ways to see clearly – with glasses, contact lenses, or modern surgical procedures. But which option is right for you? The answer depends not only on the health of your eyes but also on your lifestyle.
“Contact lenses are very popular, especially among the younger generation. Many people wear them as a supplement to glasses – for example, during sports or social events,” says Anna Penkerová, optometrist at Eye Centre Prague.
However, glasses remain the most common form of correction. Contact lenses are not suitable for everyone – some people don’t find them comfortable, and others simply never get used to wearing them. In addition, they require proper hygiene and regular care, which may be inconvenient for some users. Monthly and biweekly lenses, in particular, must be cleaned and stored in solution. That’s why daily disposable lenses are growing in popularity – they’re convenient and more hygienically safe.
On the other hand, if contact lenses are not used properly, they can pose a health risk. “Infections, eye irritation or even corneal damage are the most common consequences of poor hygiene or excessive lens wear,” warns Penkerová. “It’s crucial to always follow the optometrist’s instructions and never sleep with lenses that are not designed for overnight wear.”
How to choose the right vision correction? Your eye health and lifestyle both matter
The choice between glasses and contact lenses depends not only on the specific visual impairment but also on your daily routine and personal preferences. Glasses offer simplicity and comfort, and they are ideal for computer work. Contact lenses, on the other hand, are appreciated by those who play sports or simply don’t like wearing glasses.
“Choosing vision correction should be based not only on medical criteria but also on an individual’s lifestyle. An active athlete may prefer contact lenses, someone who spends most of the day at a computer might enjoy the comfort of glasses. And those who want to eliminate their dependence on optical aids often consider surgical options,” explains optometrist Penkerová.
When glasses or contact lenses aren’t enough: Surgical solutions
In addition to glasses and contact lenses, more and more people are considering surgical options. These are especially suitable for those who are looking for a more permanent way to correct their vision and want to get rid of their dependence on optical aids. However, even surgical procedures are not suitable for everyone. The best approach must always be determined by a professional eye examination and a consultation with an optometrist and ophthalmologist.
Laser eye surgery is currently the most common method of surgical vision correction. It is typically suitable for people between the ages of 20 and 40 and can correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. “There are different types of laser surgeries. At Eye Centre Prague, we most commonly correct vision using the SMILE method, which is the gentlest and most precise for the eye. Patients typically achieve 90–100% visual acuity the very next day after the procedure,” explains Anna Penkerová.
However, not everyone is an ideal candidate for this method – limitations can include a cornea that is too thin or very high dioptres. An alternative solution is the implantation of a phakic intraocular lens. This thin lens is placed in front of the natural lens of the eye and can correct vision with great precision, without the need to remove the eye’s original lens.
