Mar 1, 2025 | Contact Lenses, Glasses

Wear Contacts? You Need a Backup Pair of Glasses!

If you wear contact lenses every day, you might feel like glasses aren’t necessary. But even the most committed contact lens wearers should have a backup pair of glasses on hand. Glasses not only provide comfort and style but also protect your eye health. Here’s why having a backup pair is a smart decision for anyone who wears contacts. 

Give your eyes a break 

Wearing contact lenses day in and day out can leave your eyes feeling dry, irritated, or tired, especially in environments with dry or dusty air. Taking occasional breaks from your lenses—such as wearing glasses in the evening or whenever your eyes feel tired—can make a huge difference. Breaks allow your eyes to recover and ensure they stay healthy and comfortable.   

Be prepared for the unexpected 

Life happens. No matter how careful you are with your contact lenses, accidents can occur—whether it’s losing a lens, tearing one, or even developing an eye infection that makes wearing contacts difficult or inadvisable. With a backup pair of glasses, you won’t have to struggle with blurry vision or eye strain while waiting for a new set of contacts or for your eyes to heal. 

Manage allergies and irritation 

Seasonal allergies can be challenging for contact lens wearers. Pollen, dust, and other allergens can make your eyes itchy and irritated. Wearing contacts during allergy season can make this worse, but glasses offer a comfortable alternative. They provide clear vision without causing additional discomfort from allergens. 

Convenient for traveling 

Traveling with contact lenses can sometimes be a hassle. You need to maintain a strict cleaning routine, deal with dry air in airplanes, and keep track of your contact lens supplies. Glasses are much easier to travel with. They’re the safer choice for swimming or water activities, as you won’t have to worry about losing or damaging a contact lens. Plus, wearing contacts in water can increase the risk of eye infections, making glasses the better option in these situations. 

Protect your eyes during illness 

When you’re feeling sick, especially with a cold or flu, it’s best to avoid wearing contact lenses. During illness, your immune system is already compromised, which makes your eyes more susceptible to infection. Contacts can trap bacteria and viruses against the surface of your eyes, increasing the risk of infection. Glasses are a safer choice when you’re sick, keeping your eyes clear of germs and irritation while still providing you with clear vision. 

Conclusion 

Even though contact lenses are an excellent option for many people, it’s essential to have a backup pair of glasses for those times when you need them. At Prairie Vista Eye & Optical, we offer a wide selection of stylish and comfortable eyewear in Liberal, Kansas to meet your needs. With our online frames try-on feature, we make it easier than ever to find your new favorite glasses. 

You can also take advantage of flexible payment plans, such as Sunbit and CareCredit, to make your purchase more affordable. And with our on-site lab, we can have your new eyewear ready quickly—often within the hour if you need single vision lenses! We also offer free adjustments by walk-in or appointment.   

Are you looking for new glasses or ready to purchase a backup pair? Schedule an appointment with us today and let our friendly team help you find the perfect pair of glasses to fit your needs.