Choosing between contact lenses and glasses isn’t always easy — both offer unique advantages, and your lifestyle, comfort preferences, and eye health can influence the decision. If you’ve ever wondered which one is right for you, this guide will help you compare both options so you can make a confident choice.

Benefits of Wearing Glasses

Glasses are a popular and reliable vision solution. They’ve come a long way from being purely medical aids and are now available in stylish designs and lightweight materials.

Here’s why they may be the right pick for you:

  • Low Maintenance: No cleaning solutions or daily care routines.

  • Comfortable for Sensitive Eyes: Ideal if your eyes get easily irritated.

  • Affordable in the Long Run: You typically only need one pair, with replacements less frequent.

  • UV & Blue Light Protection: Special lens coatings help protect against sun damage and digital eye strain.

  • Added Fashion Statement: Perfect for people who love accessorizing.

Benefits of Wearing Contact Lenses

Contact lenses provide a nearly natural field of vision and are great for people with active lifestyles.

You may prefer contacts if you want:

  • Unrestricted Vision: No fogging, smudging, or glare.

  • Freedom During Activities: Ideal for sports or outdoor adventures.

  • A Natural Look: No frame obstructing your face.

  • Flexibility: Daily, weekly, and monthly disposable options are available.

Things to Consider Before Choosing Contacts

While contacts provide convenience and cosmetic benefits, they require consistent care and hygiene. Consider:

  • Daily cleaning if not using disposable lenses

  • Extra care if you have dry eyes, allergies, or infections

  • Doctor’s prescription specifically for contacts (not the same as glasses)

Which One Should You Choose?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — the right choice depends on factors like:

FactorBest Option
Convenience & Low MaintenanceGlasses
Sports & Active LifestyleContact Lenses
Budget-FriendlyGlasses
Fashion & Natural LookContacts
Dry or Sensitive EyesGlasses (or specialty contacts)

Can You Use Both?

Absolutely — many people do!

A common approach is:

  • Wear glasses at home or work

  • Use contacts for social events, workouts, or travel

This gives you flexibility while protecting your eyes.

Need Help Deciding?

Only an eye care professional can determine the best option based on your prescription, comfort, corneal health, and lifestyle needs.

If you’re unsure, schedule an eye exam — and try both options before making a final decision.

Final Takeaway

Whether you choose glasses, contact lenses, or both, the goal remains the same: clear, comfortable vision that fits your lifestyle.

Dr. Bryan Fuller

Dr. Bryan Fuller of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. Fuller grew up in Issaquah, Washington and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University. He decided to ditch the calculator and trade it in for a phoropter and slit lamp. He headed east to The Ohio State University where he received his Optometry degree in 1998. Go Bucks! Not wanting to return to the gray of Washington, after graduation, he headed southwest to sunny Arizona. Shortly thereafter he met Dr. McPhelan and they partnered up at their original location, Optical Illusions. With the success of the first location, the two doctors opened up their north location, Optique at the Ridge. After many years of operating the two locations, it was time for an upgrade. In 2016 they merged the two locations into their larger and current location, Tatum Eyecare! When not at the office, Dr. Fuller enjoys spending his free time with his amazing wife and two boys. Dr. Fuller holds the following degrees:

Ohio State University - Doctorate of Optometry
Washington State University - B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Dr. James McPhelan

Dr. James McPhelan of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. McPhelan grew up in Southern California and enlisted in the Army at age 17. He graduated from Southern California College of Optometry in 1976, then started practicing optometry in Arizona in 1977. Over the next few years, he grew 20/20 Eye Care to 15 offices. In 1999, he and Dr. Fuller took over Optical Illusions, then opened Optique at the Ridge. In 2016, they created Tatum Eyecare. In his spare time, Dr. McPhelan is an avid golfer, often competing in multiple tournaments through the year. Dr. McPhelan holds the following degrees:


Southern California College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry

Dr. Houle

Dr. Houle
Dr. Houle is following in her father's footsteps as an optometrist. She is a North Dakota native who received her Bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota before earning her Doctorate of Optometry from Midwestern University - Arizona College of Optometry. Dr. Houle began her career in eye care more than 10 years ago, and she worked as a receptionist, optician, and technician before becoming an optometrist. She has a particular interest in the management of ocular disease including dry eye and glaucoma. In her free time, Dr. Houle is an avid baseball fan (go Twins!) and spends as much time as possible with her friends and family in both Arizona and North Dakota.

Midwestern University – Arizona College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry
University of North Dakota - Bachelor of Science: Biology

Dr. Kenneth O'Daniel

Dr. Kenneth O'Daniel of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. O’Daniel was born in the beautiful mountains of Waynesville, North Carolina and grew up in Dayton, Ohio. He attended Wright State University and graduated with his BS in Biology in 1977; shortly thereafter, beginning his Masters in BioChemistry.

Dr. O’Daniel is also a 1983 graduate of the Illinois College Optometry. He met his wife Lori during this period. Lori, a Chicago native, became an integral part of his practice (and life!) shortly thereafter.
He moved to Scottsdale in 1986 to begin practicing inside LensCrafters. In 1990 Dr. O'Daniel opened the Scottsdale LensCrafters, and he also presided as its director of Optometric services.
Dr. O’Daniel became an Optometrist because of his love and passion for photography, physics, and desire provide patients with the ability to see the world more clearly. As a licensed optometrist, Dr. O’Daniel provides complete eye care services for the surrounding communities ages seven and up.
Dr. O’Daniel has had a working relationship with both Dr. Fuller and McPhellan for over two decades. He has served as past director for the Arizona Optometric Association, and past President of the Central Arizona Optometric Society. In January, 2018 Dr. O’Daniel decided to join Tatum Eye Care, the premier Eye Care Center in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Dr. O’Daniel’s goal is simple: Provide Excellent Eye Care, treat patients as family, and treat everyone honestly and fairly!

Dr. Christina Wong

Dr. Christina Wong of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
A southern California native, Dr. Wong attended UCLA where she received her B.S. in Biology. She then completed her Doctorate of Optometry at the Southern California College of Optometry. Dr. Wong moved to Arizona to complete a residency in ocular disease at Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital on the Gila River Indian Reservation. Following residency, Dr. Wong earned the distinction of Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry.

Dr. Wong provides comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages, from pediatrics through seniors. She has a special interest in the management of medical eye conditions including glaucoma, eye infections, dry eye and diabetic retinopathy.
Outside of the office, Dr. Wong enjoys running, going to the beach, rooting for the Bruins, and spending time with her husband and three daughters.
University of California Los Angeles - B.S. in Biology
Southern California College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry

Dr. Ryan Felten

Dr. Felten of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. Felten is a native to Arizona, and was raised in North Phoenix where most of his family still resides. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University; then returned home to Arizona to pursue his Doctor of Optometry at Midwestern University in Glendale. While at Midwestern University, he was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society and was the recipient of the Clinical Excellence Award in Pediatrics and Vision Therapy. Dr. Felten enjoys working with patients of all ages and also speaks fluent Spanish. Dr. Felten holds the following degrees:


Brigham Young University - Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Midwestern University - Doctorate of Optometry