It is possible to wear contact lenses and glasses simultaneously, a practice used to achieve specific visual outcomes or provide added protection for the eyes. This approach is not about stacking two full-strength prescriptions for the same vision need, which would overcorrect the eye. Combining the two forms of vision correction is typically a deliberate strategy to address different visual challenges. The contact lens usually serves as the primary correction, while the glasses provide a supplemental correction or an environmental shield.
Practical Reasons for Combining Vision Correction
Individuals often wear glasses over their contacts to address temporary or specialized visual needs. A common reason is the age-related condition called presbyopia, which causes difficulty focusing on near objects. People who wear contacts for distance vision frequently add non-prescription reading glasses to see clearly when working on a computer or reading.
The addition of glasses over contacts can also provide an important layer of protection from the environment. Wearing non-prescription sunglasses or safety glasses over contact lenses is an effective way to shield the eyes from dust, wind, and harmful ultraviolet (UV) light. Furthermore, some wearers may utilize glasses to correct residual vision issues, such as a minor degree of astigmatism or a slight power fluctuation that their contacts do not fully address. This temporary use of glasses can be beneficial if a wearer’s eyes become dry or irritated from extended contact lens use.
Navigating Different Prescriptions
Combining prescriptive lenses requires an understanding of how the powers interact to avoid overcorrection, which occurs when the total lens power is stronger than needed. If both the contact lens and the glasses correct the same focal distance, the combined power will likely result in blurry vision, dizziness, or headaches. The powers of the two lenses add together, making the total correction too strong for the eye to process.
The most frequent technical application of this combination involves the use of “add power” to manage presbyopia. This term refers to the extra positive (magnifying) power needed for near vision, often in the range of +1.00 to +2.50 diopters. When a contact lens corrects only distance vision, a pair of reading glasses is worn over it to supply this necessary near vision add power. This strategy ensures the contact lens handles far-away focus while the glasses manage close-up tasks.
In other cases, an eye care professional may deliberately prescribe glasses to supplement a contact lens deficiency. For instance, if a patient has a complex prescription, the contact lens may correct the majority of the refractive error, and the glasses are then designed with a small, specific power to fine-tune the remaining correction. Due to the complex nature of calculating combined powers and different lens placements, it is important to always consult an eye doctor before attempting to combine prescriptions. The doctor can ensure the total power is optimized, preventing the discomfort and visual distortion associated with an incorrect or over-strong prescription.
Essential Safety and Care Guidelines
Maintaining eye health requires strict adherence to hygiene and care protocols when combining contact lenses and glasses. Contact lenses must be worn only for their prescribed duration and never past their expiration date to minimize the risk of eye infections. If the eye shows signs of irritation, redness, or infection, the contacts should be removed immediately and replaced with glasses until the condition resolves.
The glasses worn over contacts also require regular care, particularly clean frames and lenses, especially if they are worn only intermittently. Any glasses used to supplement the contact prescription must be current and up-to-date, as using an outdated prescription can introduce new visual errors and strain. Wearers should be alert to symptoms of overcorrection, such as persistent headaches, nausea, or eye strain, and discontinue the combined wear if these occur.