Can You Wear Glasses Over Your Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses are typically worn to replace the need for glasses, providing clear vision without the frames. However, there are certain situations where it may be necessary or even intentional to wear glasses over contact lenses. This article explores the instances when wearing glasses over contact lenses can be beneficial and the reasons behind it.
 

Enhanced Vision Correction

One common scenario where glasses are worn over contact lenses is when the prescription power required to correct vision is very high. While contact lenses can provide significant vision improvement, they may not fully correct the power in certain cases. Wearing glasses over contact lenses allows for further vision correction and greater clarity.

In these situations, contact lenses serve as the primary corrective measure, while glasses provide an extra boost to improve vision. It is important to consult with an eye care professional to determine the best approach for vision correction based on individual needs and prescription requirements.
 

Reading Assistance

Another reason why people may wear glasses over contact lenses is to improve vision specifically for reading. Contact lenses are primarily designed for distance vision, and some individuals may find that their reading ability is not adequately addressed with contact lenses alone.

Wearing glasses over contact lenses can help improve near vision by providing the necessary focus for reading or other close-up tasks. This combination of contact lenses for distance vision and glasses for close work can offer comprehensive visual correction across different distances.
 

Cosmetic or Non-Prescription Contact Lenses

There are instances where contact lenses are worn purely for cosmetic purposes or do not have any prescription power. These cosmetic lenses can change the appearance of the eyes, such as altering eye color or creating special effects for costumes or events. In such cases, wearing glasses over the contact lenses is necessary if clear vision correction is desired.

Cosmetic contact lenses, without any prescription power, do not provide vision improvement and are solely for aesthetic purposes. Wearing glasses over these lenses allows individuals to enjoy their desired eye appearance while still having the clear vision provided by glasses.
 

While Possible; It is Uncommon

In most cases, contact lenses are worn to avoid the need for glasses, but there are circumstances where wearing glasses over contact lenses can be beneficial. It may be necessary for individuals with high prescription power to achieve optimal vision correction. Additionally, those who require assistance with near vision may rely on glasses to enhance their reading ability while using contact lenses for distance vision.

Furthermore, if contact lenses are purely cosmetic without any prescription power, wearing glasses over them is necessary to achieve clear vision. It’s important to consult with an eye care professional to determine the best approach for vision correction based on individual needs and preferences.

Ultimately, the decision to wear glasses over contact lenses depends on various factors, including prescription requirements, desired visual correction, and personal preferences. By understanding the situations where wearing glasses over contact lenses can be beneficial, individuals can make informed choices to achieve the best possible vision correction for their unique needs.

Our eye doctor at Local Eyes Optometry in New Braunfels, TX excels in the prescription of glasses, contact lenses and the diagnosis of a variety of eye diseases. Call our optometrist at (830) 627-9272 or schedule an eye exam appointment online if you would like to learn more about wearing glasses over contact lenses. Our eye doctor, Dr. Marcus Page, provides the highest quality optometry services and eye exams in New Braunfels, Texas.