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According to The Vision Council, about 75 percent of adults in the United States use some type of vision correction. As the population ages and screen time for kids and adults continues to increase, people who are new to needing vision correction may feel overwhelmed deciding between eyeglasses or contacts.

"While both options provide needed correction, choosing to wear eyeglasses can provide many additional benefits," says Dr. Julia Dellaria-Terrill, an optometrist at SSM Health Davis Duehr Dean Eye Care.

Read below for Dr. Dellaria-Terrill’s list of the top five benefits of wearing eyeglasses.

As people spend more time working, learning and playing on electronic devices, eye strain is on the rise. Eye strain can lead to frequent headaches and blurred vision.

A pair of prescription eyeglasses focused specifically for the computer can reduce eye strain. It is also important to reduce blue light the few hours before bedtime. This can be done with eyeglass filters or on your electronic device settings screen.

Technology advances now allow many options for sun protection in prescription lenses. Prescription sunglasses, polarized sunglasses and transition lenses are all great options. Harmful UV rays can’t be seen, but their long-term effects are extremely damaging to the eyes. UV protection is crucial to protecting your eyes from damaging radiation throughout the year.

Dust, dirt, and other microscopic particles are all around us. Wearing eyeglasses can protect your eyes by creating a barrier to keep most of the irritants out, reducing the chances of your eyes getting irritated or scratched.

Eyeglasses require less maintenance than contact lenses, which may be more suitable for some people, such as young kids.

Contact lenses need to be removed every night before going to sleep. Leaving them in too long can damage your eyes. It’s also easy to lose a contact lens while changing them, and they need to be replaced regularly.

Glasses are easy to take off and put on at night, and a good quality pair can last for years, only needing a lens replacement when your prescription changes.

With so many options, buying a new pair of eyeglasses can be fun. You can choose from a variety of frame shapes, colors and prints to match your style. Licensed opticians are trained in finding the best shape, style and color of glasses for you.

Learn more about our eye care services.

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