Choosing between contact lenses and glasses – what’s right for you?
Being a spectacle wearer can be tricky sometimes – especially during the summer months or when you go away on holiday. It can be difficult to prepare for every situation. Personally, I like to plan ahead, particularly when I’m travelling abroad, by carrying several different types of eyewear, just in case.
I simply can’t function without my glasses. If disaster struck and I broke my glasses or lost them, I would be in serious trouble. I wouldn’t be able to drive, read public transport information, or navigate unfamiliar places. Which is why I never go on holiday without a spare pair.
And yet I’m often surprised by how many people don’t carry an extra pair of specs when they go away – leaving themselves stranded if something happens to their only pair. But I get why people don’t. Carrying multiple pairs can feel unnecessary, and constantly switching between your clear ophthalmic spectacles and sunglasses can be inconvenient and frustrating.
That’s why at Respectacle Company we offer a range of stylish and convenient solutions designed to make life easier for spectacle wearers in Market Harborough.
Glasses vs contact lenses
Contact lenses can be a great alternative to carrying separate pairs of glasses and sunglasses. Not only that, contact lenses can also save you money, because you don’t need to invest in a pair of prescription sunglasses. So that’s a big advantage. You can wear a pair of regular sunglasses bought off the shelf with your prescription contact lenses. Contact lenses are also a space-saver, because spare contact lenses take up less room compared to an additional pair of glasses in a bulky case. They are the perfect solution if you’re travelling or simply want to pack light.

Contact lenses are available at Respectacle in Market Harborough

Speak to the Respectacle team about our contact lens options
There are many different types of contact lenses available, including daily disposables, monthly lenses, and extended wear options. Even if you couldn’t wear contact lenses in the past, thanks to advances in prescription ranges and lens materials, we are now able to offer a contact lens option to more people than ever before. Read about the advantages of switching to contact lenses here.
If you’re looking for contact lenses in Market Harborough, visit our Manor Walk practice to find out more. We offer a full contact lens consultation, including trials and professional fittings. And if contact lenses aren’t for you, we have a range of eyewear solutions to match your lifestyle and needs.
Many of our ophthalmic collections also include sunglasses, which we can glaze with your prescription. We also offer a wide range of tint options, including classic solid tint colours to on-trend graduated versions. Find out more by reading our blog about the use of coloured tints.
Sun clips for spectacles are making a comeback
We also stock clip-ons to fit many of our spectacle frames. Now, you may think this is a very old fashion solution to help protect your eyes from the sun, but clip-ons are making a comeback. Italian eyewear brand L.G.R – who supply their eyewear to popular Netflix productions (read more here) and the Mission: Impossible franchise – have produced some amazing high-quality, bespoke clips to fit a selection of their frames. Sun clips give a whole new dimension to prescription specs. They are lightweight, easy to carry and are usually cheaper than prescription sunglasses. Plus, if your prescription changes, you only need to replace your glasses. Which means they are a cost-effective way to add sun protection to your eyewear wardrobe.

L.G.R glasses with a sun clip

L.G.R Reunion Clip-On
Like L.G.R, wooden eyewear brand FEB31st also offers fit-on sun clips. FEB31st is a collection of beautiful bespoke, individual eyewear made from sustainable wood. Each piece is handmade from eleven layers of wood and tailored to the wearer’s precise specifications. You can add a sun clip which fits onto the existing frame using discreet magnets. Just like the frames themselves, the FEB31st sun clips can be customised in different colours to match your style and personality. It’s a great way to mix it up with different looks and create a piece of eyewear that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

Demonstrating how a FEB31st sun clip works

FEB31st glasses with customised sun clip
Where to buy contact lenses or new glasses in Market Harborough
As your trusted local independent opticians in Market Harborough, we’re here to help with all your vision correction needs – whether that’s contact lenses, a new pair of glasses or prescription sunglasses. If you’re still unsure about the benefits of glasses versus contact lenses – and vice versa – pop into the practice and have a chat with the team. We’ll happily talk you through your options.
Find us at 15 Manor Walk, Market Harborough. We’re open Tuesday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm (until 4 pm on Saturdays).
Further reading:
The Benefits of Owning More Than One Pair of Glasses
Protect Your Eyes from the Sun with FEB31st Sun Clips