Living in Arizona means dealing with bright sunshine, dry desert air, and the occasional dust storm. These environmental factors make your choice between glasses and contact lenses more than just a style decision — it’s about comfort, convenience, and protecting your eyes in our unique climate.
At Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center, our Arizona-based eye doctors help patients across Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, and Mesa determine which option best suits their vision, lifestyle, and comfort needs.
Benefits of Glasses
1. Simple and Low Maintenance
Glasses are a low-effort, long-lasting solution for clear vision. Just clean the lenses, slip them on, and you’re ready to go — no special solutions or handling needed.
2. Built-In Protection
Frames protect your eyes from wind, pollen, and Arizona’s fine desert dust — a common concern for patients in places like Yuma or Scottsdale.
3. Cost-Effective Over Time
One pair of quality glasses can last for years, with only occasional prescription updates or lens replacements required.
4. Stylish and Personal
At Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center, our optical specialists can help you choose frames that complement your look and lifestyle — whether you want a bold, modern design or a subtle professional style.
Drawbacks of Glasses
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Fogging & Sweat: Transitioning between Arizona’s dry heat and indoor air conditioning can fog lenses instantly.
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Peripheral Vision Limits: Glasses only correct your central field of view.
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Less Active-Friendly: They can slip or bounce during workouts, hikes, or sports in the Arizona sun.
Benefits of Contacts
1. Natural Vision and Wider View
Contacts move with your eyes, offering crisp, full-field vision with no frames or glare — great for outdoor activities or driving through Arizona’s wide-open roads.
2. No Fog, No Glare
Unlike glasses, contacts remain clear, regardless of how hot or humid the day becomes. You’ll enjoy unobstructed sight while hiking, golfing, or swimming (with proper safety measures).
3. Confidence and Comfort
Many patients at Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center find contacts help them feel more confident and free from frame restrictions.
4. Advanced Lens Options
Modern lenses are available in daily, biweekly, or monthly varieties — including toric lenses for astigmatism, multifocal lenses for presbyopia, and moisture-rich daily disposables, which are ideal for Arizona’s dry climate.
Drawbacks of Contacts
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Dryness and Irritation: Arizona’s low humidity can dry out lenses quickly. Our doctors recommend preservative-free rewetting drops for comfort.
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Hygiene Matters: Improper cleaning or extended wear can lead to infection.
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Learning Curve: It can take time to master insertion and removal.
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Recurring Costs: Contacts require regular replacement and solution purchases.
Arizona Climate Tip: Combine Glasses and Contacts
Many Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center patients find that owning both glasses and contacts provides the best of both worlds:
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Contacts for outdoor adventures and social occasions.
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Glasses for reading, computer work, or allergy season.
This flexible approach keeps your eyes healthy and comfortable, regardless of the conditions.
Are You a Candidate for Contact Lenses?
You might be a good candidate if you:
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Have healthy corneas and no chronic eye infections
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Can follow cleaning and replacement routines
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Want freedom from glasses for sports or social activities
If you have dry eye syndrome, allergies, or sensitive eyes, your Barnet Dulaney Perkins eye doctor may suggest specialized lenses or recommend glasses for primary wear.
Expert Advice from Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center
Our Arizona eye doctors often recommend daily disposable contact lenses for first-time wearers. They’re hygienic, simple to use, and minimize dryness — perfect for desert environments like Phoenix or Tucson.
Each patient’s eyes are unique. During your exam, our specialists measure the tear film, corneal curvature, and prescription strength to determine the best option for your comfort and clarity.
When to Consider LASIK: The Ultimate Freedom from Glasses and Contacts
If you’re ready to simplify your vision routine altogether, LASIK eye surgery may be the perfect next step.
At Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center, our LASIK specialists in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff perform state-of-the-art laser vision correction designed to reduce or eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses.
Why Arizona Patients Love LASIK
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Fast Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within 24 hours.
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Long-Term Savings: No more replacing contacts, solutions, or frames every year.
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Comfort in the Desert: No dryness or irritation from lenses in Arizona’s low humidity.
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Customized Precision: Advanced wavefront and bladeless LASIK technology ensure safe, accurate results tailored to your eyes.
LASIK can be life-changing—especially for active Arizonans who spend time hiking, swimming, or enjoying the outdoors. During your comprehensive exam, our doctors will evaluate your prescription, corneal health, and tear film to determine if you’re a good candidate.
Professional Evaluation: Schedule an Eye Exam
If you’re noticing dryness, redness, or blurred vision, it’s time for a professional eye evaluation. Our comprehensive exams include:
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Prescription updates
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Eye health checks for dryness or irritation
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Personalized recommendations for glasses, contacts, or both
Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center has convenient locations throughout Arizona, including Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Flagstaff, Show Low, and Yuma, making it easy to receive the care you need close to home.
Schedule your comprehensive eye exam today and let our Arizona vision experts help you choose the option that’s right for you.