How do I decide between glasses and contacts?

It comes down to lifestyle and preference. Contacts are great for sports and appearance; glasses are simpler for occasional wearers and often better for people with severe dry eye. See our post on deciding if contacts are right for you.

A comprehensive eye exam is step one — it gives us your current prescription and rules out any conditions that would affect lens choice. Book an exam at any of our East Tennessee locations.

Can I try contacts before committing?

Yes — most fittings include trial lenses so you can wear them home and see how they feel. Our contact lens team handles fittings routinely.

Finding the Best Glasses or Contacts for Your Eyes in Tennessee

Choosing new glasses or contact lenses should feel exciting, not overwhelming. After your comprehensive eye exam at Tennessee Eye Care, the next step is finding eyewear that fits your vision, comfort, and lifestyle. Whether you love stylish frames or enjoy the convenience of contacts, our teams in Knoxville, Harriman, Lenoir City, Morristown, and Powell guide you through each choice with personalized care.

Start With Your Prescription

Your prescription determines which options will give you the clearest, most comfortable vision. During your eye exam, our Optometrists and Ophthalmologists look at your level of correction and how it affects your choices.

Clear, simple prescriptions often give you flexibility between contacts and glasses. More complex prescriptions — such as those for high astigmatism or multifocal needs — may benefit from specific lens designs or specialty options. Our team works together to recommend lenses that give you sharp vision without added bulk or distortion.

Choosing Frames That Fit Your Face and Lifestyle

Frames do more than hold your lenses — they help express your style and support your daily routine. At Tennessee Eye Care, we help patients find frames that match both form and function.

In our Knoxville office, for example, one patient wanted lightweight, professional frames for long hours in front of a computer. Another patient in Morristown needed durable, flexible frames for outdoor work. Trying on a variety of shapes helped both find the perfect fit.

General guidelines can help you get started:

Round faces often pair well with rectangular or angular frames
Square faces usually look balanced with softer, rounded styles

Comfort is just as important as appearance. Frames should rest naturally on your nose and ears without slipping or pinching throughout the day.

Lens Material and Coating Options

Modern lens technology gives you excellent clarity without sacrificing comfort.

High-index lenses are thin, lightweight, and ideal for stronger prescriptions
Polycarbonate lenses are durable and impact-resistant — the top choice for kids or active adults

You can also add protective coatings, including:

Anti-reflective coatings to reduce glare from headlights and screens
Blue light filters to ease digital eye strain from long hours on phones or computers

These upgrades help protect your eyes and extend the life of your lenses.

Considering Contact Lenses

If contacts fit your lifestyle better, your eye doctor will guide you toward the best option for your eye shape, prescription, and comfort needs.

Common choices include:

Soft lenses (daily, bi-weekly, or monthly) for flexibility and comfort
Toric lenses for patients with astigmatism
Rigid gas permeable lenses (RGPs) for sharper vision or unique eye shapes

We often see patients in Lenoir City and Powell who switch between glasses and contacts based on their day — glasses during work hours and contacts for sports, events, or weekends.

Personalized Guidance From Tennessee Eye Care

At Tennessee Eye Care, we don’t just help you pick glasses or contacts — we help you choose vision solutions that support comfort, clarity, and confidence. With the combined expertise of our Optometrists and Ophthalmologists, you receive individualized recommendations from a team that understands both medical care and everyday vision needs.

Schedule your expert eye exam with Tennessee Eye Care in Knoxville, Harriman, Lenoir City, Morristown, or Powell today and experience the difference personalized vision care can make.