I started wearing glasses in Grade 7. I had noticed that no matter how I would squint and strain, I could not see what the teacher had written on the board. It was very frustrating and it was a great relief when I finally could see! However, I quickly discovered that wearing glasses had its down side.

Back in the 80's eyeglass frames for children, were not made to look trendy or fashionable. At least not in the economy section that I was forced to choose from. I ended up with eyeglasses that while enhancing my eyesight, did nothing for my looks or reputation as a bookworm!

I grew to despise my glasses. I got to the point where I would only use them out of desperation, preferring to stumble around, missing the sights in the name of fashion.

Finally in high school, my parents broke down and got me fitted for my first pair of contact lenses. I was relieved and delighted and thought that all my problems were solved! Little did I realize that the switch to contacts was merely a trade-off.

In the beginning my contact lenses were great. I quickly learned how to care for them and soon became a pro at putting them in and taking them out. I was a whiz. But then one day, in my rush, I dropped one! I looked everywhere, with one contact in and one eye virtually blind. It was pointless. My contact was nowhere to be found. I ended up having to resort to my cursed glasses, much to my chagrin.

As an adult, I have gone through several phases. I've tried disposable contact lenses of the two-week variety. Always looking for ways to save money, I found that these lenses would often last for up to six-weeks before I would finally need to change them. Unfortunately, after pushing the limit one time too many, I ended up with a red, inflamed ring around the edges of my eye, where the lens would wear and I couldn't wear contacts lenses again for six months!

In the meantime, I ended up purchasing two stylish pairs of eyeglasses at a two-for-one sale. One pair ended up breaking, but the other pair has served me well to this day.

A few months ago, I went for a long overdue eye exam and a fitting for contact lenses. I was charged an exorbitant price for the exam, that my insurance benefits refused to cover in full, and I was given an ill-fitting pair of contact lenses. Thankfully, I had the foresight to request a copy of my prescription which the optometrist reluctantly handed over.

I now have the option of going back to contact lenses, even part-time. However, I find I've become somewhat lazy, with comfort overriding my desire for fashion, and I've fallen back into the habit of wearing glasses on a full-time basis. I find wearing glasses to be simple and hassle-free. Today's options for frames range from basic to trendy, and have become a sought-after accessory for even the most stylish of individual.

Whether you choose to wear contact lenses or eyeglasses, there are tons of options, styles and varieties to suit any condition or preference. The options are endless - the final choice is up to you!