For years, I wore contact lenses religiously. Every morning was a routine—clean, insert, blink a few times, and move on. Glasses were my backup plan, reserved for the odd lazy Sunday or when I had an eye infection. Like many others, I believed contacts were the more stylish, more grown-up choice. But recently, I made the switch back to eyeglass frames, and I haven’t looked back. Not only that—I won’t apologize for it.
In fact, I’m far from alone. There’s been a quiet but steady shift happening in the world of eyewear. More and more people are ditching their contacts in favor of bold, expressive glasses. And brands like Cuda are leading the charge with frames that aren’t just corrective—they’re a statement.
The Great Contact Illusion
When contacts became widely available, they were marketed as the superior option: invisible, convenient, and supposedly more natural. For many of us, that made perfect sense—why wear big, bulky frames when you could “fix” your vision without anyone knowing?
But here’s the truth: contacts are a hassle. They dry out your eyes, require constant care, and come with a list of don’ts longer than a pharmacy receipt. Don’t fall asleep in them. Don’t wear them in the pool. Don’t touch them with unwashed hands. Don’t keep them in too long. For something that’s supposed to simplify life, they demand a lot of your time, attention, and money.
That reality is sinking in for a lot of people. There’s a growing fatigue with contact lenses—and a new appreciation for frames.
The Comeback of Frames
Eyeglass frames have undergone a massive transformation over the past decade. What used to be seen as nerdy or unfashionable is now at the center of modern style. Influencers, celebrities, and fashion icons have embraced glasses not just as a necessity, but as an accessory. From sleek metal frames to thick, retro styles, glasses have become part of the outfit—not an afterthought.
Cuda frames exemplify this shift. Their designs strike a balance between function and fashion. They offer quality construction and eye-catching aesthetics without being over-the-top. Whether you’re going for a professional, creative, or laid-back look, there’s a Cuda frame that fits the vibe.
And beyond style, there’s a comfort element that can’t be overstated. Putting on glasses takes seconds. They don’t irritate your eyes or leave you blinking through discomfort halfway through the day. You can wear them without thinking about them. That ease is worth a lot.
Reclaiming Comfort and Identity
There’s also something empowering about returning to frames. For many of us, the push toward contacts was rooted in insecurity. We didn’t want to be seen in glasses. We didn’t want to look “uncool,” “dorky,” or “old-fashioned.” But as we grow into ourselves and care less about those superficial judgments, we realize how ridiculous that was.
Wearing glasses is not a compromise—it’s a choice. It’s a rejection of the idea that invisibility is better. That we need to hide our imperfections or blend in. I don’t need to pretend I don’t wear glasses. I wear them. They’re part of my face, my personality, my style.
The return to frames feels like part of a bigger cultural shift—away from perfectionism and toward authenticity. We’re seeing the same thing with minimal makeup, natural hair textures, and fashion that values comfort as much as appearance. We want to feel like ourselves again. And for many, that means putting the contacts away and proudly wearing frames.
Environmental and Financial Reasons
Let’s not ignore the practical side of this shift either. Contact lenses are notoriously wasteful. Every pair contributes to microplastic pollution—tiny disposable plastics that don’t break down easily. Switching to frames drastically reduces the environmental impact of your vision correction.
And cost? While glasses can be a bigger upfront investment, a solid pair like Cuda’s can last years with proper care. Contacts, on the other hand, require monthly (or even bi-weekly) refills, cases, cleaning solutions, and more. It adds up fast.
The Verdict? Glasses Win
The switch from contacts back to frames isn’t just about convenience—it’s about confidence, comfort, and self-expression. It’s about acknowledging that maybe, just maybe, we’ve been sold a myth about what it means to “look good” or “fit in.” It’s about choosing what works for us, not what someone else decided was better.
So no, I won’t apologize for switching back to frames. I’m embracing them. I’m building outfits around them. I’m treating them like the personal style tools they are. And I’m glad to be part of the growing number of people doing the same.
If you’ve been on the fence about your own eyewear situation, consider this your sign. Pick out a frame that makes you feel something. Put them on and look in the mirror. Chances are, you won’t want to go back.
