I've worn contact lenses for about 14 years now. My vision is pretty bad without glass or contacts (prescription is -6.00 in both eyes), and like you, I really don't like wearing glasses. I wear them from pretty much the time I get up until a few hours before bed... sometimes not until right before I go to bed.
At this point I barely even think about the fact that I have contacts, because I'm so used to putting them in and taking them out every day. They only very rarely bother me (if dust gets underneath them or something), and are only really a nuisance if I find myself not going home after a night out or something, or if you're camping and conditions aren't always totally dirt/dust free, or if you're swimming.
I like wearing contacts, and although it'd be nice to get laser eye surgery, I personally don't have a big enough problem with wearing them that I think it's completely necessary. I'm sure I'll do it eventually, but they really aren't that big of a deal.
Are the daily ones of much benefit?:
I've never tried the daily ones, but I suspect they are more expensive. I guess the benefit is that you don't have to upkeep them. I wear 2 week disposables... usually wear then for about 4 weeks (optometrist says this is fine), and the upkeep is minimal.
Are brands all the same, pretty much?: No. I found some brands bothered my eyes quite a bit, whereas with others, you can't even tell you're wearing them.
What type of cost am I looking at?: Depends if you get contacts to correct an astigmatism or not. I don't and probably pay around $300 / year in contact lenses.
What's the up-keep like?: Soft lenses... so I just put them in solution every night. That's it.
Itchy, dry, irritated eyes all the time? Rarely. Usually only irritated if it's really dusty, or you get dirt or something on your lens.
Do you wear them for sports? IE: Hockey? Or take them out?: I don't play hockey, or any full contact sports on a regular basis. I do play a lot of other non-contact sports though and always wear them. I'd suspect that you'd probably be fine wearing them, with an outside chance that one could pop out.
Do they fall out easily?: No. I've had a couple of close calls while swimming with them though, so I could see that happening. Probably best just to not swim with them.
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