Optix Contact Lenses

Air Optix contact lenses are monthly replacements made by Alcon, covering standard sphere, multifocal, toric, and extended wear prescriptions. The lineup is built on lotrafilcon silicone hydrogel material with SmartShield Technology across all options for deposit resistance and all-day comfort.

The Air Optix lineup runs on two versions of lotrafilcon silicone hydrogel. Most lenses, including Air Optix Aqua, Air Optix Aqua Multifocal, Air Optix for Astigmatism, and Air Optix plus HydraGlyde, use lotrafilcon B with 33% water content and a Dk/t of 138. Air Optix Night & Day Aqua uses lotrafilcon A, a fluorasilicone hydrogel with 24% water content and a Dk/t of 175. The higher oxygen transmissibility in lotrafilcon A is what allows Night & Day Aqua to be FDA-approved for continuous overnight wear. Silicone hydrogel transmits significantly more oxygen to the cornea than standard hydrogel materials, which helps keep eyes white and reduces the risk of hypoxia-related complications during extended wear.

SmartShield Technology is an ultra-thin surface layer built into Air Optix lenses that resists the buildup of proteins, lipids, and other deposits during the monthly wear cycle. Deposit accumulation on reusable lenses is one of the leading causes of end-of-day discomfort, redness, and reduced visual clarity. The SmartShield layer creates a smooth, moisture-retaining surface that repels contaminants without requiring additional surface coatings or solutions. For lenses in the HydraGlyde range, the technology works alongside HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix, which embeds a moisture-retaining agent into the lens material to maintain hydration from the first wear day through the end of the replacement cycle.

Air Optix Night & Day Aqua is the only lens in the lineup FDA-approved for continuous overnight wear, up to 30 nights without removal. It is made from lotrafilcon A, which has the highest oxygen transmissibility of any available soft lens material at Dk/t 175. The remaining Air Optix lenses, including Air Optix Aqua and Air Optix plus HydraGlyde, are approved for daily wear and occasional extended wear of up to six nights. Note, not every wearer qualifies for overnight wear regardless of lens type. An eye care provider should confirm suitability before starting any extended wear schedule.

Air Optix for Astigmatism is the toric option in the lineup, available in cylinder powers of -0.75, -1.25, -1.75, and -2.25 across axis values from 10 to 180 degrees in 10-degree steps. It uses lotrafilcon B material with SmartShield Technology and, in the HydraGlyde version, the added moisture retention of HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix. The lens uses a precision-balanced design to maintain stable rotation throughout the day, which is a common challenge with toric lenses. Wearers report consistent visual clarity throughout the month without the positional shifting that affects some astigmatism lenses.

A valid contact lens prescription is required for all Air Optix lenses. Lens.com verifies prescriptions directly with the prescribing doctor, so uploading a copy is not required. Before ordering, confirm the prescription includes the following:

• Power (SPH) for standard wearers, or SPH plus cylinder and axis for toric wearers
• Add power for multifocal prescriptions
• Base curve and diameter to confirm proper lens fit
• An expiration date, as expired prescriptions cannot be processed