AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde vs Biofinity: What Are the Differences?

AIR OPTIX® plus HydraGlyde® and Biofinity® are best known for delivering superior comfort. But is one better than the other? In this guide, we’ll compare AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde and Biofinity and discuss their features, including their wearing and replacement schedules, price, and more. After reading this guide and consulting with your eye care professional (ECP), you’ll be better equipped to decide which of these two contact lenses is right for you.

AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde and Biofinity in Detail

AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde contact lenses are made by Alcon, the global leader in innovative eye care. With an over 75-year heritage, Alcon is the largest eye care device company globally. It operates in 60 countries and serves patients in more than 140 countries. It is also best known for innovative contact lens technologies that deliver exceptional comfort and vision. On the other hand, Biofinity contacts are made by CooperVision, a global leader in the eye care industry. Since 1980, CooperVision has manufactured the most comprehensive range of soft contact lens prescriptions. It has sold contacts in over 130 countries, and it makes billions of contacts annually.

Wearing and Replacement Schedules

Both AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde and Biofinity are monthly disposable contacts, meaning they can be worn for up to 30 days before being thrown away. Both contacts are also FDA-approved for up to seven days of extended wear. Both AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde and Biofinity are ideal for people with unpredictable schedules, such as emergency and shift workers, military personnel, and busy professionals.

Comfort

Both AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde and Biofinity deliver long-lasting comfort, but how they go about that is vastly different.

AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde contacts use Alcon’s proprietary SmartShield Technology and HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix technology to ensure a comfortable contact lens-wearing experience. SmartShield Technology creates an ultra-thin protective layer to shield the contacts from deposits and provide long-lasting comfort.

In one randomized clinical study, patients who tried wearing AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde contacts rated them 9/10 on initial insertion comfort. Meanwhile, HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix technology attracts and maintains surface moisture on the lens for up to 16 hours. Combined, these technologies make AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde contacts exceptionally comfortable. A separate survey found that patients preferred AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde contacts over their previous contacts after trying AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde contacts for one month.

Biofinity contacts use Aquaform Technology, which locks in water to ensure all-day comfort. Biofinity contacts also have smooth, rounded edges. These edges enhance comfort by minimizing interaction between the contact lens and the eyelid. Aquaform Technology also allows plenty of oxygen to reach your eyes to stay moist and clear.

Material

Both AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde and Biofinity are silicone hydrogel contacts. Silicone hydrogel is a polymer that contains silicone (a gel-like polymer with a high degree of flexibility) and hydrogel (a water-infused polymer that has high biocompatibility with the human eye).

Compared to hydrogel, silicone hydrogel allows much more oxygen to pass through to the eye. The eye needs that oxygen to stay white, clear, and moist. Because of its increased oxygen permeability, silicone hydrogel contacts are suitable for overnight or extended wear. The only downside of silicone hydrogel contacts is their tendency to collect deposits. Silicone hydrogel contacts are also not an option for people who are allergic to or sensitive to silicone.

Price

AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde contacts typically retail for $30 to $60 per box of six lenses, with each box lasting six months. If you wear AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde contacts regularly, expect an annual lens cost of $120 to $240. On Lens.com, these contacts start as low as $10.89 per box of six lenses after rebates.

Biofinity contacts typically retail for $30 to $55 per box of six lenses, with each box lasting six months. If you wear Biofinity contacts regularly, expect an annual lens cost of $120 to $220. On Lens.com, these contacts start as low as $9.99 per box of six lenses after rebates.

Note that these prices are accurate as of 5/09/2022 but are subject to change without notice.

Conclusion: which brand is for you?

The vast majority of contact lens wearers prioritize comfort above all else. If comfort is also a top priority for you, it’s worth considering AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde and Biofinity. Both brands are ideal for those who are after a comfortable contact lens-wearing experience, so your choice may boil down to other factors.

For instance, AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde contacts contain a wetting agent, whereas Biofinity contacts do not. Wetting agents are typically added to contacts to enhance their moisture content and lubricate the eye. As such, AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde may be the better choice for you if you’re after long-lasting moisture and comfort. These contacts are also ideal for people with sensitive eyes, including those who experience irritation due to lens dryness.

On the other hand, Biofinity contacts may be for you if you’re looking for a highly breathable lens with a monthly replacement schedule. Biofinity contacts have greater oxygen transmissibility than AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde contacts, which allows more oxygen to pass through to the eye. Biofinity contacts are also non-drying, so they’re an ideal choice for anyone looking to be less reliant on their rewetting drops.

This information is provided as a resource only, i.e., not medical advice. Be sure to consult with your ECP to determine your specific needs.