Bausch and Lomb ULTRA® for Astigmatism and Biofinity® toric are two of the most popular toric contact lenses on the market today. They’re similar in many ways, so choosing the best brand for you may be difficult. But don’t worry — Lens.com is here to help.
This guide will compare Bausch and Lomb ULTRA for Astigmatism and Biofinity toric 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 toric contact lens is right for you.
| Brand | Bausch and Lomb ULTRA for Astigmatism | Biofinity toric |
| Manufacturer | Bausch and Lomb | CooperVision |
| Wearing schedule | Daily wear or up to 7 days of extended wear | Daily wear or up to 7 days of extended wear |
| Replacement schedule | Monthly replacement | Monthly replacement |
| Material | Samfilcon A (54% polymer) | Comfilcon A (52% polymer) |
| Water content | 46% | 48% |
| Vision problems corrected | Astigmatism | Astigmatism |
| Special features | – MoistureSeal Technology – OpticAlign Design – Visibility tint | – Aquaform Technology – Optimized Toric Lens Geometry – Visibility tint |
| Lens design | Toric | Toric |
| Lenses per box | 6 lenses per box (6-month supply) | 6 lenses per box (6-month supply) |
What are toric contact lenses?
Toric contact lenses are a type of specialized contact lens designed to correct astigmatism, a common vision condition that results from an irregularly shaped cornea or lens inside the eye. Toric lenses are uniquely shaped to provide different powers in different meridians of the lens to address both the spherical and cylindrical prescriptions needed for individuals with astigmatism.
Here are some key features of toric contact lenses:
- Cylinder and Axis: Astigmatism is characterized by two components in an eyeglass or contact lens prescription: the spherical power (measured in diopters) and the cylindrical power (also measured in diopters) along with an axis (a degree measurement). The cylindrical power corrects the astigmatism, which means it counteracts the irregular curvature of the cornea or lens to provide clear vision.
- Stability: Toric lenses are designed to stay in a specific orientation on the eye to align with the irregular shape of the cornea. They often have a weighted or thicker portion at the bottom to ensure they stay in the correct position.
- Varieties: Toric contact lenses come in various designs, including soft disposable toric lenses and rigid gas permeable (RGP) toric lenses. Soft disposable toric lenses are the most commonly prescribed type due to their comfort and convenience.
- Fitting: Fitting toric contact lenses requires additional expertise compared to spherical lenses, as the optometrist or ophthalmologist must determine the correct power, axis, and fit for the specific individual’s astigmatism. A proper fitting ensures optimal vision correction and comfort.
- Daily Wear and Extended Wear: Toric lenses can be designed for daily disposable wear, monthly replacement, or extended wear, depending on the type and brand.
Bausch and Lomb ULTRA for Astigmatism and Biofinity toric in Detail
Bausch and Lomb ULTRA for Astigmatism and Biofinity toric correct astigmatism. As the name suggests, Bausch and Lomb ULTRA for Astigmatism contacts are made by Bausch and Lomb, one of the world’s largest suppliers of contact lenses and lens care products. Meanwhile, Biofinity toric contacts are made by CooperVision, a leading manufacturer of soft contacts.
Here’s a closer look at how these two lenses compare:
Wearing and Replacement Schedules
Bausch and Lomb ULTRA for Astigmatism and Biofinity toric are monthly disposable contacts, which means they can be worn daily for up to 30 days. Both brands are also FDA-approved for extended wear of up to seven days. This flexible wearing schedule makes either brand ideal for people with unpredictable schedules or highly active lifestyles.
Not everyone can wear contacts for several days in a row, even contacts indicated for overnight or extended wear. If your ECP recommends a different wearing schedule, follow their guidance.
Fit and Stability
As toric lenses, both Bausch and Lomb ULTRA for Astigmatism and Biofinity toric do a great job staying put on the eye, but they don’t work the same way. Bausch and Lomb ULTRA for Astigmatism contacts use OpticAlign™ Design. According to the manufacturer, OpticAlign Design was engineered for stability to promote a successful first fit. The design also ensures that the wearer enjoys consistently clear vision all day.
On the other hand, Biofinity toric contacts use Optimized Toric Lens Geometry™. This multifaceted design ensures a stable fit and minimal lens movement, even if you blink or move your eyes around quickly. According to CooperVision, Optimized Toric Lens Geometry results in a multifaceted toric lens designed to provide predicate, consistent visual acuity, lens stability, and fit.
Comfort
Bausch and Lomb ULTRA for Astigmatism and Biofinity toric deliver exceptional comfort, but how they go about that is very different. Bausch and Lomb ULTRA for Astigmatism contacts use exclusive MoistureSeal® Technology to create a breathable, hydrophilic (water-loving) lens that maintains 95 percent of its moisture for a full 16 hours.
Meanwhile, Biofinity toric contacts use Aquaform Technology, which locks in water to ensure all-day comfort. Biofinity toric contacts also have smooth, rounded edges. These edges enhance comfort by minimizing interaction between the contact lens and the eyelid.
Material
Both Bausch and Lomb ULTRA for Astigmatism and Biofinity toric are made of silicone hydrogel lens materials. Silicone hydrogel lenses are highly breathable, allowing nourishing oxygen to reach the eyes. Our eyes need oxygen to stay white, clear, and healthy. The exceptional oxygen permeability of silicone hydrogel lenses makes them suitable for overnight or extended wear. As silicone hydrogel lenses, Bausch and Lomb ULTRA for Astigmatism and Biofinity toric are FDA-approved for extended wear for up to seven days.
The only downside of silicone hydrogel lenses is their tendency to collect deposits. Silicone hydrogel lenses are also not an option for people allergic or sensitive to silicone.
Price
Both Bausch and Lomb ULTRA for Astigmatism and Biofinity toric typically retail for $40 to $75 per box of six lenses, with each box lasting six months. If you wear contacts regularly, expect an annual lens cost of $160 to $300.
On Lens.com, Bausch and Lomb ULTRA for Astigmatism contacts start as low as $29.99 per box of six lenses after rebates. Meanwhile, Biofinity toric contacts can cost as low as $17.99 per box of six lenses after rebates.
Note that these prices are accurate as of 08/08/2022 but are subject to change without notice.
Conclusion: which toric contact lens is for you?
Bausch and Lomb ULTRA for Astigmatism and Biofinity toric have more similarities than differences. For instance, both toric lenses have a monthly replacement schedule and are indicated for daily wear or extended wear of up to seven days. Both contacts are silicone hydrogel lenses, meaning their oxygen transmission capabilities are relatively similar. The price range doesn’t indicate a clear winner either, as the two brands cost more or less the same.
Ultimately, your choice may boil down to comfort. Bausch and Lomb ULTRA for Astigmatism can stay moist for up to 16 hours because of MoistureSeal Technology. You may consider this if your eyes are sensitive or you worry about contact lens-related dryness. Biofinity toric contacts, on the other hand, have smooth, rounded edges, which give the lens a more natural feel on the eye. Biofinity toric contacts may be the better option if you want contacts that feel like nothing.
This information is intended as a resource, not medical advice. Be sure to consult with your ECP to determine your specific needs.
