Precision 1 vs. Total 1: Comparing 2 Popular Dailies Contacts

Updated – June 25th, 2026

Disposable contact lenses offer the ultimate convenience. But how do you choose the best one when you have two premium options like Precision 1® and Total 1® DAILIES daily contact lenses?

Both products belong to the wider range of daily throw away contact lenses designed for single-day wear, allowing you to start each morning with a fresh pair and discard them before bedtime. Beyond Alcon’s daily lens options, comparing other brands such as Clearsoft lenses can help you better understand how lens material, replacement schedule, comfort features, and prescription availability may differ across product lines.

Disclaimer: This information is intended as a resource, not medical advice. Be sure to consult with your eye care professional (ECP) to determine your specific needs.

Summary: Precision 1 vs. Total 1

Brand	Precision 1	Dailies Total 1
Manufacturer	Alcon	Alcon
Wearing Schedule	Daily	Daily
Material	Silicone hydrogel (49% verofilcon  A)	Silicone hydrogel (67% delefilcon A)
Water Content	51%	33%
Vision Problems Corrected	– Nearsightedness – Farsightedness	– Nearsightedness – Farsightedness
Special Features	– SMARTSURFACE® Technology – UV protection – Visibility tint	– SmarTears Technology – Water Gradient Technology – Visibility tint
Lens Design	Spherical	Spherical

What Are Precision 1 Contacts?

 

Understanding SMARTSURFACE Technology

SMARTSURFACE Technology in Precision 1 contacts is a moisture-retaining innovation designed to enhance comfort throughout the day.

This technology creates a thin layer of moisture—composed of over 80% water—on the lens surface, giving you a consistently smooth and hydrated feel.

Unlike standard lenses that may lose hydration over time, SMARTSURFACE Technology helps maintain lens moisture to minimize the risk of discomfort or irritation.

Are Precision 1 Contacts Good for Dry Eyes​?

Yes, Precision 1 contacts are a solid option for wearers who struggle with eye dryness.

The SMARTSURFACE Technology in Precision 1 contacts ensures the lens surface retains moisture to keep eyes hydrated throughout the day.

That said, those with severe dry eyes may find that Total 1 contacts offer even better relief due to its water gradient technology, but we’ll get into that later.

Other Frequently Asked Questions About Precision 1 Contacts

1. Are Precision 1 contacts good?

Yes, Precision 1 contacts are highly rated for their comfort, hydration, and ease of use. They are especially popular among first-time lens wearers and those looking for a daily disposable option with advanced moisture retention.

2. How long can you wear Precision 1 contacts?

You can wear Precision 1 contacts for the whole day. Remove them before bed and wear a fresh pair the next day.

3. How much are Precision 1 contacts?

Prices may vary depending on the retailer, but Precision 1 contacts generally fall into the low to mid-price tier. They are an affordable option for daily disposable lens wearers. Plus, their combination of comfort, hydration, and UV protection offers good value for their price.

4. Who makes Precision 1 contacts?

Alcon, a global leader in eye care products, makes Precision 1 contact lenses.

5. Does Precision 1 have UV protection​?

Yes, Precision 1 has Class 1 UV protection, the highest level available in contact lenses. This means they block more than 90% of UVA and 99% of UVB rays.

What Are Total 1 Contacts?

Understanding Water Gradient Technology

Water Gradient Technology in Total 1 contacts is an innovative design that gradually increases water content from the lens core to the surface.

The lens starts with about 33% water content at the core, providing structural stability, while the outer surface reaches nearly 100% water content to mimic the natural moisture of the eye.

This gradient effect creates an ultra-smooth, silky feel. As a result, wearers experience excellent all-day comfort.

SmarTears Technology in Total 1

Another standout feature of Dailies Total 1 is SmarTears Technology, which helps stabilize the eye’s tear film by releasing a key lipid ingredient found in natural tears. This helps reduce evaporation and keeps eyes feeling consistently hydrated throughout the day.

For wearers prone to dryness or irritation, SmarTears Technology provides an added layer of relief by replenishing essential tear components.

Other Frequently Asked Questions About Total 1 Contacts

1. Who makes Total 1 contact lenses?

Total 1 contact lenses are made by Alcon, a leading global healthcare company specializing in eye care products.

2. Where can I buy Dailies Total 1 contacts?

Dailies Total 1 contacts are available at brick-and-mortar optical stores, eye doctor offices, and online retailers like Lens.com. Shopping online often provides better deals, rebates, and convenient home delivery.

3. How much do Dailies Total 1 contacts cost?

Prices may vary depending on the retailer, but Dailies Total 1 lenses generally fall into the mid to high price tier. While they’re not the most budget-friendly option, many wearers find them worth the investment due to their Water Gradient and SmarTears technologies.

4. Can I be allergic to Dailies Total 1 contacts​?

Possibly. While rare, some wearers may experience sensitivity or irritation due to individual reactions to the lens material or cleaning solutions. If you suspect an allergy, consult your eye care provider to explore alternative options.

5. Can you take a nap in Dailies Total 1 contacts?

No, you can’t take a nap in Dailies Total 1 contacts because they are designed for daily wear only. They are not approved for sleeping or extended wear. If you accidentally nap in Total 1 contacts, your eyes may feel dry or irritated, so it’s best to remove and replace them with a fresh pair.

Comparing Precision 1 vs. Total 1

Let’s now discuss the similarities and differences between Precision 1 vs. Total 1.

1. Precision 1 vs. Total 1 Wearing & Replacement Schedules

Both Precision 1 and Total 1 are daily disposable lenses, meaning they are designed to be worn once and discarded at the end of the day. This makes them a hygienic and convenient option, eliminating the need for cleaning and storage.

Since both lenses follow the same replacement schedule, the decision here comes down to comfort, technology, and price—all of which we’ll break down in the next sections.

2. Precision 1 vs. Total 1 Comfort (Lens Material & Water Content)

Both lenses are made from silicone hydrogel, a breathable material that allows more oxygen to reach the eyes for long-lasting comfort.

Their water content differs, which impacts how they feel on the eye:

• Precision 1 has a higher water content of 51%, offering a moist and refreshing feel from the moment the lens is inserted.
• Dailies Total 1 starts with 33% water content at the core, but thanks to its Water Gradient Technology, the outer surface reaches nearly 100% water, providing a cushion-like feel that reduces friction.

In general, higher water content lenses can feel more hydrating upon insertion, but lower water content lenses tend to retain moisture better throughout the day. For this reason, Dailies Total 1 lenses may be a better choice for those with persistent dry eye symptoms.

3. Precision 1 vs. Total 1 Lens Technologies

Both lenses incorporate Alcon’s advanced hydration technologies, but they work in different ways.

Precision 1 uses SMARTSURFACE Technology, which maintains an ultra-thin moisture layer on the lens surface to keep the eyes comfortable throughout the day.

Meanwhile, Total 1 contacts use Water Gradient Technology, which gradually increases water content toward the surface, and SmarTears Technology, which releases tear-like lipids to help stabilize the tear film and reduce evaporation.

Overall, Total 1 is a strong choice for those struggling with dryness, while Precision 1 offers reliable moisture retention at a more budget-friendly price.

4. Precision 1 vs. Total 1 Price

Precision 1 lenses fall into the low to mid-price tier, making them an affordable option for daily wearers who want advanced hydration without paying a premium.

Total 1 is in the mid to high price tier, making it one of the most expensive daily lenses, largely due to its Water Gradient Technology and exceptional comfort.

So, while Precision 1 offers great value, Total 1 is often preferred by those willing to pay extra for top-tier comfort and hydration.

Checking online retailers like Lens.com for rebates or discounts can help offset the cost.

5. User Experiences With Precision 1 vs. Total 1

Wearers love Precision 1 for its comfort, clarity, and moisture retention, especially during extended wear. However, some find the lenses too thin and difficult to grip during removal. This can take some getting used to, particularly for new lens wearers.

Total 1, on the other hand, is praised for its exceptional comfort, even in challenging environments like air-conditioned offices or dry climates. Many users say it feels almost like wearing nothing at all, thanks to its Water Gradient Technology. On the downside, some wearers struggle with insertion and removal. The higher price point is another common concern, but many feel the comfort justifies the cost.

Sidenote: User reviews provide useful insights, but the final decision should always be made in consultation with your eye doctor. Only a licensed professional can prescribe the best brand for you based on your specific vision needs, eye health, and lifestyle.

Comparing Precision 1 for Astigmatism vs. Total 1 for Astigmatism

If you have astigmatism, then you want to consider toric lenses like Precision 1 for Astigmatism and Total 1 for Astigmatism.

These toric lenses share the same core technologies as their standard counterparts:

• Precision 1 for Astigmatism features SMARTSURFACE Technology.
• Dailies Total 1 for Astigmatism features Water Gradient Technology.
• Both lenses feature Alcon’s Precision Balance 8|4® Design, which helps keep the lenses stable for sharp, clear vision throughout the day.

Precision 1 vs. Total 1: The Lens.com Verdict

Already have a prescription? You can buy Dailies Total 1 or Precision 1 online at Lens.com. From affordable daily deals to rebates on eligible purchases, Lens.com makes it easy to get the lenses you love, without the premium price tag.