Biofinity® multifocal and Proclear® multifocal are two of the most popular multifocal contact lenses on the market today. They share many similarities, so it may be difficult to determine which brand is best for you. Luckily, Lens.com is here to help.
This guide will compare Biofinity multifocal and Proclear multifocal 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 will be better equipped to decide which of these two multifocal contacts is right for you.
| Brand | Biofinity multifocal | Proclear multifocal |
| Manufacturer | CooperVision | CooperVision |
| Wearing schedule | Daily wear or up to 7 days of extended wear | Daily |
| Replacement schedule | Monthly replacement | Monthly replacement |
| Material | Comfilcon A (52% polymer) | Omafilcon A (38% polymer) |
| Water content | 48% | 62% |
| Vision problems corrected | Presbyopia | Presbyopia |
| Special features | – Aquaform® Technology – Balanced Progressive® Technology – Visibility tint | – Balanced Progressive Technology – PC Technology™ – Visibility tint |
| Lenses per box | 6 lenses per box (6-month supply) | 6 lenses per box (6-month supply) |
What are multifocal lenses?
Multifocal contact lenses correct presbyopia — the gradual loss of your eyes’ ability to focus on nearby objects. When you are young, the lens of the eye is still soft and flexible, meaning it can easily change shape. This is why your eyes can focus on nearby and distant objects. As you age, the lens becomes more rigid, making it harder to do close-up work, like reading a book.
Presbyopia is typically corrected with eyeglasses that have either bifocal (two different optical powers) or multifocal (three different optical powers) lenses. Bifocal and multifocal lenses allow the wearer to do close-up work (like reading a book), middle-distance work (like reading on a computer), and distance viewing (like driving) without having to use different eyeglasses. Today, more and more people with presbyopia are also opting for multifocal contacts, mainly because multifocal contacts are a more convenient alternative to bulky eyeglasses.
Multifocal contacts come in two designs: simultaneous vision designs and segmented designs. In multifocal contacts with a simultaneous vision design, different zones of the lens are designated for far and near vision. Depending on the object being viewed, the wearer determines which area of the lens provides the clearest vision. Meanwhile, multifocal contacts with a segmented design have distinct near and distance power zones. In most multifocal contacts with a segmented design, the top of the lens is for distance vision, and the bottom is for near vision.
Biofinity multifocal and Proclear multifocal in Detail
Biofinity multifocal and Proclear multifocal are designed to correct presbyopia. Both contact lenses are made by CooperVision, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of soft contacts. Here is a closer look at how these two multifocal contacts compare:
Wearing and Replacement Schedules
Biofinity multifocal and Proclear multifocal are monthly disposable contacts, meaning they can be worn for up to 30 days before being thrown away. However, Proclear multifocal contacts must be removed before bed, whereas Biofinity multifocal contacts can be worn overnight. In fact, Biofinity multifocal contacts are FDA-approved for up to seven days of extended wear. This makes Biofinity multifocal contacts a better option than Proclear for highly active individuals and people with unpredictable schedules, such as busy professionals, military personnel, and shift workers.
Comfort
Biofinity multifocal and Proclear multifocal deliver superior comfort, but how they go about that is very different. Biofinity multifocal contacts use exclusive Aquaform Technology, which locks in water so you can enjoy incredible comfort all day long. It also helps your eyes stay clear and white by giving them the oxygen they need. Additionally, Biofinity multifocal contacts have smooth, rounded edges that enhance comfort by minimizing interaction between the contact lens and the eyelid.
Meanwhile, Proclear multifocal contacts use patented PC Technology. PC Technology binds water throughout each lens, creating a shield around it to keep it moist and clean. On top of that, the Proclear lens material resists deposit buildup that would otherwise cause irritation.
Material
Biofinity multifocal and Proclear multifocal differ in terms of lens material. Biofinity multifocal contacts are made of silicone hydrogel, while Proclear multifocal contacts are hydrogel.
Hydrogel is a water-infused polymer that has high biocompatibility with the human eye, and the human body does not produce a negative immunological response when exposed to it. Hydrogel can also hold large amounts of water, so hydrogel contacts are not likely to dry out throughout the day. On the other hand, silicone hydrogel is a polymer that contains both hydrogel and silicone — a gel-like polymer with a high degree of flexibility. Like hydrogel, silicone hydrogel also contains water and allows more oxygen to pass through to the eye than simple hydrogel. This is why 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 allergic or sensitive to silicone.
Price
Biofinity multifocal contacts typically retail for $50 to $80 per box of six lenses, with each box lasting six months. If you wear Biofinity multifocal contacts regularly, expect an annual lens cost of $200 to $320. On Lens.com, Biofinity multifocal contacts start as low as $27.49 per box of six lenses after rebates.
Meanwhile, Proclear multifocal contacts usually retail for $50 to $95 per box of six lenses, with each box lasting six months. If you wear Proclear multifocal contacts regularly, expect an annual lens cost of $160 to $380. On Lens.com, Proclear multifocal contacts can cost as low as $39.69 per box of six lenses after rebates.
Note that these prices are accurate as of 07/11/22 but are subject to change without notice.
Reviews
Biofinity multifocal contacts have an average rating of 9.4/10 on Lens.com. Here is what our customers have to say about this brand:
“Great product – I thought these would take time to adjust but they didn’t. I love being able to see up close and at a distance with no irritation.” – Anonymous
“More convenient than reading glasses – These multifocal lenses allow me to read without requiring reading glasses.” – Anonymous
“They work – They fit perfectly and don’t dry out my eyes. It’s nice to be able to see with contacts instead of glasses.” – Anonymous
Proclear multifocal contacts also have an average rating of 9.4/10 on Lens.com. Here is what our customers have to say about Proclear multifocal contacts:
“Soft, comfortable fit – These lenses have become one with my eyes. I forget I am wearing them. I love putting them on knowing that within moments I can see normally.” – Anonymous
“Very comfortable – Nothing is as comfortable to me as these contacts. Never switching.” – Anonymous
“These are great! – I’ve been wearing these lenses for several years and they correct my distance vision but allow me to read without readers or bifocal glasses.” – Anonymous
Conclusion: which multifocal contact lens is for you?
Biofinity multifocal and Proclear multifocal are both popular choices among people with presbyopia. They share many similarities and differences. In terms of similarities, both Biofinity multifocal and Proclear multifocal are monthly disposable contact lenses. However, only Biofinity multifocal contacts can be worn overnight. Consider your schedule or lifestyle when discussing wearing schedules with your ECP.
Both Biofinity multifocal and Proclear multifocal also use CooperVision’s patented Balanced Progressive Technology to deliver clear vision at all distances. However, they differ in terms of special features aimed at improving comfort. Biofinity multifocal contacts use Aquaform Technology to keep your eyes moist and comfortable all day. On the other hand, Proclear multifocal contacts feature PC Technology, which keeps the lens moist and clean for all-day comfort.
Note that hydrogel contacts, like Proclear multifocal, stay moist longer than silicone hydrogel contacts, like Biofinity multifocal. However, they must be removed before bed, and they may become less comfortable after many hours of wear. Silicone hydrogel contacts are exceptionally breathable but prone to deposit buildup and require regular cleaning. Plus, they are not suitable for people allergic or sensitive to silicone.
This information is intended as a resource, not medical advice. Be sure to consult with your ECP to determine your specific needs.
