ACUVUE OASYS vs ACUVUE VITA

With ACUVUE OASYS^® (introduced in 2005) and ACUVUE VITA^® (introduced in 2016), we are comparing 2 popular non-daily-replaceable contact lenses from Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.

What's the Same?

Before we dive into differences, let's quickly look at the features the ACUVUE OASYS^® and the ACUVUE VITA^® share.

Material

ACUVUE OASYS^® and ACUVUE VITA^® are silicone hydrogel based contact lenses using a material called Senofilcon. This material is capable of letting a high level of oxygen through to the eye, which helps your eyes feel fresh even at the end of the day. The Oxygen Transmissibility parameter (also called Dk/t parameter) is identical for both lenses and with 147 Dk/t as high as other newer silicone hydrogel lenses in the market.

UV Blocking

The FDA classifies lenses into Class 1 and Class 2 lenses, based on their ability to block a certain level of harmful UVA and UVB rays. Both lenses are classified as Class 1 lenses, which means they are able to filter out more than 99% of UVB light and more than 90% of UVB light.

Tinting and Inside-out Mark

No difference here. ACUVUE OASYS^® and ACUVUE VITA^® are slightly blue-tinted contact lenses that don’t change the natural color of your eyes but help you to see them in the blister package or your small lens case. And, both lenses have a 1-2-3 mark printed on the side of the lens to indicate whether the lens is turned inside out.

Prescription Parameters

With an identical diopter range, patients are covered if their prescription is between -12.00D and +8.00D.

What's Different?

While OASYS must be replaced every 2 weeks, VITA can be enjoyed up to a month before it needs to be tossed. This comes as a surprise, as the base material is the same, except for VITA using a newer version of Senofilcon. While this might be the main difference it also uses a different hydration technology called HydraMax while OASYS is using a Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) based wetting agent as part of the HYDRACLEAR® PLUS technology.

Let's have a quick look at the 2 product families. You'll notice that OASYS is currently available for all 3 major vision correction types. VITA doesn't offer a version for Presbyopia, so if you are looking for a multi-focal lens, you are out of luck with the VITA.

Product Families

ACUVUE OASYS® Family	ACUVUE VITA® Family
	ACUVUE VITA® for Presbyopia is not available yet

Replacement Schedule and Modality

ACUVUE OASYS^® is a bi-weekly replaceable lens, so you typically buy a box of 6 or 12 lenses per eye and you are covered for a 3 month period or half a year. With ACUVUE VITA^® you are looking at a monthly replaceable lens, so your lenses last for an entire month. Different than with daily lenses, you also need to purchase the appropriate cleaning solution and getting used to a rigid cleaning routine. Not everyone's favorite thing to do.

Packaging and Pricing

ACUVUE OASYS^® and ACUVUE VITA^® can be purchased in various box-sizes, containing 6,12 or 24 lenses. Assuming that you will have a different prescription for each eye, you would typically buy multiples of 2 boxes, and hence would be covered for 3 months, 6 months or a full year. It is worth to check volume discounts, especially when buying online, as prices can vary upon ordering multiple boxes or when signing up for ‘auto-refill’. Our spec sheet is also providing a ‘daily cost’ calculation and the price difference (while not huge) is a bit in favor of ACUVUE VITA^®.

ACUVUE OASYS^® vs. ACUVUE VITA^®: Specs Compared

	ACUVUE OASYS®	ACUVUE VITA
Product Image
Price Comparison	Compare Prices	Compare Prices
Manufacturer	Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.	Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
Release Date	2005	June 2016
Prescription Parameters
Replacement Schedule	Two weeks	Monthly
Wearing Details Wearing Details Your wearing schedule should be determined by your Eye Care Professional. It is important to have regular checkups and it is critical to adhere to the maximum wearing schedule as recommended by your Eye Care Professional as he/she will determine wearing time based upon your physiological eye condition and your response to the lenses.	Daily wear or up to 6 consecutive nights extended wear	Daily wear
Sphere Powers	-12.00D to -6.00D in 0.5 steps -6.00D to +6.00D in 0.25 steps +6.00D to +8.00D in 0.5 steps	-12.00D to +8.00D (in 0.5 steps after +-6.00D)
Base Curves Base Curves The base curve (BC) - measured in millimeters - is also known as the Back Optic Zone Radius (BOZR). It is measuring the radius of the back surface of the contact lens.	8.4 mm 8.8 mm	8.4 mm or 8.8 mm
Diameters	14.0 mm	14.0 mm
Technical Parameters
FDA Group FDA Group Conventional Hydrophilic Groups I Low Water Content (<50%), Non-ionic II High Water Content (>50%), Non-ionic III Low Water Content (<50%), Ionic IV High Water Content (>50%), Ionic V Silicone Hydrophilic Groups V-A No Water Specification, Ionic V-B High Water Content (>50%), Non-ionic V-C Low Water Content (<50%), Non-ionic, Hydrophilic Mon. only V-Cm Low Water Content (<50%), Non-ionic, Surface Treated (ST) V-Cr Low Water Content (<50%), Non-ionic, Non-ST, Semi-interpenetrating network Note: While not implemented yet, the FDA has been discussing to enhance the silicone hydrogel classification using the sub-classification V-A, V-B, V-C, V-Cm and V-Cr.	V	V
Lens Material	Silicone hydrogel (Senofilcon A)	Silicone hydrogel (Senofilcon C)
Lens Design	Spherical	Spherical
Wetting Agents Wetting Agents Some contact lenses contain wetting agents to retain moisture. They might be integrated into the lens or added to the packaging solution: PVP - polyvinylpyrrolidone PEG - polyethylene glycol PEOX - poly-2-ethyl-2-oxazoline HPMC - hydroxypropyl methylcellulose PVA - polyvinyl alcohol PC - phosphatidylcholine PO - poloxamer	Yes - PVP	Yes - PVP
% of Material	62%	59%
% of Water	38%	41%
Center Thickness Center Thickness Center Thickness (at -3.00D)	0.07 mm	0.07 mm
Oxygen Transmission Oxygen Transmission Oxygen Transmissibility (at -3.00D, center, non-edge-corrected). This value indicates to which degree oxygen may pass through a particular material of a given thickness. It is equal to the oxygen permeability divided by the thickness of the measured sample under specific conditions. The higher the oxygen transmissibility the easier it is for oxygen to flow through to your eye.	147 Dk/t	147 Dk/t
Modulus Modulus The modulus of a contact lens describes the stiffness of the material. Usually a higher water content lens means a less stiffer lens thus making the handling of the lens trickier.	0.7 MPa	0.77 MPa
Other Features
Special Features Special Features Moisture Rich Ingredient, Surface Treatment etc.	HYDRACLEAR® PLUS technology for more moisture and lens surface smoothness.	Hydramax for increased hydration. Infinity Edge Design for additional comfort.
UV Blocking UV Blocking UV-A Blocking covers the range from 316nm to 380nm. UV-B Blocking covers the 280nm to 315nm spectrum. The FDA classifies UV blocking capabilities of contact lenses into two groups. In order to be classified into one of the groups, the UV blocking capabilities must meet the following requirements: Class 1: filters >90% of UVA light filters >99% of UVB light Class 2: filters >50% of UVA light filters >95% of UVB light IMPORTANT NOTE: UV-absorbing contact lenses are not substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eye-wear, such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses, as they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. Patients should continue to use UV-absorbing eye-wear as directed.	Class 1 96% UVA 99% UVB	Class 1 >90% UVA >99% UVB
Dynamic Light Absorption Dynamic Light Absorption Known from auto-darkening eyeglasses, this new feature will be available for the first time in 2019 as it will mark the date for the introduction of the world's first contact lens that adapts to changing light conditions. Due to a photochromic additive, contact lenses with this feature can auto-darken based on the amount of light entering the lens.	No	No
Visibility Tint	Yes (blue)	Yes (blue)
Inside-out Mark	Yes (123)	Yes (123)
Packaging, Pricing and Offers
Packaging Details	6 lenses per box, each lens in a foil-sealed plastic package	6 lenses per box, each lens in a foil-sealed plastic package
Price Range Price Range Typical price range per box. Prices might further vary based on buying multiples or after applying coupons or rebates.	$59 - $86 (12 lenses) $102 - $166 (24 lenses)	$51 - $73 (6 lenses) $85 - $116 (12 lenses)
Cost per Day Cost per Day Calculated Cost per Day range (cleaning solution and other handling cost not included). Based on non-continuous daily wear where applicable. Estimated cost is per day and per eye.	$0.35 - $0.51 (12 lenses) $0.30 - $0.49 (24 lenses)	$0.28 - $0.41 (6 lenses) $0.24 - $0.32 (12 lenses)
Online Retailers Online Retailers We regularly scan the most trusted vision care retailers in North America and Europe. Our price monitoring includes retailers from the U.S., Canada, U.K., Germany, and other EU countries so that you can save money when you purchase your contact lenses or other vision care products online.	Special Deals Compare Prices	Special Deals Compare Prices

Bottom line: Which Lens Should You Get?

First of all, check with your eye care practitioner. Only she/he will be able to determine whether any of these lenses are right for you. And in case both are:

Consider ACUVUE OASYS^® if you are looking for a proven lens with HYDRACLEAR  technology and prefer a fresh pair every 2 weeks.

Get ACUVUE VITA^® if you want to save a few bucks and want the latest Senofilcon material. On average you will save about 5 cents per day and eye, which adds up to about $35 in savings per year.

Have your tried both lenses? We would love to hear from you.