Air Optix Aqua and the newer Air Optix plus HydraGlyde are high-performance silicone hydrogel contact lenses from Alcon Inc.. Is it worth upgrading to Air Optix plus HydraGlyde? While the lens material and designs are identical, Air Optix plus Hydraglyde covers a wider sphere power range and features two technologies: SmartShield (which is also available in the Air Optix Aqua) and HydraGlyde. These technologies are promising longer lasting hydration and improved deposit resistance. The daily cost price range is similar for both lenses so it might be worth trying the upgraded version. Check with your eye care practitioner.
Air Optix Aqua and Air Optix plus HydraGlyde: Spec Sheets
AIR OPTIX AQUA |
AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde |
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| Product Image |
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| Price Comparison | Lowest price found: 6 Pack: $37.75 | Lowest price found: 6 Pack: $63.89 |
| Manufacturer | Alcon Inc. | Alcon Inc. |
| Release Date | 2008 | Nov 2016 (US) April 2016 (Europe) |
| Prescription Parameters | ||
| Replacement Schedule | Monthly | Monthly |
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Wearing Details
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Daily wear or up to 6 nights extended wear | Daily wear or up to 6 nights extended wear |
| Sphere Powers | +6.00D to -8.00D (in 0.25 steps) -8.50D to -10.00D (in 0.5 steps) | +6.50D to +8.00D (in 0.5 steps) +6.00D to -8.00D (in 0.25 steps) -8.50D to -12.00D (in 0.5 steps) |
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Base Curves
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8.6 mm | 8.6 mm |
| Diameters | 14.2 mm | 14.2 mm |
| Technical Parameters | ||
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FDA Group
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V | V (V-Cm) |
| Lens Material | Silicone hydrogel (Lotrafilcon B) | Silicone hydrogel (Lotrafilcon B) |
| Lens Design | Aspherical | Aspherical |
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Wetting Agents
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Yes - PVP - PEG | Yes - PVP - PEG |
| % of Material | 67% | 67% |
| Water Content | 33% | 33% |
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Center Thickness
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0.08 mm | 0.08 mm |
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Oxygen Transmissibility
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138 Dk/t | 138 Dk/t |
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Modulus
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1.0 MPa | 1.0 MPa |
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Refractive Index
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1.42 | 1.42 |
| Other Features | ||
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Special Features
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UV Blocking
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No | No |
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Dynamic Light Absorption
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No | No |
| Visibility Tint | Yes Light Blue (VISITINT®) | Yes Light Blue (VISITINT®) |
| Inside-out Mark | No | No |
| Packaging, Pricing and Offers | ||
| Packaging Details | 6 lenses per box, each lens in a foil-sealed plastic package containing phosphate buffered saline with (or without) 1% copolymer 845 | 6 lenses per box, each lens in a foil-sealed plastic package containing phosphate buffered saline with 1% copolymer 845 and 0.04% ethylene oxide-butylene oxide copolymer |
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Price Range
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$38 - $70 (6 lenses) | $64 - $105 (6 lenses) |
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Cost per Day
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$0.21 - $0.39 (6 lenses) | $0.35 - $0.58 (6 lenses) |
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Online Retailers
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Special Deals Compare Prices | Special Deals Compare Prices |
Have you tried any of these lenses? We would love to get your feedback.