The world of vision correction is advancing rapidly, with the spotlight on the latest innovations in daily-replaceable contact lenses. In this exploration, we dive into the forefront of vision technology, looking at four exceptional lenses. Join us as we dissect the unique attributes and benefits of each lens, unveiling ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day's cutting-edge features, Bausch+Lomb INFUSE's distinct advantages, Alcon's remarkable DAILIES TOTAL1 comfort, and the innovative design of CooperVision's MyDay Energys.
Our selection of these four lenses analysed was based on:
- Selecting the premier lens from each major manufacturer: ACUVUE (Johnson & Johnson), Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, and CooperVision
- Lenses crafted with silicon hydrogel material
- Lenses designed for single-vision correction using a daily-replaceable routine
- Exclusion of toric or multifocal options from the selection
Through this detailed analysis, we aim to provide insights that empower you to have an informed discussion with your eye care practitioner.
Table of Contents
- Four Lenses to Rule Them All
- ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day: Best-in-Class Filtering
- Bausch+Lomb INFUSE: Acuity and Comfort
- DAILIES TOTAL1 (Alcon): Comfort and Performance
- MyDay Energys (CooperVision): For Digital Lifestyles
- Comparative Analysis: Key Similarities and Differences
- Conclusion: Finding Your Ideal Daily-Replaceable Lens
- References
Four Lenses to Rule Them All
ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day: Best-in-class Filtering
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ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day lenses offer remarkable features that set them apart in the world of daily-replaceable contact lenses. Classified as a V-C lens with a water content of 38%, these silicone hydrogel lenses exhibit excellent oxygen permeability (Dk/t) of 121, ensuring optimal corneal oxygenation. Notably, they provide UVA and UVB protection, belonging to the Class-1 lens category that boasts over 90% UVA and 99% UVB blocking capabilities.
The lenses also incorporate HEVL absorption through Johnson & Johnson Vision Care's OptiBlue Light Filter Technology. This unique feature addresses High Energy Visible Light (HEVL) exposure in the blue/violet spectrum, often referred to as Blue Light. Additionally, ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day lenses introduce TearStable Technology, enhancing tear stability and reducing evaporation rate. TearStable promises prolonged comfort even during extended device usage.
ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day lenses received Pre-Market Notification by the FDA on Nov 29, 2021, and were released in September 2022. These lenses combine advanced technology and innovation to provide wearers with a comfortable and protective daily contact lens option.
Bausch+Lomb INFUSE: Acuity and Comfort
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Bausch + Lomb INFUSE is an innovative daily disposable silicone hydrogel soft contact lens developed by Bausch + Lomb, featuring advanced UV blocking and osmoprotecting ingredients, along with a high water content of greater than 50%. Made from a new silicone hydrogel material called Kalifilcon A, INFUSE offers Class 2 UV blocking capabilities, providing protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Notably, it stands out in comparison to other top daily silicone hydrogel lenses boasting high oxygen transmission capabilities with a 134 Dk/t value. The lens design incorporates 'High Definition Optics' for improved visual performance by reducing induced spherical aberration.
Bausch INFUSE also introduces a unique hydration technology called ProBalance Technology, which combines wetting agents Poloxamine 1107 and Poloxamer 181, along with osmoprotecting ingredients Erythritol and Glycerin, as well as potassium. These components collectively contribute to addressing contact lens dryness and discomfort, promoting ocular surface homeostasis.
DAILIES TOTAL1 (Alcon): Comfort and Performance
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DAILIES TOTAL1, developed by Alcon, represents a revolutionary advancement in contact lens technology and comfort. This innovative lens features SmarTears technology, boasting a silicone hydrogel core with an impressively low 33% water content and a high (greater than 80%) water content on the surface. DAILIES TOTAL1 achieves a remarkable Dk/t value of 156 due to its highly breathable structure. The lens incorporates an interpenetrating anchoring zone, integrating a hydrophilic polymer network into the core, which results in an ultra-soft surface gel containing minimal silicone and an water content exceeding 80%. Additionally, extended water-loving polymer chains on the outermost surface contribute to the lens's water content, providing exceptional lubrication that lasts throughout the day.
While DAILIES TOTAL1 does not include UV blocking capabilities, its other qualities such as SmarTears® technology, high water content, and advanced manufacturing using LightStream Technology make it an impressive and comfortable option for contact lens wearers seeking exceptional visual performance and prolonged comfort.
MyDay Energys (CooperVision): For Digital Lifestyles
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MyDay Energys is a groundbreaking daily disposable contact lens developed by CooperVision to address the challenges posed by our digital-centric lifestyle. As a response to the prevalent issue of eye strain and dryness caused by prolonged digital device usage, MyDay Energys employs innovative technology to alleviate these discomforts. The lens features a distinctive aspherical DigitalBoost™ design, engineered to reduce the strain on the ciliary muscle and minimize the accommodative burden. This technology facilitates smooth transitions between on-screen and off-screen activities, ensuring minimal effort and optimal comfort for wearers.
MyDay Energys os boasting a high Dk/t value of 100. This ensures sufficient oxygen flow to the cornea, promoting eye health. Notably, MyDay Energys employs Aquaform Technology and Digital Zone Optics, enhancing its moisture retention capabilities and providing visual clarity, respectively. Additionally, the lens offers Class 2 UV blocking, safeguarding the eyes from harmful UV rays.
Comparative Analysis: Key Similarities and Differences
Material and Comfort
All four lenses are made of silicone hydrogel. Silicone hydrogel has revolutionized the world of daily replaceable contact lenses by addressing two key concerns: oxygen permeability and comfort. Unlike traditional hydrogel materials, silicone hydrogel allows a significantly higher amount of oxygen to reach the cornea, promoting better eye health during extended wear. The challenge however is to maintain high breathability while keeping the lenses moist. Silicone hydrogel (SiHy) contact lenses are typically hydrophobic. Hydrophobic materials repel water and have a tendency to resist wetting. However, Alcon, Johnson & Johnson, Bausch, and CooperVision incorporate wetting agents or surface treatments into silicone hydrogel lenses to overcome their hydrophobic nature, making them more compatible with the eye's natural tear film and improving overall comfort. Dailies Total1 with their gradient technology promotes 80% water on the surface while Bausch+Lomb adds Erythritol, Glycerin, and Potassium to support long-day comfort and reduce tear evaporation. Johnson & Johnson adds polyvinylpyrrolidone to the lens surface in a unique process to achieve the same. And MyDay lenses are utilizing a combination of an interlocked wetting agent and a smooth edge design to improve the wearing experience.
| Feature | |
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material | SiHy | SiHy | SiHy | SiHy |
| Water | 38% | 55% | 80%* | 54% |
| Oxygen | 121 Dk/t | 134 Dk/t | 156 Dk/t | 100 Dk/t |
| Moisture | TearStable + PVP |
ProBalance + Osmoprotectants |
SmarTears + 80% Surface H2O |
Aquaform |
Visual Acuity
The debate endures, yet numerous experts think that aspheric lens designs in contact lenses offer distinct advantages over traditional spherical designs. By incorporating varying curvatures across the lens surface, aspheric lenses minimize aberrations and halos, enhancing visual clarity, especially in low-light conditions. This design also allows for a thinner and lighter lens profile, promoting comfort and ease of adaptation. Bausch INFUSE and MyDay Energys contact lenses leverage an aspheric lens design rooted in the extensive aspheric lens expertise of Bausch+Lomb and CooperVision. In addition, CooperVision's MyDay Energys features a surface with multiple aspheric curvatures called Digital Zone Optics (or DigitalBoost) - designed to improve the process when shifting focus between on-screen and medium to longer-distance off-screen activities.
| Feature | |
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design | spheric | aspheric | spheric | aspheric |
| Digital Device Optimized | No | No | No | Yes |
UV and HEVL Filtering
Johnson & Johnson's legacy in UV-filtering contact lenses paves the way for innovations like the OASYS MAX. Building upon this rich tradition, the OASYS MAX not only offers highest level of UVA and UVB protection but also sets a new standard by incorporating Blue-light filtering – a new innovation in today's soft contact lens landscape.
| Feature | |
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UV Blocking | Class 1 | Class 2 | No | Class 2 |
| HEVL Filter | Yes | No | No | No |
Cost
Bausch INFUSE and DAILIES TOTAL1 are the least expensive lenses in our comparison. As for the newly introduced lenses, such as the OASYS MAX and MyDay Energys, based on the observed pattern in the contact lens market, it's likely that their prices will gradually come down over time. When new products are introduced, they often enter the market at higher prices due to their novelty and any associated marketing costs. However, as competition increases and manufacturing processes become more streamlined, prices tend to become more competitive. We expect prices of ACUVUE OASYS MAX and MyDay Energys lenses to decrease as they become more established in the market.
| Box Size | |
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 lenses | $51 - $71 | n/a | $38 - $50 | n/a |
| 90 lenses | $99 - $140 | $88 - $110 | $86 - $130 | $94 - $125 |
| Check Pricing | Go | Go | Go | Go |
Updated: Sep 16, 2023
Conclusion: Finding Your Ideal Daily-Replaceable Lens
In conclusion, the world of daily-replaceable contact lenses offers a diverse range of highly innovative options, each tailored to specific preferences and needs. If UV and Blue Light protection, as well as comfort, are paramount, ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day is a choice. For those emphasizing affordability and comfort, Bausch+Lomb INFUSE or DAILIES TOTAL1 are compelling options. When visual acuity is a priority, MyDay Energys or INFUSE might excel with their advanced aspheric designs. It's crucial to remember that this analysis serves as a starting point for discussions with your eye care professional and - given the uniqueness of our eyes - we always suggest to request trial lenses to determine which one aligns best with your individual needs.