Biofinity Energys vs. Air Optix plus HydraGlyde
Biofinity Energys and Air Optix plus HydraGlyde are monthly replaceable contact lenses, representing the newest generation of silicone hydrogel lenses from CooperVision and Alcon Inc.. Biofinity Energys, introduced in 2017, builds on the heritage of Biofinity and Air Optix plus HydraGlyde (available since 2016) is the upgrade to the Air Optix Aqua product.
The slightly stiffer Air Optix with HydraGlyde lens utilizes a PVP/PEG-based wetting agent to store and control the water content. On the other hand, Biofinity Energys foregoes the use of a wetting agent. CooperVision decided to go without a wetting agent with many of their contact lens products. So, a higher oxygen transmission and water content value in the Biofinity Energys lens stand up against the slightly cheaper Air Optix with HydraGlyde using a wetting agent to keep the lenses wet and smooth. You can't tell one is better than the other by just looking at these parameters. Our eyes are all as unique as we are, so some of us might respond better to one of them. Ideally, you should try both if you can and if your eye doctor thinks they are an option. After all, the main prescription parameters are almost identical or very similar and that includes diameter, base curve and power range.
One final word: If you are looking for a multifocal version of these two lenses, you are out of luck (at least so far) with Biofinity Energys while Alcon just recently announced the availability of Air Optix with HydraGlyde Multifocal.
Biofinity Energys and Air Optix plus HydraGlyde: Spec Sheets
Biofinity Energys | AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde | |
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | CooperVision, Inc. part of The Cooper Companies Inc. | Alcon Inc. |
| Release Date | Oct 2016 (Europe) Jan 2017 (US) | Nov 2016 (US) April 2016 (Europe) |
| Prescription Parameters | ||
| Replacement Schedule | Monthly | Monthly |
Wearing Details | Daily wear or up to 6 nights or 7 days extended wear | Daily wear or up to 6 nights extended wear |
| Available Sphere Powers | -12.00D to +8.00D (in 0.5 steps after +-6.00D) | +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) |
| Available Base Curves | 8.6 mm | 8.6 mm |
| Available Diameters | 14.0 mm | 14.2 mm |
| Technical Parameters | ||
| FDA Group | V | V (V-Cm) |
| Lens Material | Silicone hydrogel (Comfilcon A) | Silicone hydrogel (Lotrafilcon B) |
| Lens Type | Aspherical | Aspherical |
| Wetting Agent | None | Yes - PVP - PEG |
| % of Material | 52% | 67% |
| % of Water | 48% | 33% |
| Center Thickness | 0.08 mm | 0.08 mm |
| Oxygen Transmission | 160 Dk/t | 138 Dk/t |
| Modulus | 0.75 MPa | 1.0 MPa |
| Other Features | ||
| Special Features | Digital Zone Optics™ Aquaform® Technology | HydraGlyde SmartShield Technology |
| UV Blocking | No | No |
| Dynamic Light Absorption | No | No |
| Visibility Tint | Yes (Sofblue®) | Yes Light Blue (VISITINT®) |
| Inside-out Mark | No | No |
| Packaging, Pricing and Offers | ||
| Packaging Details | 6 lenses per box, immersed in buffered 0.83% saline | 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 |
| Price Range | $40 - $50 | $36 - $45 |
| Cost per Day | $0.22 - $0.28 | $0.20 - $0.25 |
| Special Offers - U.S. | | |
| Special Offers - Canada | | |
Have you tried these contact lenses? We would love to get your feedback!