Air Optix Aqua from Alcon Laboratories, Inc. and Biofinity from CooperVision Cinc. are high-performance monthly replaceable contact lenses using a silicone hydrogel material. Air Optix Aqua can be worn up to 6-7 days without taking them out and Biofinity up to 30 days in extended wearing mode (as prescribed by your eye care practitioner)
Biofinity lets more oxygen pass through the lens to your eye, is slightly thinner than Air Optix Aqua and covers a broader prescription range (from -12.0D to +8.00D). The average daily cost of both lenses is in a similar range.
By the way, the two companies have released 'upgraded' versions of the two lenses: Biofinity Energys and Air Optix with Hydraglyde. A comparison can be found here.
Air Optix Aqua and Biofinity - Spec Sheets
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AIR OPTIX AQUA
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Biofinity
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| Manufacturer | Alcon Laboratories, Inc. a Novartis company | CooperVision, Inc. part of The Cooper Companies Inc. |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2007 |
| Prescription Parameters | ||
| Replacement Schedule | Monthly | Monthly |
Wearing Details |
Daily wear or up to 6 nights extended wear | Daily wear or up to 30 days extended wear |
| Available Sphere Powers | +6.00D to -8.00D (in 0.25 steps) -8.50D to -10.00D (in 0.5 steps) | -12.00D to +8.00D (in 0.5 steps after +-6.00D) |
| Available Base Curves | 8.6mm | 8.6mm |
| Available Diameters | 14.2mm | 14.0mm |
| Technical Parameters | ||
| Lens Material | Silicone hydrogel (Lotrafilcon B) | Silicone hydrogel (Comfilcon A) |
| Lens Type | Aspherical | Aspherical |
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Wetting Agent |
Yes - PVP - PEG | None |
| % of Material | 67% | 52% |
| % of Water | 33% | 48% |
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Center Thickness |
0.08mm | 0.08mm |
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Oxygen Transmission |
138 Dk/t | 160 Dk/t |
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Modulus |
1.0 MPa | 0.75 MPa |
| Other Features | ||
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Special Features |
TriComfort™ Technology High wettability through low contact angle. Permanent plasma treatment for a smooth surface | Aquaform® Technology |
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UV Blocking |
Unknown | No |
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Dynamic Light Absorption |
No | No |
| Visibility Tint | Yes (blue) | Yes (Sofblue®) |
| Inside-out Mark | No | No |
| Packaging, Pricing and Ratings | ||
| Packaging Details | 6 lenses per box, each lens in a foil-sealed plastic package | 6 lenses per box, immersed in buffered 0.83% saline |
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Online Retail Price |
$30 - $50 | $35 - $50 |
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Cost per Day |
$0.17 - $0.28 | $0.19 - $0.28 |
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Consumer Rating |
( 1344 Votes ) | ( 1403 Votes ) |
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Conclusion:
Biofinity covers a wider range of available powers than the Air Optix Aqua. Both lenses are available as toric as well as multifocal lenses.