Air Optix Aqua from Alcon Inc. and Biofinity from CooperVision Inc. are high-performance monthly replaceable contact lenses using a silicone hydrogel material. Both lenses are approved for extended wear (6 nights / 7 days) 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
AIR OPTIX AQUA |
Biofinity |
|
---|---|---|
Product Image |
![]() |
![]() |
Price Comparison | ||
Manufacturer | Alcon Inc. | 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 6 nights or 7 days extended wear |
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) |
Base Curves
|
8.6 mm | 8.6 mm |
Diameters | 14.2 mm | 14.0 mm |
Technical Parameters | ||
FDA Group
|
V | V |
Lens Material | Silicone hydrogel (Lotrafilcon B) | Silicone hydrogel (Comfilcon A) |
Lens Design | Aspherical | Aspherical |
Wetting Agents
|
Yes - PVP - PEG | None |
% of Material | 67% | 52% |
% of Water | 33% | 48% |
Center Thickness
|
0.08 mm | 0.08 mm |
Oxygen Transmission
|
138 Dk/t | 160 Dk/t |
Modulus
|
1.0 MPa | 0.75 MPa |
Other Features | ||
Special Features
|
| |
UV Blocking
|
No | No |
Dynamic Light Absorption
|
No | No |
Visibility Tint | Yes Light Blue (VISITINT®) | Yes (Sofblue®) |
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, immersed in buffered 0.83% saline |
Price Range
|
$30 - $70 (6 lenses) | $34 - $57 (6 lenses) |
Cost per Day
|
$0.17 - $0.39 (6 lenses) | $0.19 - $0.32 (6 lenses) |
Online Retailers
|
Special Deals Compare Prices | Special Deals Compare Prices |
Found an error? Please let us know - we try our best, but sometimes it's just not enough :-)
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.