Air Optix Aqua vs Biofinity
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 | ![]() | ![]() | |
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 - $50 | $35 - $50 | |
Cost per Day | $0.17 - $0.28 | $0.19 - $0.28 | |
Online Retailers | Special Deals | Special Deals |
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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.
Lens Advisor and Comparisons
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- Daily Cost Comparison of Contact Lenses
- Daily Cost Comparison of Multifocal Lenses
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- Daily Cost Comparison of Lenses for Astigmatism
- Biofinity vs Air Optix plus HydraGlyde