A comparison of the silicone hydrogel lens Biofinity and its 10 years older sibling Proclear. Both lenses are monthly replaceable contact lenses manufactured by CooperVision. While Biofinity is a silicone hydrogel lens rolled-out in 2007, Proclear was introduced in 1997 with its base material being a non-ionic hydrogel. In more detail, it is composed of a polymer of 2-hydroxy-ethylmethacrylate and 2-metacryloloyoxyethyl phosphorylcholine which is cross-linked with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate.
Updated: Jul 2, 2023
Features and Parameters
Biofinity provides a much higher oxygen transmissibility value due to its unique silicone hydrogel material which translates into better breathability. In fact, Biofinity's Dk/t value is one of the highest Dk/t values we have seen in any silicone hydrogel lens in the market (160 Dk/t). To keep the lens and eye moist, Proclear integrates a Phosphorylcholine-based technolgoy called PC Technology, while Biofinity utilizes a new technology called Aquaform to overcome the hydrophobic nature of its base material.
Proclear covers a wider range of sphere powers and base curves than Biofinity, so if you are a patient requiring vision correction in the double-digit plus or minus range, Proclear could be a better choice.
The aspheric Biofinity lenses are made of a stiffer material compared to Proclear. Interestingly, this stiffer composition can actually be beneficial as it implies that the lens is easier to handle during insertion and removal. Moreover, the difference in feel on the eye may not be noticeable.
Packaging and Cost
When checking out different online stores, we looked at their prices and found that Biofinity lenses come at a daily cost of close to 18 cents, while Proclear lenses are a bit pricier at 25 cents per day. This means you'll save about $54 per year if you wear Biofinity. So, wearing Biofinity lenses for a year would set you back around $128, whereas Proclear lenses would cost you about $182. Both products usually come in boxes with 6 lenses each.
Biofinity and Proclear - Consumer Reviews
After collecting reviews from our website and external sources, we did a sentiment analysis on Biofinity and Proclear contact lenses. The following attribute list summarizes experiences shared by other patients.
Biofinity - Summary of Reviews
Good: High comfort level, excellent vision quality, easy to handle, great for dry eyes, reasonable price
Not so good: Tend to tear easily
Proclear - Summary of Reviews
Good: Solid fit, high quality, comfortable to wear, value for money, good for dry eyes, clear vision
Not so good: Discomfort after wearing for more than 8 hours, occasional broken lenses in the pack
Biofinity and Proclear: Comparison of Specs
Biofinity |
Proclear |
|
|---|---|---|
| Product Image |
|  |
| Price Comparison | ||
| Manufacturer | CooperVision, Inc. part of The Cooper Companies Inc. | CooperVision, Inc. part of The Cooper Companies Inc. |
| Release Date | 2007 | 1997 |
| Prescription Parameters | ||
| Replacement Schedule | Monthly | Monthly |
Wearing Details
|
Daily wear or up to 6 nights or 7 days extended wear | Daily wear |
| Sphere Powers | -12.00D to +8.00D (in 0.5 steps after +-6.00D) | for 8.6 mm: -20.00D to +20.00D for 8.2 mm: Plano to -10.00D (in 0.5 steps after -6.00D and +5.00D) |
|
Base Curves
|
8.6 mm | 8.6 mm 8.2 mm |
| Diameters | 14.0 mm | 14.2 mm |
| Technical Parameters | ||
|
FDA Group
|
V | II |
| Lens Material | Silicone hydrogel (Comfilcon A) | Non-ionic hydrogel (Omafilcon A) |
| Lens Design | Aspherical | Spherical |
|
Wetting Agents
|
None | Unknown |
| % of Material | 52% | 38% |
| % of Water | 48% | 62% |
|
Center Thickness
|
0.08 mm | 0.065 mm |
|
Oxygen Transmission
|
160 Dk/t | 52 Dk/t |
|
Modulus
|
0.75 MPa | 0.4 MPa |
| Other Features | ||
|
Special Features
|
| |
|
UV Blocking
|
No | No |
|
Dynamic Light Absorption
|
No | No |
| Visibility Tint | Yes (Sofblue®) | Yes (light blue) |
| 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, immersed in buffered 0.9% saline |
|
Price Range
|
$34 - $57 (6 lenses) | $52 - $69 (6 lenses) |
|
Cost per Day
|
$0.19 - $0.32 (6 lenses) | $0.29 - $0.38 (6 lenses) |
|
Online Retailers
|
Special Deals Compare Prices | Special Deals Compare Prices |
Conclusion
After evaluating crucial parameters such as lens design, breathability, ease of handling, end-of-day comfort, cost, and prescription range, it becomes evident that Biofinity surpasses Proclear in most aspects. The silicone hydrogel composition of Biofinity lenses boasts one of the best Dk/t values available, ensuring exceptional oxygen permeability for healthy eyes. However, it is worth noting that individual eye tolerances to silicone material can vary, and in such cases, Proclear may be a more suitable option.
One advantage that Proclear offers is a wider prescription range, catering to a broader spectrum of vision needs.
Always consult with your eye care practitioner to determine which lens is best suited for your specific vision requirements.