Air Optix Review

If you prefer wearing monthly disposable contact lenses, then you should talk to your doctor about the Air Optix family of contact lenses. These lenses come in several varieties that can fix almost every vision issue. And if you are someone who regularly forgets to take out your contact lenses before you fall asleep, we have good news: Air Optix also features the only contact lens approved for long term overnight wear!

 

Silicon Hydrogel Material

Your eyes need oxygen to stay healthy, which is why you should always consider contact lenses that allow a lot of oxygen to pass through to your eyes. Air Optix lenses are made from Lotrafilcon B, which is a silicon hydrogel material that allows significant amounts of oxygen through. Happy, oxygenated eyes means a much more comfortable wearing experience for you!

 

 

What’s the difference between Air Optix Aqua and Air Optix HydraGlyde?

Although all Air Optix lenses are made from the same material, some lenses also feature a special wetting agent called HydraGlyde. According to Alcon, the maker of Air Optix, HydraGlyde pulls more moisture into the contact lenses to keep them hydrated longer. If you struggle with dry eyes, you may want to consider wearing Air Optix with HydraGlyde. Air Optix lenses that don’t have the extra HydraGlyde technology are called Air Optix Aqua.

Alcon, the manufacturer of Air Optix, recently announced that they are discontinuing the Aqua versions of all Air Optix lenses (except for the Air Optix Night & Day Aqua). Starting in October 2021, it will no longer be possible to get Air Optix Aqua. Only Air Optix HydraGlyde will be available for sale.

Air Optix Colors

Another great feature of Air Optix lenses is that they are available in color lenses! Air Optix Colors have over 6 times the oxygen permeability as other color lenses like Freshlook Colors, which is why they are becoming increasingly popular. These lenses feature a unique three-in-one technology that layers multiple colors and patterns to give them a beautiful and realistic look. They are available in nine different colors.

Most color lenses are only available in packs of 6, which means you will be wearing the same color for half the year. Luckily, Air Optix Colors also comes in packs of 2 so you can try out different colors and switch them up on your own schedule. Curious what each color would look like on you? Check out the manufacturer's Color Studio where you can upload your own photo and see the difference color contacts make!

Air Optix Aqua Night & Day

With our busy lives, sometimes it can be hard to remember to take out your contact lenses every night. Sleeping with your contacts in can lead to some pretty serious health complications, which is why doctors never recommend it. Air Optix Aqua Night & Day is made especially for those of us who often forget to take out our contacts at night. In fact, it is the only contact lenses that is FDA approved for longterm overnight wear!

Although it is made from the same material as regular Air Optix lenses, it allows nearly 40% more oxygen through to your eyes to limit the negative effects of sleeping in your contacts. Regular Air Optix lenses can be worn for up to 6 nights in a row before they must be taken out and thrown away. Air Optix Aqua Night & Day are approved for up to 30 days of continuous wear, which makes them ideal for people with busy lives (or just for those of us who are a little bit forgetful!)

It’s important to discuss your contact lens wearing habits with your doctor. You may have lifestyle, work environment, or personal health issues that prevent you from wearing these lenses. You only get one pair of eyes, so make sure you are following your doctor’s advice to ensure they stay healthy!

Does Air Optix have a toric lens for Astigmatism?

Yes, Air Optix Astigmatism is available in both Aqua (regular) and HydraGlyde (a special wetting agent for dry eyes). Make sure to discuss with your doctor which of these two options is best for you.

All Air Optix Astigmatism lenses have Precision Balance 8|4 technology, which means each lens is weighted to stay in place while you blink, which ensures your vision stays crisp and clear. These lenses also feature small markings on the lens so you can line it up properly on your eye when you insert them. These two technologies make Air Optix Astigmatism one of the best toric contact lenses on the market today.

Does Air Optix have a multifocal lens for presbyopia?

Yes, Air Optix Multifocal is available in both Aqua (regular) and HydraGlyde (a special wetting agent for dry eyes). Make sure to discuss with your doctor which of these two options is best for you.

All Air Optix Multifocal contacts feature three great technologies to ensure crisp, clear vision: bi-aspheric design, adaptive minus power profile, and center-near design. Multifocal lenses can be tricky to get used to, which is why Alcon (the manufacturer of Air Optix) put so much effort into designing these lenses and making sure they come in a wide range of powers to fit the largest number of people possible.

 

Parameters

Most Air Optix lenses have sphere powers between -10.00 to +6.00, although some go out to -12.00 and +8.00. The Astigmatism lenses have 5 cylinder options and around the clock axis options. The Multifocal lenses have three different Add options.

All Air Optix lenses are meant to be worn for up to a month and then thrown away. Except for Air Optix Aqua Night & Day (which can be slept in for up to 30 days), all other Air Optix contact lenses need to be taken out at night when you sleep. Always follow your doctor’s recommended wearing schedule, which may vary due to your own personal lifestyle or health situation.

 

How much do Air Optix contacts cost?

You can purchase a 6-pack of Air Optix plus HydraGlyde for $45.

 

If you have an astigmatism, Air Optix plus HydraGlyde for Astigmatism will cost you $54.99.

 

For those with presbyopia, Air Optix plus HydraGlyde Multifocal runs $84.99.

 

Air Optix Aqua Night & Day, the only contact lens approved for 30 days of continuous wear will cost you $79.99 for a 6-pack.

 

Finally, if color lenses are more your style you can get Air Optix Colors in either a 2-pack for $35.99 or a 6-pack for $92.00.

 

Pros and Cons

Like everything in life, Air Optix contacts have their pros and their cons. Make sure to consider all factors and discuss with your doctor about which contacts are best for you.

Pros

• Available in regular spherical, toric, multifocal, and color, making this one of the largest families of contact lenses on the market today
• High oxygen permeability (and the option of the HydraGlyde wetting agent) means this lens is very comfortable for most people
• Air Optix Aqua Night & Day is the only contact lens approved by the FDA for up to 30 nights of continuous wear

Cons

• Not available in a Daily Disposable option, which most doctors consider the healthiest option
• Color lenses are not available in toric or multifocal

 

Bottom Line

The Air Optix line of contact lenses has something for everyone, whether you just need regular spherical lenses or special toric or multifocal lenses. The high oxygen permeability and optional HydraGlyde wetting agent means Air Optix contacts are one of the most comfortable lenses on the market today. If you are looking for a monthly disposable contact lens, you should discuss Air Optix lenses at your next eye doctor appointment.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Air Optix a good brand?

Air Optix contacts are known for their high oxygen permeability and long lasting comfort. If you are looking for a good monthly lens, be sure to discuss Air Optix with your eye doctor.

Is Air Optix better than Acuvue?

Air Optix lenses are all monthly lenses, while Acuvue lenses come in daily, weekly, and monthly formats. No contact lens is one size fits all, so you’ll need to discuss with your eye doctor and try samples of different lenses to find the best one for you.

How long do Air Optix Colors last?

Air Optix Colors last for up to one month, as long as you take them out each night before you sleep. Never sleep in your contact lenses and always make sure to store them in your doctor’s recommended solution.

Is Air Optix a monthly lens?

Yes, Air Optix is a monthly lens. All Air Optix lenses must be taken out at night while you sleep, except for Air Optix Aqua Night & Day, which can be slept in for up to 30 days if your doctor approves it.

Do Air Optix colors look natural?

Air Optix Colors look great on every eye color. If you are curious what your eyes would look like while wearing Air Optix Colors, check out the manufacturer's Color Studio to virtually try on color contact lenses.

Can I sleep in Air Optix contact lenses?

You should not sleep in regular Air Optix contact lenses, although limited sleeping is approved by the FDA. The only Air Optix contact lens you can sleep in is the Air Optix Night & Day Aqua, which is approved for up to 30 days of continuous wear.