Top Monthly Contact Lens Brands Compared: Acuvue, Air Optix, Biotrue

Top Monthly Contact Lens Brands

Contact lenses provide a comfortable, convenient way to correct vision without wearing glasses. Monthly disposable lenses are a popular choice that offer reliable visual acuity and breathability throughout the day. When worn for a month and then thrown out, they also reduce the risk of eye infections compared to overwearing lenses.

There are several reputable monthly contact lens brands to choose from. The major manufacturers have each developed their own proprietary materials and designs aimed at providing an optimal wearing experience.

Read on for an overview of the top monthly contact lens brands, comparisons of their features, and tips for selecting the right lenses for your eyes and lifestyle.

Acuvue

Acuvue monthly disposable lenses are manufactured by Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, the largest maker of contact lenses in the world. Some popular monthly Acuvue lenses include:

• Acuvue Moist - Made of etafilcon A, helps prevent dryness.
• Acuvue Vita - Narafilcon B material, high breathability.
• Acuvue Oasys - Senofilcon A, provides moisture and clarity.
• Acuvue Define - Made with HydraLuxe technology for comfort.

Key benefits of Acuvue monthlies: dermatologist-tested for comfort, UV blocking, and designed for breathability throughout the day. Acuvue also often comes out with innovative new materials and designs like their MoistureInnovations Formula for lasting hydration.

Air Optix

The Air Optix brand of monthly contacts is produced by Alcon. Some of their popular monthly lens options include:

• Air Optix Plus HydraGlyde - Lotrafilcon B material infused with hyaluronan.
• Air Optix Night & Day Aqua - Offers up to 24 hours of continuous wear.
• Air Optix Colors - Natural color contacts that change eye color.

Benefits of Air Optix monthlies include: high oxygen permeability for eye health, moisturizing agents for daylong comfort, and durability. The HydraGlyde contacts provide long-lasting lubrication through patented moisture-retention technology.

Biotrue ONEday

Bausch + Lomb's Biotrue ONEday are a top monthly lens brand. Some popular options include:

• Biotrue ONEday for Astigmatism - For correcting astigmatism.
• Biotrue ONEday for Presbyopia - For those with presbyopia.

Biotrue ONEday lenses feature the 3AG technology that mimics components of the eye for reliable comfort. The Natural Surface Design follows the natural contours of the eye and helps promote healthy tear film. These lenses are thin yet durable.

Clariti 1 Day

CooperVision manufactures the Clariti 1 Day brand of monthly contacts. Some options include:

• Clariti 1 day Multifocal - For presbyopia.
• Clariti 1 day Toric - Helps correct astigmatism.

The Clariti lenses use SmartSilcon polymer for breathability. These contact lenses have a round edge design to move naturally with the eyelid and resist dryness. Clariti 1 Day lenses also offer UV protection.

Dailies Total 1

Dailies Total 1 from Alcon are a commonly worn monthly lens. Features include:

• Water Gradient material - Mimics properties of the eye.
• Smooth Surface technology - Seamless comfort.
• Edge Design - Moves naturally on the eye.

This Alcon brand of monthly contacts combines comfort, convenience, and performance in a cutting edge lens. Total1 lenses are ultra thin with 100% PVP material for breathability. The innovative design provides tear film stability.

MyDay

CooperVision also produces the MyDay line of monthly disposable contact lenses. Some options include:

• MyDay Toric - Corrects astigmatism and near/far vision.
• MyDay Multifocal - For presbyopia.

MyDay lenses are made of SmartSilcon material for comfort. The Natural3 Design philosophy uses a smooth edge and mimics the curvature of the eye. MyDay contacts support tear film health for clear vision and comfort.

Choosing the Best Monthly Lenses

With so many options, selecting the right monthly contacts can seem overwhelming. Here are some tips for picking the perfect lenses for your eyes and lifestyle:

• Consult your eye doctor - Discuss your vision goals and eye health to guide the brands and prescription you'll try.
• Consider your vision needs - Choose lenses made for conditions like astigmatism or presbyopia if needed.
• Assess environment - Dry eyes may benefit from extra moisture-rich lenses.
• Evaluate activities - Active lifestyles may require more durable, high-breathability lenses.
• Try a sample first - Test out one option before committing to a whole supply.

Your optometrist can look at the health of your eyes and your correction needs to recommend the monthly lenses that are right for you. Trying a trial pair for a few weeks allows you to see how that brand feels before purchasing more.

Buying From Your Optometrist vs. Online

Monthly contacts can be purchased either through your eye doctor's office or online through sites like 1-800 Contacts, Lens.com and GlassesUSA. There are pros and cons to each approach:

• Optometrist pros - Professional guidance, samples to try, assist with insertion/removal and evaluating fit.
• Optometrist cons - Pricing may be higher, limited brand selection.
• Online pros - Greater variety of brands, competitive pricing with discounts.
• Online cons - No professional assistance, cannot assess fit/comfort.

Experienced contact lens wearers who know their prescription and brand preferences well may save money and enjoy convenience ordering online. However, new contact lens users or those with eye health issues may prefer the guidance and support of buying through their optometrist.

Caring for Monthly Contacts

Caring properly for monthly contacts is crucial for comfort and safety. Always follow these contact lens care guidelines:

• Wash hands before handling lenses.
• Disinfect lenses each time you remove them.
• Use fresh solution in contact lens case.
• Rinse off protein deposits daily.
• Replace case every 3 months.
• Remove lenses before napping or swimming.
• Never rinse lenses in tap water.

Throwing out disposable lenses after one month of use prevents the buildup of proteins and deposits that can irritate eyes and reduce vision. Avoid sleeping in contacts or wearing them longer than prescribed.

Signs of Problematic Monthly Contacts

See your optometrist immediately if you experience any of the following while wearing monthly disposable lenses:

• Redness, irritation, or discomfort
• Blurry vision
• Mucus or excessive tearing
• Light sensitivity
• Eye pain or infection

Trouble inserting or removing the contacts is also a red flag the brand may not be right for your eyes. Swelling, eye discharge or impaired vision signal possible infection and the need to remove the contacts.

Compare Popular Monthly Contact Lens

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.