Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism vs. Avaira Vitality Toric
If you have astigmatism and wear bi-weekly contacts, there is a good chance you’ve come across Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism and Avaira Vitality Toric.
On paper, they look pretty similar. They are both silicone hydrogel lenses, they both come in six-packs, and you replace both every two weeks. They are also both designed to stay in the correct position on your eye, which is especially important when you have astigmatism.
However, they are not the same lens. They use different materials, have different water contents, and take slightly different approaches to moisture and stability.
One is not automatically better than the other. Your eye doctor will ultimately need to decide which lens fits your eyes and prescription properly. Still, it helps to understand what actually makes them different before your next appointment.
Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism
Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism is a bi-weekly contact lens made by Johnson & Johnson. You can wear the same pair for up to two weeks as long as you remove, clean, and store them correctly each night.
The lens is made from senofilcon A, a silicone hydrogel material with a water content of 38%.
One of its main features is Hydraclear Plus Technology. A wetting agent is built directly into the lens material to help keep the surface smooth and moist throughout the day.
Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism also uses Blink Stabilized Design. Toric contacts need to sit in a specific position on your eye to correct your astigmatism properly. If the lens rotates, your vision can become blurry. This design works with the natural movement of your eyelids to help the lens stay where it belongs.
Key Features of Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism
- Replacement schedule: Every 2 weeks
- Material: Senofilcon A silicone hydrogel
- Water content: 38%
- Moisture technology: Hydraclear Plus Technology
- Toric design: Blink Stabilized Design
- UV protection: Class 1 UV blocker
- Pack size: 6 lenses
Avaira Vitality Toric
Avaira Vitality Toric is another bi-weekly lens made for people with astigmatism. It is manufactured by CooperVision and also comes in a six-pack.
The lens is made from fanfilcon A, a silicone hydrogel material with a water content of 55%. Rather than relying on a separate surface coating, the material is naturally wettable and designed to remain moist throughout the day.
Avaira Vitality Toric uses Optimized Toric Lens Geometry to help it stay stable on your eye. Its shape, thickness, and large optical zone work together to minimize lens movement and keep your vision clear.
Key Features of Avaira Vitality Toric
- Replacement schedule: Every 2weeks
- Material: Fanfilcon A silicone hydrogel
- Water content: 55%
- Moisture approach: Naturally wettable material
- Toric design: Optimized Toric Lens Geometry
- UV protection: Yes
- Pack size: 6 lenses
Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism vs. Avaira Vitality Toric at a Glance
| Feature | Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism | Avaira Vitality Toric |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement schedule | Every two weeks | Every two weeks |
| Material | Senofilcon A | Fanfilcon A |
| Water content | 38% | 55% |
| Moisture technology | Hydraclear Plus | Naturally wettable material |
| Toric design | Blink Stabilized Design | Optimized Toric Lens Geometry |
| Oxygen transmissibility | 129 Dk/t | 90 Dk/t |
| UV protection | Class 1 | Yes |
| Base curve | 8.6 mm | 8.5 mm |
| Diameter | 14.5 mm | 14.5 mm |
| Pack size | 6 lenses | 6 lenses |
Replacement Schedule
Both Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism and Avaira Vitality Toric are replaced every two weeks.
The countdown starts when you open a new pair, not after you’ve worn them 14 times. Even if you skip a few days, you should still replace the lenses two weeks after opening them.
You’ll also need to remove and clean them every night using fresh contact lens solution. Never rinse your contacts with tap water or reuse the old solution sitting in your case.
Bi-weekly contacts take a little more work than daily disposables, but they are usually less expensive for people who wear contacts most days.
Comfort
Comfort is probably one of the main reasons you’re comparing these two lenses in the first place.
Unfortunately, there is no way to look at the specifications and know exactly which one will feel better. Contact lens comfort is very individual. A lens that one person barely notices can feel dry or irritating to someone else.
Still, the two lenses do handle moisture differently.
Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism Comfort
Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism uses Hydraclear Plus Technology. The wetting agent is mixed into the lens material to help maintain a smooth, moist surface.
This may be worth asking your eye doctor about if your contacts feel comfortable when you first put them in but become noticeably dry later in the day.
Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism also has the higher oxygen transmissibility of the two lenses. Its Dk/t is 129, compared with 90 for Avaira Vitality Toric. This means more oxygen can pass through the lens to reach your cornea, although that number alone does not determine how comfortable a contact will feel.
Avaira Vitality Toric Comfort
Avaira Vitality Toric takes a different approach. Its fanfilcon A material is naturally wettable and has a water content of 55%.
That is considerably higher than the 38% water content of Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism. However, higher water content does not always mean a contact will feel more hydrating.
Some people love the feel of a higher-water lens. Other people, especially those whose tears evaporate quickly, may be more comfortable in a lens with a lower water content. It really depends on your eyes.
Avaira Vitality Toric also has a smooth surface that allows your eyelid to move across the lens comfortably when you blink.
Vision Stability
If you have ever worn a toric contact that suddenly made your vision blurry for a few seconds, the lens probably rotated.
Astigmatism prescriptions include an axis measurement, so the lens needs to stay lined up in the correct direction. Both of these contacts have a built-in design that helps prevent too much movement, but they accomplish it differently.
Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism Stability
Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism uses Blink Stabilized Design. It works with your eyelids to help keep the lens in place every time you blink.
This may be helpful if you have an active lifestyle or have had trouble with other toric contacts shifting around during the day.
Avaira Vitality Toric Stability
Avaira Vitality Toric uses Optimized Toric Lens Geometry. Its shape, thickness, and large optical zone are designed to give the lens a stable fit with minimal rotation.
Neither stabilization system is universally better. The one that works best will depend on the shape of your eyes, the movement of your eyelids, and how the lens fits you.
Water Content and Breathability
Avaira Vitality Toric has a water content of 55%, while Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism has a water content of 38%.
You might assume the higher number automatically makes Avaira Vitality Toric more comfortable, but water content is only one part of the picture. Contact lens material, moisture retention, oxygen flow, fit, and your natural tear film all affect how a lens feels.
Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism has the higher oxygen transmissibility at 129 Dk/t. Avaira Vitality Toric has an oxygen transmissibility of 90 Dk/t.
Both are breathable silicone hydrogel contacts. You probably won’t choose between them based on these two numbers alone, but they can help explain why the lenses may feel different on your eyes.
Prescription Availability
Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism is available in cylinder powers of -0.75, -1.25, -1.75, -2.25, and -2.75.
Avaira Vitality Toric is available in cylinder powers of -0.75, -1.25, -1.75, and -2.25.
The additional -2.75 cylinder option means Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism can accommodate some prescriptions that Avaira Vitality Toric cannot.
That does not mean every possible combination is available, though. Toric prescriptions contain a sphere, cylinder, and axis, and manufacturers may not offer every combination. Your eye doctor can confirm whether either lens is available in your exact prescription.
UV Protection
Both lenses include built-in UV protection.
Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism has a Class 1 UV blocker. Avaira Vitality Toric also offers a high level of UV protection.
UV-blocking contacts are a helpful extra feature, but they do not replace sunglasses. Contact lenses only cover part of your eye and do not protect your eyelids or the surrounding skin.
Cost
Both lenses are sold in six-packs. Since each lens lasts for two weeks, one box provides approximately a three-month supply for one eye.
If you have a different prescription in each eye, which is very common with astigmatism, you will usually need to purchase two boxes.
At Blue Planet Optics, the prices of Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism and Avaira Vitality Toric are very close. Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism is currently slightly less expensive, but contact lens prices can change.
When comparing prices, make sure you look at the final total. Some websites only offer their lowest advertised price if you purchase an annual supply, submit a rebate, join a membership, or qualify as a new customer.
At Blue Planet Optics, shipping is free and there are no hidden fees. When you purchase three qualifying boxes, you will also automatically receive 40% off a fourth box.
Which Lens Should You Choose?
Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism may be worth asking your eye doctor about if you want Hydraclear Plus Technology, need a -2.75 cylinder option, or prefer a lens with higher oxygen transmissibility.
Avaira Vitality Toric may be worth considering if you prefer a naturally wettable material with a higher water content. It may also appeal to someone looking for a comfortable bi-weekly toric lens at a similar price.
The specifications can help you understand the differences, but they cannot tell you which lens will feel better. The best option is whichever one stays comfortable, fits securely, and gives you consistently clear vision.
You will need a prescription for the specific brand you order. Even when two contacts correct the same prescription, they are not automatically interchangeable.
FAQ
Is Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism better than Avaira Vitality Toric?
Not necessarily. Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism has higher oxygen transmissibility, Hydraclear Plus Technology, and an additional -2.75 cylinder option. Avaira Vitality Toric has a higher water content and uses a naturally wettable material. The better choice depends on your prescription and how each lens fits your eyes.
Which lens is better for dry eyes?
Either one could be more comfortable depending on your eyes. Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism has a wetting agent built into the lens material, while Avaira Vitality Toric has a higher water content and is naturally wettable. Your eye doctor can look at your tear film and help you determine which material may work better.
Are Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism and Avaira Vitality Toric monthly contacts?
No. Both are bi-weekly contacts and should generally be replaced every two weeks.
Can I switch from Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism to Avaira Vitality Toric?
Not without talking to your eye doctor. The lenses have different materials, base curves, and stabilization designs, so they may fit your eyes differently. Your eye doctor will need to approve the new brand before you can make the switch.
Do both lenses have UV protection?
Yes. Both include built-in UV protection, but you should still wear sunglasses outside because contact lenses do not cover your entire eye or the surrounding area.