Air Optix plus HydraGlyde vs. Biofinity

If you are trying to decide between Air Optix plus HydraGlyde and Biofinity, you are comparing two of the most widely prescribed monthly contact lenses on the market. Both are silicone hydrogel monthlies built for all day comfort, but they come from different manufacturers and take meaningfully different approaches to how they keep your eyes feeling good throughout the day. 

Air Optix plus HydraGlyde is made by Alcon and uses a combination of SmartShield Technology and HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix to resist deposits and retain moisture throughout the month. Biofinity is made by CooperVision and uses Aquaform Comfort Science Technology, which is built into the lens material itself to allow the lens to hold water naturally without relying on surface coatings.

What Air Optix plus HydraGlyde and Biofinity Have In Common

Both Air Optix plus HydraGlyde and Biofinity are monthly contact lenses. You wear the same pair every day for up to 30 days, remove and clean them each night, and replace them at the start of the next month. Both are silicone hydrogel lenses, which means both allow a high level of oxygen to pass through to your eye throughout the day. Neither lens includes UV protection, so sunglasses are still recommended for complete coverage when you are outdoors.

How Air Optix plus HydraGlyde and Biofinity Differ

The core difference comes down to how each lens manages moisture and what the lens material is actually made from. Air Optix plus HydraGlyde is made from Lotrafilcon B, a silicone hydrogel material with a 33% water content. That lower water content is actually intentional. Lotrafilcon B is designed to allow oxygen through without relying heavily on water to do it, which means the lens is less likely to pull moisture from your eye over time. The HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix works on the surface of the lens to attract and retain moisture, while SmartShield Technology creates a protective layer that helps resist the deposit buildup that can make monthly lenses feel less comfortable later in the wear cycle.

Biofinity takes a different approach. Made from Comfilcon A with a 48% water content, the lens uses Aquaform Comfort Science Technology to allow the silicone and water components of the lens to work together naturally. Rather than adding surface treatments on top of the material, Aquaform is built into the lens itself, which is designed to create a consistently wettable surface that holds up well throughout the month without needing extra coatings.

In practice, wearers who prefer Air Optix plus HydraGlyde often appreciate how clean and consistent the lens feels, particularly if they have noticed deposits building up with other monthly lenses toward the end of the wear cycle. Wearers who prefer Biofinity often describe the lens as feeling naturally comfortable from day one through day thirty without a lot of variation. Neither lens is objectively better. It really depends on how your eyes respond to each material and technology.

Air Optix plus HydraGlyde vs Biofinity: Price Comparison (Per Box)

*While we aim for accurate information at all times, prices are subject to change across all retailers. We recommend checking each retailer's product page for the most up-to-date pricing. 

Biofinity is the more affordable option at every retailer. At Blue Planet Optics, the difference is $20.00 per box. If you are ordering 2 boxes per eye per year, that adds up to $80.00 in annual savings. Both lenses ship completely free with no hidden fees at Blue Planet Optics and the price you see on the product page is exactly what you pay at checkout. Ordering 3 boxes also unlocks 40% off a 4th box automatically, which brings your per box cost down even further on either lens.

Which Monthly Contact Lens Should You Choose?

Air Optix plus HydraGlyde may be the better choice if you have previously experienced deposit buildup with monthly lenses toward the end of the wear cycle, if you tend to wear your lenses in environments that are particularly dry or challenging, or if your eye doctor has recommended it based on your tear film and corneal health.

Biofinity may be the stronger fit if you want a well proven monthly lens at a lower price point, or if you respond well to a naturally wettable material that holds moisture throughout the month without surface coatings.

Ultimately your eye doctor will determine which lens is right for your eyes and prescription. You should not switch contact lenses without consulting your eye doctor first.

Why Shop at Blue Planet Optics?

Whether you go with Air Optix plus HydraGlyde or Biofinity, Blue Planet Optics offers the best all in price on both. Free shipping, no hidden fees, and a checkout total that always matches what you see on the product page. Your prescription is saved on file after your first order so every reorder takes seconds. And every single box sold donates $1 to eye care for someone in need through our giveback partnership with Sightsavers.

Uploading Your Prescription

At Blue Planet Optics, you can upload your prescription during checkout and it stays on file for future orders. When you reorder either lens you can select prescription on file and check out without uploading it again. If your prescription has expired you will need to update it before your order can ship.

FAQ

Are Air Optix plus HydraGlyde and Biofinity both monthly lenses?

Yes. Both Air Optix plus HydraGlyde and Biofinity are monthly replacement lenses. You wear the same pair every day for up to 30 days, clean and store them each night, and replace them at the start of the next month.

Is Biofinity cheaper than Air Optix plus HydraGlyde?

Yes. Biofinity is $60.00 per 6 pack box at Blue Planet Optics compared to $80.00 for Air Optix plus HydraGlyde. That $20.00 per box difference adds up meaningfully over the course of a year.

What is SmartShield Technology?

SmartShield Technology is a feature in Air Optix plus HydraGlyde lenses that creates a protective layer on the lens surface designed to help resist the deposit buildup that can affect comfort and vision over the course of the month.

What is Aquaform Comfort Science Technology?

Aquaform Comfort Science Technology is the moisture technology built into Biofinity lenses. Rather than a surface coating, it is integrated into the lens material itself and is designed to allow the lens to hold water naturally for consistent all day comfort.

Do either of these lenses have UV protection?

No. Neither Air Optix plus HydraGlyde nor Biofinity include UV blockers. Sunglasses are recommended for complete eye protection when you are outdoors.

How many boxes do I need for a year?

Most people need 4 boxes of the 6 pack for a full year. Since each box is a 6 month supply for one eye, that works out to two boxes per eye per year.