Air Optix vs. Acuvue Vita: Which Monthly Lens is Better?
If you wear monthly contacts, you’ve probably had this happen before. You open a new pair, they feel great for the first couple of weeks, and then sometime toward the end of the month, they just don’t feel quite the same.
Maybe they start feeling a little dry by dinner, maybe your vision gets slightly filmy after a long day, or maybe you’re simply ready to take them out the second you get home.
Air Optix plus HydraGlyde and Acuvue Vita are both monthly contact lenses designed to help with exactly that. They’re meant to stay comfortable throughout the entire month, but they go about it in different ways.
Air Optix plus HydraGlyde focuses on keeping the surface of the lens moist and protecting it from buildup. Acuvue Vita focuses on maintaining hydration throughout the lens and making the edges feel smooth when you blink. Acuvue Vita also includes built-in UV protection, while Air Optix does not.
That doesn’t make one lens automatically better than the other. Contacts are incredibly personal, and a lens that your friend loves might feel completely different on your eyes. Your eye doctor will ultimately need to determine which one fits you correctly, but knowing how they compare can make that conversation much easier.
Air Optix plus HydraGlyde
Air Optix plus HydraGlyde is a monthly contact lens made by Alcon. You can wear the same pair for up to 30 days as long as you remove, clean, and store the lenses properly every night.
The lens is made from lotrafilcon B, a silicone hydrogel material with a water content of 33%.
What really separates Air Optix from Acuvue Vita is its focus on the surface of the lens. Air Optix uses HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix to help attract and retain moisture, along with SmartShield technology to help prevent deposits from sticking to the lens.
Over the course of a month, your lenses come into contact with your fingers, tears, makeup, skincare products, and everything else that’s part of your normal routine. Even if you clean them every night, deposits can still build up and affect how the lenses feel.
Air Optix may be worth asking your eye doctor about if your monthly contacts feel great when they’re new but become filmy, dirty, or less comfortable as the month goes on.
Key Features of Air Optix plus HydraGlyde
- Replacement schedule: Monthly
- Material: Lotrafilcon B silicone hydrogel
- Water content: 33%
- Moisture technology: HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix
- Deposit protection: SmartShield technology
- UV protection: No
- Pack size: 6 lenses
Acuvue Vita
Acuvue Vita is also a monthly contact lens, but it's made by Johnson & Johnson instead of Alcon.
The lens is made from senofilcon C, a silicone hydrogel material with a water content of 41%.
Acuvue Vita uses HydraMax technology to help the lens maintain its hydration throughout the month. Unlike Air Optix, which focuses more heavily on the lens surface, HydraMax is built into the lens material itself.
Acuvue Vita also has what the brand calls an Infinity Edge design. Basically, the edges of the contact are made to be thin so your eyelid can move over the lens more smoothly when you blink. If you tend to be very aware of your contacts or feel the edges of your current lenses, this may be something to ask your eye doctor about.
Another major difference is UV protection. Acuvue Vita includes Class 1 UV blocking, while Air Optix plus HydraGlyde does not have a built-in UV filter.
Key Features of Acuvue Vita
- Replacement schedule: Monthly
- Material: Senofilcon C silicone hydrogel
- Water content: 41%
- Moisture technology: HydraMax technology
- Edge design: Infinity Edge
- UV protection: Yes, Class 1
- Pack size: 6 lenses
Air Optix vs. Acuvue Vita at a Glance
| Feature | Air Optix plus HydraGlyde | Acuvue Vita |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement schedule | Monthly | Monthly |
| Material | Lotrafilcon B |
Senofilcon C |
| Water content | 33% | 41% |
| Moisture technology | HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix | HydraMax technology |
| Deposit protection | SmartShield technology | No separate surface technology |
| UV protection | No | Yes, Class 1 |
| Edge design | Standard Air Optix design | Infinity Edge |
| Pack size | 6 lenses | 6 lenses |
They’re Both Monthly Contact Lenses
There is no difference in the basic replacement schedule. Air Optix plus HydraGlyde and Acuvue Vita are both designed to be replaced once a month.
Once you open a new pair, the 30-day countdown begins. You should replace them after 30 days even if you only wore the lenses a few times during that period. Monthly contacts do not last for 30 individual wears.
Both lenses need to be removed, cleaned, and stored in fresh contact lens solution every night unless your eye doctor has given you different instructions. You should also avoid rinsing your contacts or contact lens case with tap water.
Monthly lenses can be an affordable option, especially if you wear contacts almost every day. The tradeoff is that you have to stay consistent about cleaning them. If you know you’re going to forget when you opened a pair or occasionally fall asleep without taking them out, daily contacts may fit your routine better.
Which Lens Is More Comfortable?
This is probably the question most people care the most about, but unfortunately, there isn’t one answer that applies to everyone.
Air Optix and Acuvue Vita use different materials and moisture technologies, meaning they may feel completely different on your eyes even though they’re both premium monthly contacts.
Air Optix plus HydraGlyde Comfort
Air Optix plus HydraGlyde is focused on keeping the outside of the lens comfortable.
HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix helps the surface hold onto moisture, while SmartShield technology helps protect it from deposits. The two technologies work together to keep the part of the lens that interacts with your eye feeling moist and clean.
This may be helpful if your monthly contacts start feeling filmy after a couple of weeks. You may also want to ask your eye doctor about Air Optix if you regularly wear makeup or seem to develop a lot of buildup on reusable lenses.
Acuvue Vita Comfort
Acuvue Vita focuses on keeping the lens hydrated throughout the month rather than adding a separate moisture coating to the surface.
It also has thinner edges designed to move smoothly under your eyelid. Since you blink thousands of times each day, the way the edge of a contact interacts with your eyelid can make a noticeable difference.
You may prefer Acuvue Vita if you like a thinner-feeling contact or tend to notice the edges of your lenses every time you blink.
Of course, none of this guarantees that one will feel better. A contact can sound perfect on paper and still be uncomfortable if it does not fit your eye correctly.
The Difference Between HydraGlyde and HydraMax
The technology names are similar enough to be confusing, but HydraGlyde and HydraMax are not the same thing.
HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix
Air Optix uses HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix to attract and retain moisture on the surface of the lens.
It is paired with SmartShield technology, which creates a thin protective surface that helps prevent lipids and other deposits from sticking to the contact.
The easiest way to think about Air Optix is that it focuses on keeping the outside of the lens moist and relatively clean.
HydraMax Technology
Acuvue Vita uses HydraMax technology to help the lens maintain hydration throughout its material.
Instead of being a coating added to the outside, the moisture technology is built into the contact itself. Acuvue Vita is designed to maintain that hydration from the beginning of the month through the end.
Neither approach is automatically better. Air Optix may appeal to you if surface buildup is your biggest issue, while Acuvue Vita may appeal to you if you want hydration throughout the lens combined with a thinner edge.
Which Lens Is Better for Deposit Buildup?
Air Optix plus HydraGlyde has the more obvious advantage in this category.
Its SmartShield technology is specifically designed to help prevent lipid deposits from sticking to the lens surface. This may help if your contacts start feeling cloudy, greasy, or filmy before it’s time to replace them.
Acuvue Vita does not have a separate deposit-resistant coating. Its technology is more focused on maintaining hydration and creating a comfortable edge.
However, the way you care for your contacts still matters. Even the best deposit-resistant technology cannot make up for reusing old solution, skipping nights of cleaning, or handling your contacts with makeup or skincare products on your fingers.
You should always wash and completely dry your hands before touching your lenses. Use fresh solution every night, and never top off the solution that is already sitting in your case.
Water Content
Acuvue Vita has a higher water content than Air Optix plus HydraGlyde.
Acuvue Vita contains 41% water, while Air Optix contains 33%.
You might assume that the higher number automatically means Acuvue Vita is more hydrating, but contact lens water content is a little more complicated than that. More water does not always mean more comfort, especially if the lens material does not work well with your tear film.
The moisture technology, fit, surface of the lens, and even how often you blink can all affect how dry your contacts feel. Water content is one difference to consider, but it should not be the only reason you choose one brand over another.
Lens Fit and Design
Even if Air Optix and Acuvue Vita are available in the same prescription strength, the lenses are not identical.
Air Optix plus HydraGlyde has a diameter of 14.2 mm and an 8.6 mm base curve. Acuvue Vita has a diameter of 14.0 mm and is available in more than one base curve.
Those measurements may look almost identical, but small differences can change how a contact sits and moves on your eye.
This is also why you cannot simply order a different brand because the prescription power matches. Your eye doctor needs to make sure the lens centers correctly, moves the right amount when you blink, and allows enough oxygen to reach your eye.
UV Protection
UV protection is one of the clearest differences between these two lenses.
Air Optix plus HydraGlyde does not include a built-in UV blocker.
Acuvue Vita includes Class 1 UV blocking and blocks approximately 93% of UVA rays and 99% of UVB rays.
That is a nice extra feature, but Acuvue Vita still does not replace sunglasses. Contacts only cover part of your eye, leaving the rest of your eye, eyelids, and surrounding skin exposed. You should still wear sunglasses with broad UV protection when you’re outside.
Can You Sleep in Air Optix or Acuvue Vita?
Acuvue Vita is meant to be removed before you go to sleep.
Air Optix plus HydraGlyde can be prescribed for up to six nights of extended wear for certain people. However, this does not mean you should start sleeping in your Air Optix contacts just because the box says extended wear.
Sleeping in contacts increases your risk of eye infections and other serious complications. You should only wear Air Optix overnight if your eye doctor has examined your eyes and specifically approved it.
If you accidentally fall asleep in your contacts and wake up with pain, redness, discharge, light sensitivity, or blurry vision that does not improve, take the lenses out and contact your eye doctor.
Air Optix vs. Acuvue Vita Price
Both lenses are sold in six-packs. One box generally gives you a six-month supply for one eye.
Acuvue Vita is currently the more affordable of the two at Blue Planet Optics. Air Optix plus HydraGlyde costs slightly more.
Prices can change, so always compare the final total rather than focusing only on the advertised box price. Some websites only offer their lowest price if you order an annual supply, qualify for a rebate, or sign up for a subscription.
At Blue Planet Optics, shipping is free and there are no hidden fees. When you purchase three boxes, you’ll also automatically receive 40% off a fourth box.
Should You Choose Air Optix or Acuvue Vita?
Air Optix plus HydraGlyde may be a good option to ask your eye doctor about if buildup is a major problem for you. Its SmartShield technology is designed to protect the lens surface from deposits, while HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix helps it hold onto moisture.
Acuvue Vita may make more sense if you want built-in UV protection, prefer a thinner edge, or need one of its available base curves. It is also currently the less expensive option at Blue Planet Optics.
Both are high-quality monthly contacts. The best choice is going to be the one that fits your eyes correctly and still feels comfortable near the end of the month.
You will need a prescription for the exact brand you order. Even if both contacts are available in your prescription strength, Air Optix and Acuvue Vita cannot be switched without your eye doctor’s approval.
FAQ
Is Air Optix better than Acuvue Vita?
Not necessarily. Air Optix focuses more on keeping the lens surface moist and resistant to deposits. Acuvue Vita focuses on maintaining hydration throughout the lens and includes built-in UV protection. Which one is better depends on your eyes and how each lens fits.
Which is better for dry eyes, Air Optix or Acuvue Vita?
Both lenses have moisture technology, but they work differently. Air Optix uses HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix to maintain moisture on the lens surface. Acuvue Vita uses HydraMax technology to maintain hydration throughout the lens.
Dry contacts can be caused by several things, so it is best to talk to your eye doctor before choosing a lens based on dryness alone.
Which lens is better for deposit buildup?
Air Optix plus HydraGlyde is designed more specifically for deposit resistance. Its SmartShield technology helps prevent lipids and other substances from attaching to the lens surface.
Does Acuvue Vita have more water than Air Optix?
Yes. Acuvue Vita has a water content of 41%, while Air Optix plus HydraGlyde has a water content of 33%. That does not necessarily mean Acuvue Vita will feel more moisturizing, since comfort depends on more than water content.
Can I switch from Air Optix to Acuvue Vita?
You will need to ask your eye doctor. The two lenses use different materials and have different measurements, so they are not interchangeable even if the prescription strength is the same.
Do both lenses have UV protection?
No. Acuvue Vita includes Class 1 UV blocking, while Air Optix plus HydraGlyde does not have a built-in UV filter.
Do Air Optix and Acuvue Vita come in versions for astigmatism?
Yes. Both brands offer monthly toric contacts for people with astigmatism. You will need a prescription for the specific toric version.
Do both lenses come in multifocal versions?
Air Optix plus HydraGlyde is available in a multifocal version. Acuvue Vita is not currently available as a multifocal lens.
Can you sleep in Air Optix or Acuvue Vita?
Acuvue Vita should be removed before sleeping. Air Optix may be prescribed for up to six nights of extended wear, but you should only sleep in it if your eye doctor specifically says that it is safe for you.
How long does a six-pack last?
A six-pack generally lasts six months for one eye. If your right and left eyes have different prescriptions, you will usually need two boxes.