{"id":492,"date":"2025-12-29T14:34:57","date_gmt":"2025-12-29T14:34:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/?p=492"},"modified":"2025-12-29T14:34:59","modified_gmt":"2025-12-29T14:34:59","slug":"purevision-vs-air-optix-plus-hydraglyde-comparison","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/purevision-vs-air-optix-plus-hydraglyde-comparison\/","title":{"rendered":"PureVision vs Air Optix plus HydraGlyde Comparison"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PureVision (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/contact-lenses\/bausch-lomb\/\">Bausch + Lomb<\/a>) and Air Optix plus HydraGlyde (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/contact-lenses\/alcon\/\">Alcon<\/a>) represent two major advancements in silicone hydrogel technology for monthly replacement contact lenses. Both brands focus on providing high oxygen transmissibility to support corneal health during extended periods of wear.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While they share a monthly modality, they utilize distinct surface treatments and material compositions to manage hydration and resist protein deposits. Selecting between these two lenses requires a detailed understanding of their technical specifications and how they interact with the ocular surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Silicone Hydrogel Material and Oxygen Flow<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The move from traditional hydrogel to silicone hydrogel was a significant shift in contact lens manufacturing. This change allowed for much higher levels of oxygen to reach the eye, which is a primary requirement for lenses approved for longer wear times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/contact-lenses\/purevision\/\">PureVision<\/a> (Balafilcon A) &#8211; PureVision lenses are made from Balafilcon A, a material known for its high oxygen permeability. This material was one of the first silicone hydrogels to offer the oxygen flow necessary for both daily and extended wear. The lens maintains a stable shape on the eye, which can aid in the ease of handling for the patient.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/contact-lenses\/air-optix-plus-hydraglyde\/\">Air Optix plus HydraGlyde<\/a> (Lotrafilcon B) &#8211; These lenses use Lotrafilcon B, which is engineered to balance water content and oxygen flow. The material is designed to be highly breathable while maintaining its structural integrity throughout a 30-day cycle. This balance is intended to reduce the risk of hypoxia-related issues and maintain white, healthy-looking eyes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Surface Treatment and Moisture Technologies<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A significant challenge with silicone materials is their natural tendency to repel water and attract lipids. Each manufacturer uses a different proprietary method to ensure the lens surface remains wettable and comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>PureVision (Performa Surface Process) &#8211; PureVision utilizes the Performa surface process. This is not a coating but a transformation of the lens surface itself. This process turns the hydrophobic silicone into a hydrophilic (water-loving) surface. This transformation helps the lens stay moist and creates a barrier against the buildup of protein and lipids that can cause irritation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Air Optix (SmartShield and HydraGlyde) &#8211; This lens uses a dual-action system. First, SmartShield Technology creates an ultra-thin protective layer to shield the lens from irritating deposits. Second, the HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix is a wetting agent that surrounds the lens in a persistent cushion of moisture. This combination is designed to keep the lens hydrated from the moment of insertion until the end of the day.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Comparison Overview<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<!DOCTYPE html>\n<html lang=\"en\">\n<head>\n    <meta charset=\"UTF-8\">\n    <meta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0\">\n    <title>Acuvue Oasys vs. Bausch + Lomb ULTRA Comparison<\/title>\n    <script src=\"https:\/\/cdn.tailwindcss.com\"><\/script>\n    <style>\n        @import url('https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Open+Sans:wght@400;600;700&display=swap');\n        \n        \/* VP Custom Colors and Typography *\/\n        .table-header { font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; }\n        .bg-vp-dark { background-color: #34495e; }\n        .bg-vp-light { background-color: #F4F8FF; }\n        .border-vp-dark { border-color: #34495e; }\n        \n        \/* Ensure table is readable on small screens *\/\n        .shipping-table-container {\n            overflow-x: auto;\n            -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;\n        }\n    <\/style>\n<\/head>\n\n<body class=\"p-6 bg-white antialiased\">\n    <div class=\"max-w-5xl mx-auto shadow-xl rounded-lg overflow-hidden border border-vp-dark shipping-table-container\">\n        <table class=\"w-full text-left text-sm\">\n            <thead class=\"table-header text-xs uppercase bg-vp-dark text-white\">\n                <tr>\n                    <th scope=\"col\" class=\"px-6 py-4 rounded-tl-lg w-1\/3\">Feature<\/th>\n                    <th scope=\"col\" class=\"px-6 py-4 w-1\/3\">Acuvue Oasys<\/th>\n                    <th scope=\"col\" class=\"px-6 py-4 rounded-tr-lg w-1\/3\">Bausch + Lomb ULTRA<\/th>\n                <\/tr>\n            <\/thead>\n            <tbody>\n                <tr class=\"border-b bg-vp-light hover:bg-gray-100\">\n                    <th scope=\"row\" class=\"px-6 py-4 font-bold text-gray-900\">Replacement Schedule<\/th>\n                    <td class=\"px-6 py-4\">Biweekly (14 days)<\/td>\n                    <td class=\"px-6 py-4\">Monthly (30 days)<\/td>\n                <\/tr>\n                <tr class=\"border-b bg-white hover:bg-gray-50\">\n                    <th scope=\"row\" class=\"px-6 py-4 font-bold text-gray-900\">Material Name<\/th>\n                    <td class=\"px-6 py-4\">Senofilcon A<\/td>\n                    <td class=\"px-6 py-4\">Samfilcon A<\/td>\n                <\/tr>\n                <tr class=\"border-b bg-vp-light hover:bg-gray-100\">\n                    <th scope=\"row\" class=\"px-6 py-4 font-bold text-gray-900\">Hydration System<\/th>\n                    <td class=\"px-6 py-4\">Hydraclear Plus (Wetting agent blended in material)<\/td>\n                    <td class=\"px-6 py-4\">MoistureSeal\u00ae (Surface retention coating)<\/td>\n                <\/tr>\n                <tr class=\"border-b bg-white hover:bg-gray-50\">\n                    <th scope=\"row\" class=\"px-6 py-4 font-bold text-gray-900\">Oxygen Permeability (Dk\/t)<\/th>\n                    <td class=\"px-6 py-4\">103<\/td>\n                    <td class=\"px-6 py-4\">163<\/td>\n                <\/tr>\n                <tr class=\"border-b bg-vp-light hover:bg-gray-100\">\n                    <th scope=\"row\" class=\"px-6 py-4 font-bold text-gray-900\">Best For<\/th>\n                    <td class=\"px-6 py-4\">Consistency, environmental dryness, deposit build-up concerns.<\/td>\n                    <td class=\"px-6 py-4\">Cost savings, digital strain, longest possible wear time.<\/td>\n                <\/tr>\n                <tr class=\"bg-white hover:bg-gray-50\">\n                    <th scope=\"row\" class=\"px-6 py-4 font-bold text-gray-900 rounded-bl-lg\">UV Protection<\/th>\n                    <td class=\"px-6 py-4\">Yes<\/td>\n                    <td class=\"px-6 py-4 rounded-br-lg\">No (ULTRA does not specifically list UV protection)<\/td>\n                <\/tr>\n            <\/tbody>\n        <\/table>\n    <\/div>\n<\/body>\n<\/html>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Surface Integrity and Deposit Resistance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maintaining a clean lens surface is mandatory for those who wear the same pair of contacts for a full month. Over thirty days, environmental contaminants and natural tear film components can accumulate on the lens, leading to reduced clarity and physical discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Performa Surface Process used in PureVision creates a smooth, continuous surface that minimizes the areas where deposits can anchor. This integrated approach ensures the lens remains clear throughout the wearing period. In contrast, SmartShield Technology in the Air Optix line acts as a specialized shield to specifically repel lipids. By preventing these oily deposits from soaking into the lens material, the brand ensures that the lens remains comfortable and that vision remains crisp from the first day to the final day of the month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Modality and Approved Wear Schedules<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both brands are categorized as monthly replacement lenses, meaning they are designed to be discarded and replaced every 30 days. However, their approved schedules for overnight wear differ significantly based on clinical testing and material performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PureVision lenses are FDA-approved for up to 30 days of continuous wear, including overnight. This makes them a frequent choice for patients who require the convenience of not removing their lenses daily. While this capability exists, it is mandatory for a patient to be monitored by an eye care professional to ensure their eyes can handle the reduced oxygen levels associated with sleeping in contacts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Air Optix plus HydraGlyde is primarily designed for daily wear with nightly removal and cleaning. While it is approved for extended wear up to six nights, it is most often used by patients who prefer a fresh, clean lens every morning. The HydraGlyde technology is particularly beneficial for these daily wearers as it maintains surface moisture throughout long workdays or periods of high digital device usage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Specialized Vision Corrections<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both manufacturers produce highly stable lenses for complex vision corrections, including astigmatism and presbyopia. These specialized designs ensure that the benefits of the silicone hydrogel material are available to a broad range of wearers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>For Astigmatism:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>PureVision Toric &#8211; These lenses use a unique design to stabilize the lens on the eye, ensuring the correction for astigmatism remains properly aligned.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Air Optix for Astigmatism &#8211; This design utilizes a precision balance to prevent lens rotation, maintaining clear and consistent vision during physical activity or rapid head movements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>For Presbyopia (Multifocal)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/contact-lenses\/purevision-multifocal\/\">PureVision Multi-Focal<\/a> &#8211; This lens features an aspheric design that provides a smooth transition between near, intermediate, and distance vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/contact-lenses\/air-optix-plus-hydraglyde-multifocal\/\">Air Optix plus HydraGlyde Multifocal <\/a>&#8211; This lens uses the Precision Profile Design to allow for clear vision at all distances, supported by the HydraGlyde moisture matrix for enhanced comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Next Steps for Lens Selection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The selection between PureVision and Air Optix plus HydraGlyde depends on the specific lifestyle and physiological needs of the patient. Factors such as the desire for continuous wear, sensitivity to surface deposits, and individual tear film stability will guide the final recommendation. PureVision remains a strong candidate for those specifically seeking long-term continuous wear, while Air Optix plus HydraGlyde is often preferred for its advanced moisture retention systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Note,<\/strong> patients must never change their lens brand or wearing schedule without a professional consultation. A thorough fitting exam with an eye care professional is required to confirm that the lens material and design are compatible with your eyes. This ensures both the safety of your ocular health and the clarity of your vision performance over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>FDA: Contact Lenses: fda.gov\/medical-devices\/contact-lenses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>FTC: Contact Lens Rule guide + FAQs: ftc.gov\/business-guidance\/resources\/contact-lens-rule-guide-prescribers-sellers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Health Canada: Contact Lenses Safety: canada.ca\/en\/health-canada\/services\/healthy-living\/your-health\/medical-information\/contact-lenses.html<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bausch + Lomb: PureVision Product Details: bausch.com\/products\/contact-lenses\/monthly-contact-lenses\/purevision\/<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alcon: Air Optix plus HydraGlyde Product Details: myalcon.com\/contact-lenses\/monthly\/air-optix-plus-hydraglyde\/<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CDC: Contact Lens Safety: cdc.gov\/contact-lenses\/about\/index.html<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>PureVision (Bausch + Lomb) and Air Optix plus HydraGlyde (Alcon) represent two major advancements in silicone hydrogel technology for monthly replacement contact lenses. Both brands focus on providing high oxygen transmissibility to support corneal health during extended periods of wear.\u00a0 While they share a monthly modality, they utilize distinct surface treatments and material compositions to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":493,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"semantictags":[],"class_list":["post-492","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/492","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=492"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/492\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":494,"href":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/492\/revisions\/494"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/493"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=492"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=492"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=492"},{"taxonomy":"semantictags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/semantictags?post=492"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}