With more than 45 million people in the United States wearing contact lenses, there are several contact lens brands to choose from. The key to finding the best brand depends on what type of lens you need.
Are you one of the 90 percent who wears soft contact lenses? Part of the 10 percent that needs rigid gas-permeable lenses? Do you have astigmatism? Whatever lens you need, one of these will be the best contact lens brand for you.
Keep reading to learn about the different contact lens brands by Bausch + Lomb, as well as several other exceptional contact lens brands that are manufactured by Acuvue, Alcon, CooperVision, and Waldo.
Beginning in 1853 in Rochester, New York, Bausch + Lomb has grown into one of the most well-known and well-respected manufacturers in the eye care industry.
Part of why people regard Bausch + Lomb as a top-tier brand is because of the wide range of eye care products they offer for different vision needs. This includes the company’s wide range of contact lenses.
While many popular eye care manufacturers focus primarily on making only soft contact lenses, Bausch + Lomb manufactures several types of lenses. This includes rigid gas-permeable contact lenses and specialty lenses for those with cataracts. They are one of the only manufacturers to produce these types of lenses.
In addition to manufacturing specialty lenses, Bausch + Lomb is also one of the top manufacturers of soft contact lenses. Like the other manufacturers of soft contact lenses, Bausch + Lomb manufactures contact lenses for daily, weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly wear. These different soft contact lenses are designed and sold under different Bausch + Lomb brands.
SilSoft™ by Bausch + Lomb
SilSoft™ lenses are a type of soft contact lens that is specially designed for those who have had cataract surgery.
These lenses are made with a special material that allows more oxygen to pass through the lens and keep the eye moist and comfortable. These special lenses can even be worn overnight due to how much moisture they maintain.
Zenlens® by Bausch + Lomb
Zenlens® is the Bausch + Lomb brand that creates Scleral Lenses. These specialty lenses are designed to fit over the entire cornea.
To fit each individual eye, these scleral lenses are customized to fit the corneal shape and size of each patient. Therefore, providing an option for patients who have a unique eye diagnosis that does not benefit from standard contact lenses.
Boston® by Bausch + Lomb
While most people benefit from a standard soft contact lens, some eye conditions benefit from rigid gas-permeable lenses. Some of these conditions include irregular corneas, keratoconus, and astigmatism.
In addition, gas-permeable lenses can also be used for nearsightedness and farsightedness if a patient does not like soft lenses.
Boston® by Bausch + Lomb is a brand that specializes in creatine gas permeable lens materials to create customized lenses. It is one of the best brands for those who need specialized lenses.
NovaKone® by Bausch + Lomb
While gas permeable lenses tend to be the typical choice for keratoconus (when the clear tissue on the cornea bulges outward) it is not the only choice. There are a few contact lens brands that create specialty soft contact lenses for this eye condition.
NovaKone®, Alden, and ASTERA® are three brands manufactured by Bausch + Lomb that create these specialty lenses.
Revive™ by Bausch + Lomb
As shown above, gas-permeable contact lenses are not the only ones that can be customized. In addition to the three custom soft contact lens brands just mentioned, Revive™ is another brand by Bausch + Lomb that creates customized soft contact lenses.
These specialty lenses are unique in that they can be worn for up to 3 months (with regular daily care). This is 3x as long as the standard monthly soft contact lenses made by most manufacturers. As a specialty lens though, you must be fitted for new lenses every three months.
Biotrue® ONEday by Bausch + Lomb
Beyond the many specialty lens brands manufactured by Bausch + Lomb is an array of standard soft contact lens brands. Biotrue® ONEday is one of these brands.
Biotrue® ONEday is a great choice for a soft contact lens that provides consistent moisture throughout the day. Moreover, for people who do not want the hassle of rinsing and storing their contact lenses each night. Simply wear them for the day, toss them at night, and start fresh the next day.
The standard Biotrue® ONEday lenses help to correct nearsightedness and farsightedness. In addition, this brand offers lenses for astigmatism and presbyopia.
SofLens® by Bausch + Lomb
Another lens brand by Bausch + Lomb is SofLens®. SofLens® has similar comfort technology as Biotrue® but with the addition of added technology for extra clear and crisp vision.
These lenses are an especially great choice for those who drive a lot at night since they help maintain clear vision in the dark.
Unlike Biotrue® which only offers daily disposable lenses, SofLens® has several options: daily, bi-weekly, and monthly lenses. However, not all prescriptions are available in each of these time frames.
- SofLens® Daily Disposables help to correct nearsightedness and farsightedness
- SofLens® Daily Disposable Toric are for those with astigmatism
- SofLens® Toric is a bi-weekly lens for those with astigmatism
- SofLens® 38 is a monthly standard lens for nearsightedness and farsightedness
Bausch + Lomb INFUSE®
INFUSE® goes beyond the moisture in other Bausch + Lomb daily lenses to provide even more comfort. These lenses are designed to maintain moisture for up to 16 hours. Moreover, they have high-def optics to keep vision clear into the late hours of the night.
These long-wear daily lenses are great for those who are on the go and working at a computer for long hours each day. However, unlike the other daily disposable lenses manufactured by Bausch + Lomb, INFUSE® One-Day is only made in a standard lens to support nearsightedness and farsightedness.
PureVision® by Bausch + Lomb
Many contact wearers prefer daily disposable lenses, but there are just as many who prefer to use a monthly lens. To support every patient, Bausch + Lomb has created several brands that are known for their comfortable monthly contact lenses.
PureVision® is one of these popular brands. This brand uses a special material called AerGel®. This material allows for more oxygen to get to the eye throughout the day. More oxygen means better hydration for the eye and more comfort.
In addition, these lenses are also designed to resist protein buildup. Thai further supports the eyes throughout the day and helps them maintain comfort all month long. These comfortable lenses are available in prescriptions for those with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and presbyopia.
PureVision®2 by Bausch + Lomb
Is another member of the Bausch + Lomb PureVision® family. Like the original PureVision®, these are monthly contact lenses. However, the PureVision®2 is unique in that these lenses can be worn continuously for up to 30 days.
Therefore, making them a great choice for busy wearers who do not like to remove their lenses on a nightly basis for cleaning. In addition, along with providing standard prescriptions and prescriptions for those with presbyopia, this brand also has prescriptions available for those with astigmatism.
Bausch + Lomb ULTRA®
ULTRA® is like the monthly version of INFUSE®. It keeps eyes moist and comfortable for wearers who have their contacts in for long days. r This is due to the patented MoistureSeal® technology that helps contacts maintain 95% of their moisture throughout the day. Therefore, maintaining moisture in the eyes for just as long.
Beyond the exceptional moisture technology, ULTRA® is a great choice for most people because it provides several prescription options
- ULTRA with MoistureSeal Technology (standard lens)
- ULTRA for Astigmatism
- ULTRA for Presbyopia
- ULTRA Multifocal for Astigmatism (for those with presbyopia and astigmatism)
Optima® by Bausch + Lomb
While most brands by Bausch + Lomb provide extra technology aimed at added moisture, not everyone needs that type of lens. For wearers who want a standard lens that provides great vision and simple comfort, Optima® by Bausch + Lomb is a great brand.
This brand offers one type of lens (Optima® 38/SP) that can be prescribed for those with nearsightedness or farsightedness. These standard lenses need to be rinsed and stored nightly but will maintain the desired comfort and vision for 30 days of wear.
When it comes to eye care and contact lenses, Acuvue is another one of the top manufacturers. Like Bausch + Lomb, Acuvue has several contact lens brands that cover a range of vision needs.
However, unlike Bausch + Lomb, Acuvue only makes soft contact lenses. In fact, this innovative company developed soft disposable contact lenses in 1988. This invention changed the game for contact lens wearers, providing them flexibility and ease in how they wore their lenses.
ACUVUE® Oasys
As leaders in innovation, it is no surprise that this manufacturer is known for designing the #1 selling soft contact lens brand in the world, ACUVUE® Oasys.
The winning element of the ACUVUE® Oasys brand is its hydration technology. Acuvue has two patented technologies; they currently use HydraLuxe™ and HYDRACLEAR® PLUS technology. Both of these designs help mimic the natural elements of tears. Therefore, helping to produce moisture throughout the day keeps eyes feeling comfortable.
In addition to the exceptional hydration provided by this brand, ACUVUE® Oasys also blocks 96.1% of UV-A rays and 99.9% of UV-B rays. Therefore, making this brand an excellent choice for those who spend long days outdoors and/or in dry climates.
Daily Disposable Lenses
- ACUVUE® OASYS 1-DAY with HydraLuxe® technology
- ACUVUE® OASYS 1-DAY with HydraLuxe® technology for Astigmatism
- ACUVUE® OASYS for Presbyopia
- ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-Day (designed with OptiBlue Light Filter to help maintain eye health after staring at a computer screen all day)
- ACUVUE22® OASYS MAX 1-Day MULTIFOCAL
Bi-weekly Disposable Lenses
- ACUVUE® OASYS with HYDRACLEAR® PLUS
- ACUVUE OASYS® for Astigmatism 2-Week
1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST
In addition to the OASYS family, 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST is another brand by Acuvue that is focused on providing a comfortable daily lens. This particular daily disposable lens uses a third type of technology to help with moisture, called LACREON® Technology.
LACREON® Technology has wetting agents that help create a cushion of moisture. This allows for the contact lenses to hold more moisture and keep the ee comfortable longer.
This daily lens comes in a standard prescription for those with nearsightedness or farsightedness, plus for astigmatism and presbyopia.
- 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST
- 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST for Astigmatism
- 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST Multifocal
1-DAY ACUVUE® TruEye®
1-DAY ACUVUE® TruEye® is the third brand by Acuvue that offers a daily disposable lens. Like the other Acuvue brands, these lenses are focused on providing moisture to the eyes.
TruEye uses a different technology than the other brands to achieve this. The technology behind HYDRACLEAR® 1 is meant to provide a consistently lubricated contact lens. Moreover, they are meant to provide the feeling of no lens at all.
While this brand only makes a standard lens to correct nearsightedness and farsightedness, it is not available for other prescriptions.
ACUVUE® VITA®
Although Acuvue primarily manufactures daily lenses, the company does have a brand for monthly lenses. The brand ACUVUE® VITA® follows the same focus as other Acuvue brands by focusing on moisture.
While lenses that maintain moisture is an important feature in all lenses, it is especially important for monthly lenses. With the use of HydraMax™ Technology, the ACUVUE® VITA® maintains moisture for up to 4 weeks of wear.
However, this does not make them suitable for consistent wear. These lenses must be removed, rinsed, and properly stored each night. This helps to maintain the moisture in the lens and to keep the eye healthy.
In addition to offering comfort, these monthly lenses also have UV protection. Perfect for wearers who spend long days outside.
This brand makes a standard lens and one for those with astigmatism.
- ACUVUE® VITA®
- ACUVUE® VITA® for Astigmatism
Although Bausch + Lomb and Acuvue are two of the most recognizable eye care brands, there is a third manufacturer that has surpassed these other two brands – Alcon. Today, Alcon is the largest eye care device brand in the world.
Like the other two manufacturers, Alcon has several brands under its name. These brands provide a range of soft contact lenses for daily and monthly wear.
TOTAL® by Alcon
TOTAL is one of the most well-known contact lenses produced by Alcon. As the only lens on the market that uses water gradient technology, it is one of the best lenses on the market for soft contact lenses.
The TOTAL lens combines the best ocular surface wettability with its water gradient technology design that allows for moisture to spread evenly throughout the lens. This design helps the lens to maintain moisture and create a comfortable and moist lens throughout the day.
These lenses are available in a daily disposable lens or monthly lens. Daily lenses are worn once and then disposed of. Monthly lenses can be worn for up to four weeks. However, they must be removed and rinsed each night.
TOTAL®Daily Disposable Lenses
- DAILIES TOTAL1®
- DAILIES TOTAL1® Astigmatism
- DAILIES TOTAL1® Multifocal
TOTAL® Monthly Disposable Lenses
- TOTAL30®
DAILIES® by Alcon
In addition to the DAILIES TOTAL1®, there is DAILIES® AQUACOMFORT PLUS® that is part of the DAILIES® brand. Like the DAILIES TOTAL1®, the AQUACOMFORT line is also a daily disposable lens.
A unique quality of the DAILIES® AQUACOMFORT PLUS® brand is the use of a specially formulated blink-activated technology. This design releases moisture each time the person wearing them blinks. Therefore, providing contact wearers with immediate control over their vision and eye comfort.
This design is unique to the DAILIES® brand. Therefore, it is available in different prescriptions so that more people can benefit from it.
- DAILIES® AQUACOMFORT PLUS®
- DAILIES® AQUACOMFORT PLUS® Toric (for astigmatism)
- DAILIES® AQUACOMFORT PLUS® Multifocal
DAILIES® COLORS by Alcon
For contact wearers who want to explore life with different eye colors, DAILIES® offers colored lenses. These lenses are available in four different colors:
- Mystic Gray
- Mystic Hazel
- Mystic Blue
- Mystic Green
In addition to enhancing the color of the eyes, these lenses help the eyes appear bigger and brighter. A great way to have fun while still getting the comfort and enhanced vision of other lenses.
While these are available in a standard lens, there is not currently an option for those with astigmatism or presbyopia.
PRECISION1® by Alcon
As one of the most popular brands manufactured by Alcon, PRECISION1® was designed with three things in mind. These were to make lenses that corrected vision, were comfortable to wear and were easy to put in.
The brand succeeded, making one of the most comfortable and easy-to-handle daily lenses on the market.
This favorite lens among soft contact lens wearers is available for those with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
- PRECISION1®
- PRECISION1® Astigmatism
AIR OPTIX® by Alcon
While DAILIES® is focused on daily disposable lenses, AIR OPTIX® is a monthly lens brand under the Alcon name.
This brand’s standard lens is the AIR OPTIX® plus HydraGlyde®, which is designed to offer comfort for up to 30 days of wear.
The comfort of these lenses is due to two design elements: an ultra-thin layer on the lenses to prevent deposits from forming and moisture technology to keep lenses wet all day long.
These elements make these lenses a great choice for individuals who work outdoors and may come in contact with debris in the air. Moreover, those whose eyes may get drier by being outside.
Since these are available for different vision needs, they are a good option for several different contact lens wearers:
- AIR OPTIX® plus HydraGlyde®
- AIR OPTIX® plus HydraGlyde® Multifocal
- AIR OPTIX® plus HydraGlyde® for Astigmatism
AIR OPTIX® NIGHT & DAY® AQUA by Alcon
AIR OPTIX® NIGHT & DAY® AQUA contact lenses are exceptional lenses that were specially formulated to allow more oxygen to penetrate the lens. Therefore, rather than needing to remove and rinse your monthly lenses each night, you can leave them in your eyes for the entire month.
If you do not like to remove your lenses frequently or lead a busy lifestyle, then these FDA-approved lenses are worth trying.
Currently, they are only available in a standard lens to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness.
While all the manufacturers previously mentioned are notable for their research, Coopervision stands out for its extended range of research in the world of eye care.
This manufacturer has developed notable designs in contact lenses that not only enhance the immediate experience for the wearer but also help support their eye health over time.
MyDay® by CooperVision
MyDay® daily disposable is one of the exceptional brands manufactured by CooperVision. These lenses are designed with CooperVision® Aquaform® Technology that helps eyes look clear and white. Therefore, adding to the aesthetic appeal of wearing contact lenses, in addition to being comfortable.
- MyDay® daily disposable
- MyDay® daily disposable toric
- MyDay® daily multifocal
Clariti® by CooperVision
Clariti® 1 Day is a unique brand manufactured by CooperVision. Moreover, it is one of a kind in the vision and eye care market.
This brand is committed to not only making quality contacts but saving the planet along the way. Therefore, they use net plastic to create their contact lenses, making it the perfect contact lens that will keep your eyes comfortable while simultaneously saving the planet.
Whether you need to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia, this brand has a lens for you.
- Clariti® 1 day
- Clariti® 1 day toric
- Clariti® 1 day multifocal
MiSight® 1 day by CooperVision
MiSight® 1 day is one of the brands by Coopervision that reflects the company’s commitment to research. This brand makes lenses that are specifically designed for kids with nearsightedness. Moreover, they are designed to help each patient’s eyesight from worsening as they grow up.
These innovative lenses are designed to help slow down the progression of nearsightedness in children. In addition, since these are 1-day lenses kids (and parents) don’t have to worry about lens maintenance. Simply throw each pair away at the end of the day, then put a fresh pair in each morning.
Biofinity® by CooperVision
Biofinity® is another popular brand that falls under the CooperVision umbrella. While most of the other brands by CooperVision make daily lenses, Biofinity® is a monthly lens.
This monthly disposable lens is designed specifically to provide the sharpest visual performance. The brand does this through designs that help the eyes stay comfortable all day. Moreover, lenses help the eyes see at various distances and levels of lighting.
Compared to other monthly brands, Biofinity® has the widest range of prescriptions available. It even has a lens specifically designed for those that stare at a computer screen all day.
- Biofinity® & Biofinity® XR are standard lenses for nearsightedness or farsightedness
- Biofinity Energys® is the brand’s unique design to help keep eyes energized while staring at a screen all day
- Biofinity® toric & Biofinity® XR toric (for astigmatism)
- Biofinity® multifocal (for those with presbyopia)
- Biofinity® multifocal and toric (for those who have astigmatism and are presbyopia)
Avaira Vitality™ by CooperVision
Avaira Vitality™ lenses are similar to Biofinity® In fact, as another CooperVision family brand, they include the same technology used by Biofinity® to create the sharpest vision. They are also designed to be comfortable for all-day wear.
The main difference between the Avaira Vitality™ line and Biofinity® is that Avaira Vitality™ lenses are bi-weekly lenses. Therefore, the lenses need to be replaced every two weeks rather than every 30 days.
In addition to the standard Avaira Vitality™ for near or farsightedness, there is Avaira Vitality™ Toric for astigmatism
Proclear® by CooperVision
The last brand manufactured by CooperVision is Proclear®. Using a special technology that binds water to the contact lenses, these lenses can maintain moisture for up to 12 hours.
As a monthly disposable lens, the moisture technology used in these lenses will keep eyes comfortable for up to 30 days. However, to keep them at peak condition the lenses must be removed and rinsed each night.
With a variety of prescriptions available, Proclear® is a good basic monthly lens for many people.
- Proclear® sphere
- Proclear® Toric XR
- Proclear multifocal XR
Waldo is the newest contact lens brand on the market. While it does not have the years of the more established brands mentioned above, it is proving to be a great choice. Especially for those who want to save money on lenses.
In contrast to the majority of brands that mark up their lenses, Waldo cuts out the middlemen. Rather than the lenses going through one or two markups between leaving the manufacturer and reaching the customer, Waldo sends contact lenses directly to the consumer (from the manufacturer).
By eliminating the markup that traditional companies and distributors add on, Waldo can provide lenses at a fraction of the cost. Don’t worry though, a lower cost does not mean lower quality.
Waldo has partnered with international suppliers that are recognized and certified in eye care products. Therefore, it ensures that the contact lenses you receive are always of the highest quality. In addition, Waldo has in-house registered opticians to help oversee any questions you may have along the way.
The only downside to Waldo is that due to being a newer brand they do not have the same range of inventory that other manufacturers do. However, the two soft contact lenses they offer continue to receive exceptional customer reviews.
Hydra Boost by Waldo
The standard daily lens is a Hydra Boost Daily Lens. This lens features moisturizing hyaluronic compounds to keep eyes comfortable all day.
For those who need extra moisture for dry eyes, try the Hydra Boost Plus Daily Lenses. These lenses had a boost of vitamin B12 that is designed to provide up to 30% more hydration than the standard lenses.
Whether you choose the standard or boost lens, both come in a pack of 30. Wear one pair a day and toss!
Conclusion
When choosing the best contact lens brands for yourself, you have several great options. Much of deciding which is the best will depend on your particular vision needs.
Still, it is important to remember that your vision needs may change over time. Therefore, it is a good idea to regularly check in with your optometrist and ensure that the lenses are still providing the optimal level of comfort and clarity.
Additionally, if you do find that a certain brand of contacts isn’t quite right for you, don’t hesitate to come back and explore other options outlined in this post. With careful selection and regular monitoring of your vision needs by an optometrist, choosing contact lenses can be a simple process!
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