Probably around 70% of the population that has a correction, wears contact lenses. Majority of contact lens wearers have also switched to daily disposables (which is AWESOME!). From a professional stand point, this is great as daily disposables are thinner, more breathable, and healthier for the eyes. From a personal stand point, I have switched from wearing monthlies and bi-weeklies to the dailies simply because they are more convenient and comfortable for me. I used to be one of the dreaded contact lens abusers that I routinely see at my practice now. This happened because I was never able to find glasses that I truly felt comfortable in. I’m a -6.50 so my lenses are by no means thin or light. However, once I was able to find frames that I actually enjoyed wearing, and lenses that made my life better (Nikon RelaxSee), I was able to switch to daily disposables because I wasn’t wearing them every single day.

I’ve seen the full range of contact lens wearers through my experience – the once a month wearer (wears dailies) to the never-takes-them-out-sleeps-in-them-for-months-never-changes-them-and-lost-their-vision contact lens wearer. Everyone falls somewhere in that spectrum and I try my best to push all my patients towards the “responsible contact lens wearer” end of the spectrum to prevent them from achieving the absolute worst. The worst part about that patient was that they refused to believe that it was because of their poor habits that lead to vision loss – it was somehow a grease burn. My recommendation is always to push patients into the latest and greatest lenses that best suit their contact lens needs. Dailies don’t work for everyone – financially it can be a lot more compared to a monthly/bi-weekly lens. I understand that and will try my best to accommodate for everyone’s individual needs. At Wink, we will always try different lenses to see which works best for the patient. I have my favourites as a long time Acuvue supporter – I wear Acuvue Oasys 1 Day and the Acuvue Define. Acuvue has always had great support for their doctors and I greatly appreciate everything they’ve done for us.

New for Acuvue

  • Acuvue Oasys 1 Day Hydraluxe: They have long had their bi-weekly Acuvue Oasys lens that was very successful. Some places would often sell their bi-weekly Oasys lens as a monthly (which is a no-no). Their new Oasys 1 Day includes their hydraluxe technology that provides a uniform tear-like surface throughout the entire lens (not a coating) that works with our natural tear film to provide all-day comfort.

  • Acuvue Vita: Acuvue has not had a monthly lens for a long time – until now! The Acuvue Vita with HydraMax technology is their new monthly lens that contains molecules that mimic the eye’s natural lipid layer on the tear film. This helps to stabilize and maintain hydration throughout the lens. The edge of the lens is also designed to fit more comfortably and smoothly on the cornea. The Acuvue Vita is also the only Class 1 UV blocking monthly lens.
  • Acuvue Oasys 1 Day Hydraluxe for Astigmatism: Astigmatism contact lens wearers rejoice! This lens has not launched yet but it is coming soon to provide clarity and comfort for toric (astigmatism) contact lens wearers everywhere. This will be Acuvue’s first daily disposable silicone hydrogel with astigmatism correction.

New for CooperVision

  • Biofinity Energys: This is the first ever contact lens with digital zone optics lens design. It is designed for device users (cell phones, tablets, laptops, computer, TV, etc.). CooperVision designed the lens similar to therapeutic lenses (Nikon RelaxSee, Hoya Active 8, or Essilor EyeZen) for glasses where there is a zone built into the lens that allows the eyes to relax while looking at devices. The digital zone is built in a way as to not affect your distance vision – just like the ophthalmic version. It is an interesting concept! I haven’t tried them myself but definitely the first of it’s kind on the market.

New for Bausch&Lomb

  • Biotrue OneDay for Astigmatism: It has already been released in the US (they always get it first) I believe, but coming soon to Canada! This lens is simply their Biotrue OneDay lens with astigmatism correction with a larger optic zone to reduce halos and glare and consistent clear vision all day!

New for Alcon

  • Air Optix plus HydraGlyde: This lens is a re-work of their original Air Optix Aqua lens. Their new HydraGlyde technology creates a protective layer on to prevent protein and deposits on the contact lens. Moisture Matrix technology helps to surround the lens in long-lasting moisture for all day comfort.

As you can see, all the major manufacturers are continuously developing new lenses. I always find it odd when a patient comes in wearing a lens from 10+ years ago. Would you not update your cell phone for 10+ years and stick with the old technology? New lenses are more often than not better than their predecessors so why not give it a try? At Wink we always give our patients options. If contacts didn’t work for you before, whether it be because of astigmatism or comfort issues, why not try the new lenses out on the market today? More likely than not, we will be able to find something that works for you. If not, then maybe just stick to awesome glasses 8)

5 thoughts on “Contact Lens Update | Optometry Blog

  1. Melanie says:

    Question! How is the Acuvue Moist with Laceron for astigmatism different from the Acuvue Oasys 1 Day Hydraluxe? Is the Hydraluxe just the new version of the Moist? Thanks!

    • Natasha Liaw says:

      Hi Melanie,
      The new Acuvue Oasys 1 Day Hydraluxe is a daily disposable re-make of their bi-weekly Oasys with new components. The Acuvue Moist is not a silicone hydrogel. If you’re used to a silicone hydrogel then you’ll do much better in the Oasys 1 Day compared to the Moist. The Oasys 1 Day is more similar to the bi-weekly Oasys than the Moist (in terms of materials). When the new Oasys 1 Day Astigmatism comes out the optics will probably be similar to the Moist (not sure if they changed the optic zone or stabilization with it). I hope this answers your question. Let us know if there’s anything else we can help you with.

      • Melanie says:

        Yes it does, thank you. Didn’t even realize the difference and wasn’t told that there was one other than the transition to dailies! Good to know.

  2. Kar Wai Ng says:

    Is there an estimated availability date in Canada for the new 1-day Oasys for Astigmatism? I have been waiting for this product for years!

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