Dailies Aquacomfort Plus vs. Acuvue Moist: Which Is Best?
Tired of dry, uncomfortable eyes? Choosing the right daily contact lenses can significantly impact your vision and overall eye health. The market offers a plethora of options, but two popular choices often stand out: Dailies AquaComfort Plus and Acuvue Moist.
Both brands are known for their convenience and comfort, especially for those new to contact lenses. However, subtle differences in design and material can make a big difference in your daily experience. This comparison will delve into the key features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of both Dailies AquaComfort Plus and Acuvue Moist.
We’ll explore how each lens addresses common issues like dryness and irritation. This guide aims to help you make an informed decision and find the perfect fit for your eyes and lifestyle, ensuring optimal comfort and clear vision throughout the day.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | dailies aquacomfort plus | acuvue moist |
|---|---|---|
| Lens Type | Daily Disposable | Daily Disposable |
| Material | Nelfilcon A | Etafilcon A |
| Water Content | 69% | 58% |
| Oxygen Permeability (Dk/t) | 26 | 33 |
| UV Protection | No | Yes |
| Handling Tint | Yes | Yes |
| Center Thickness | 0.10 mm | 0.07 mm |
| Diameter | 14.0 mm | 14.2 mm |
| Available Powers | -15.00 to +6.00D | -12.00 to +8.00D |
| Packaging | 30 lenses/box | 30 lenses/box |
| Manufacturer | Alcon | Johnson & Johnson Vision Care |
| Tear Film Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Material
- Dailies Aquacomfort Plus: Made from Nelfilcon A, a hydrogel material. Provides a comfortable fit and good oxygen permeability. Some users may find the material slightly less breathable than silicone hydrogels.
- Acuvue Moist: Constructed from Etafilcon A, also a hydrogel. Known for its soft, comfortable feel and good hydration. May not be ideal for users with very dry eyes compared to some silicone hydrogel options.
- Winner: Tie
Hydration Technology
- Dailies Aquacomfort Plus: Features a unique triple-action moisturizing system. Releases moisture with each blink, providing all-day comfort. Some users experience dryness towards the end of the day.
- Acuvue Moist: Uses LACREON technology, embedding a moisture-rich wetting agent within the lens. Offers consistent hydration and comfort. May not be as effective for those with severe dry eye conditions.
- Winner: dailies aquacomfort plus
UV Protection
- Dailies Aquacomfort Plus: Offers Class 2 UV protection, blocking a significant amount of UV-B rays and a smaller percentage of UV-A rays. Provides a moderate level of protection.
- Acuvue Moist: Provides Class 2 UV protection as well, blocking a significant amount of UV-B rays and a smaller percentage of UV-A rays. Offers similar protection as dailies aquacomfort plus.
- Winner: Tie
Oxygen Permeability
- Dailies Aquacomfort Plus: Offers a moderate level of oxygen permeability. Allows sufficient oxygen to reach the cornea for most users. May not be ideal for extended wear.
- Acuvue Moist: Provides a moderate level of oxygen permeability, similar to dailies aquacomfort plus. Suitable for daily wear but not necessarily extended wear.
- Winner: Tie
Comfort
- Dailies Aquacomfort Plus: Generally known for its immediate comfort due to its moisturizing system. Some users may experience slight dryness later in the day.
- Acuvue Moist: Celebrated for its all-day comfort and soft feel. Often preferred by users with sensitive eyes.
- Winner: acuvue moist
Handling and Insertion
- Dailies Aquacomfort Plus: Designed for easy handling and insertion. The thin design can make them slightly more delicate to handle.
- Acuvue Moist: Known for its ease of handling, making insertion and removal straightforward. The lens is moderately thick, making it easy to see and handle.
- Winner: acuvue moist
Availability and Cost
- Dailies Aquacomfort Plus: Widely available at most optical retailers and online. Generally competitively priced, offering good value.
- Acuvue Moist: Also widely available and readily accessible. The price point is similar, often depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions.
- Winner: Tie
Lens Design
- Dailies Aquacomfort Plus: Features a thin, flexible design for a comfortable fit. The design is optimized for easy handling and insertion.
- Acuvue Moist: Offers a smooth, thin design for a comfortable fit and good vision correction. The lens shape is often well-suited for various eye shapes.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Water Content | dailies aquacomfort plus |
| UV Protection | acuvue moist |
| Oxygen Permeability | acuvue moist |
| Manufacturer Reputation | Tie |
| Handling | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- Daily Disposable: Both are daily disposable contact lenses, offering convenience and hygiene by eliminating the need for cleaning and storage.
- Material: Both lenses are made of soft, biocompatible materials designed for comfort and ease of use.
- Convenience: Both lenses are designed for single-use, eliminating the need for cleaning solutions and storage cases, making them ideal for travel and busy lifestyles.
- Comfort: Both lenses prioritize comfort, designed to feel comfortable throughout the day.
- Visibility Tint: Both lenses feature a handling tint, making them easier to see and handle during insertion and removal.
- Correct Vision: Both lenses are designed to correct common vision problems like nearsightedness and farsightedness.
Dailies Aquacomfort Plus Vs Acuvue Moist Buying Guide
Comfort and Hydration
Both Dailies Aquacomfort Plus and Acuvue Moist prioritize comfort, but they achieve it differently. Dailies Aquacomfort Plus utilizes a unique blink-activated moisture technology, releasing moisture with each blink, which can provide a consistently hydrating experience throughout the day. Acuvue Moist, on the other hand, employs Lacreon technology, which embeds a moisture-rich wetting agent within the lens material. This ensures the lens stays moist and comfortable. The choice depends on personal preference and how your eyes respond to different hydration technologies. Consider which method best suits your lifestyle and environment.
Material and Design
The materials used in contact lenses significantly impact oxygen permeability and overall comfort. Dailies Aquacomfort Plus are made from Nelfilcon A, a material known for its breathability. Acuvue Moist lenses are crafted from Etafilcon A, also a well-established material. Both materials are designed to be thin and flexible, minimizing the feeling of a foreign object in the eye. The lens design also plays a role, with both brands offering designs intended to minimize edge interaction with the eye, contributing to a smooth, comfortable fit. Consider your existing eye health conditions when choosing.
UV Protection
UV protection is a crucial factor for eye health, and both lens brands incorporate it to varying degrees. Acuvue Moist generally offers a higher level of UV protection, blocking a significant amount of UVA and UVB rays, which can help shield the eyes from sun damage. Dailies Aquacomfort Plus also offers some UV protection, but it may not be as comprehensive. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, particularly in sunny environments, UV protection should be a key consideration. Always remember that contact lenses are not a substitute for sunglasses.
Wearing Schedule and Convenience
Both Dailies Aquacomfort Plus and Acuvue Moist are daily disposable lenses, offering the ultimate in convenience and hygiene. This means you wear a fresh pair each day and discard them at night, eliminating the need for cleaning and storage solutions. This is an excellent choice for individuals with allergies or those who prefer a low-maintenance contact lens routine. Daily disposables are also considered a healthier option, reducing the risk of eye infections. Evaluate your lifestyle and cleaning habits to ensure daily disposables are the best fit.
Price and Availability
The price of contact lenses can vary depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. Generally, Dailies Aquacomfort Plus and Acuvue Moist are similarly priced, both being in the mid-range of daily disposable lenses. Availability is also generally good, with both brands widely available through optometrists and online retailers. It’s always best to compare prices from multiple sources to find the most cost-effective option. Consider the overall value, including comfort and any special features.
Vision Correction and Options
Both Dailies Aquacomfort Plus and Acuvue Moist are primarily available for the correction of nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia). They offer a range of powers to suit different prescriptions. However, they may not be available in all specialty lens types, such as toric lenses for astigmatism or multifocal lenses for presbyopia. Before making a decision, confirm that the required prescription is supported by both brands. Discuss your vision correction needs with your eye care professional.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy dailies aquacomfort plus If…
- You prioritize a lens with a higher water content for potentially enhanced comfort.
- You prefer a lens from Alcon.
- You do not need UV protection in your contact lenses.
- You want a lens that incorporates a triple-action moisturizing system.
Buy acuvue moist If…
- You prioritize built-in UV protection for added eye health.
- You prefer a thinner lens profile.
- You want a lens from Johnson & Johnson.
- You are looking for a lens with a proven track record of comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dailies Aquacomfort Plus and Acuvue Moist suitable for sensitive eyes?
Both brands are generally considered suitable for sensitive eyes, but individual experiences vary. Dailies Aquacomfort Plus’s blink-activated moisture and Acuvue Moist’s Lacreon technology are designed to minimize irritation. However, reactions depend on your specific sensitivity and tear film composition. Consult your eye doctor for a personalized recommendation and trial fitting to ensure the best fit and comfort.
What is the difference between Dailies Aquacomfort Plus and Acuvue Moist?
The key difference lies in their moisture technologies. Dailies Aquacomfort Plus uses a blink-activated system, releasing moisture with each blink. Acuvue Moist utilizes Lacreon technology, embedding a wetting agent within the lens. Both are daily disposables. Your choice depends on personal preference and how your eyes react to the different hydration mechanisms. Other factors like UV protection levels also come into play.
Which lens offers better UV protection?
Acuvue Moist generally provides a higher level of UV protection compared to Dailies Aquacomfort Plus. It blocks a significant amount of UVA and UVB rays, helping to shield the eyes from sun damage. While Dailies Aquacomfort Plus offers some UV protection, it is typically less comprehensive. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, Acuvue Moist might be preferable for UV protection.
Are these lenses good for dry eyes?
Both lenses are designed to help with dry eyes. Dailies Aquacomfort Plus’s blink-activated technology and Acuvue Moist’s Lacreon technology aim to keep the eyes hydrated throughout the day. However, the effectiveness can vary. The best way to determine which works better for you is to consult your eye doctor and consider a trial fitting of both lenses to evaluate comfort and performance.
Can I sleep in Dailies Aquacomfort Plus or Acuvue Moist?
No, neither Dailies Aquacomfort Plus nor Acuvue Moist are designed for overnight wear. Both are daily disposable lenses, and they should be removed and discarded at the end of each day. Sleeping in contact lenses increases the risk of eye infections and other complications. Always follow your eye doctor’s instructions for safe contact lens wear.
How do I care for Dailies Aquacomfort Plus and Acuvue Moist?
Since both are daily disposable lenses, there is no need for cleaning solutions or storage cases. Simply insert a fresh pair each morning and discard the used pair at the end of the day. This reduces the risk of infection and simplifies your routine. Always wash and dry your hands before handling any contact lens to maintain proper hygiene.
Where can I buy Dailies Aquacomfort Plus and Acuvue Moist?
Both lenses are readily available from most optometrists and online retailers. You will need a valid prescription from your eye doctor to purchase contact lenses. Prices and availability may vary between different vendors, so it’s a good idea to compare options. Ensure you are purchasing from a reputable source to guarantee the authenticity and quality of the lenses.
Final Verdict
Both Dailies Aquacomfort Plus and Acuvue Moist are excellent daily disposable contact lenses, offering comfort and convenience. Acuvue Moist’s superior UV protection and established reputation might be preferable for many users. However, Dailies Aquacomfort Plus also provides excellent comfort through its unique hydration technology, making the choice dependent on individual needs and preferences.
Winner: Acuvue Moist