Biofinity vs Biofinity Toric: Which Contacts Are Best?
Struggling to see clearly? You’re not alone. Choosing the right contact lenses can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options on the market. Two popular choices are Biofinity and Biofinity Toric. But which one is right for you?
This comparison dives deep into the features and benefits of both Biofinity and Biofinity Toric. We’ll explore their differences, helping you understand which lens best suits your vision needs and lifestyle. Whether you’re new to contacts or looking to switch, this guide will provide valuable insights.
Biofinity is known for its comfort and breathability, while Biofinity Toric is specifically designed for those with astigmatism. We’ll break down the key aspects of each lens, from material and design to pricing and availability, to help you make an informed decision. Get ready to clarify your vision!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | biofinity | biofinity toric |
|---|---|---|
| Lens Type | Spherical | Toric |
| Material | Comfilcon A | Comfilcon A |
| Water Content | 48% | 48% |
| Oxygen Permeability (Dk/t) | 160 | 160 |
| UV Protection | No | No |
| Replacement Schedule | Monthly | Monthly |
| Center Thickness | 0.08 mm | 0.10 mm |
| Diameter | 14.0 mm | 14.5 mm |
| Available Powers | +8.00D to -12.00D | +6.00D to -10.00D |
| Cylinder | N/A | -0.75 to -2.25 |
| Axis | N/A | 10° to 180° |
| Handling Tint | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Material
- Biofinity: Made from silicone hydrogel, allowing for high oxygen permeability. This helps keep eyes healthy and comfortable. A potential downside is that some users may experience dryness.
- Biofinity Toric: Also made from silicone hydrogel, inheriting the benefits of high oxygen permeability. The material’s flexibility aids in lens stability. Some wearers might find it slightly thicker than standard lenses.
- Winner: Tie
Design
- Biofinity: Features a rounded edge design for reduced lens-lid interaction and enhanced comfort. This design can minimize irritation.
- Biofinity Toric: Designed with a specific toric geometry to correct astigmatism, including a unique ballast design for stability. This can improve vision clarity for those with astigmatism, but it requires a precise fit.
- Winner: biofinity toric
Oxygen Permeability
- Biofinity: Offers high oxygen transmissibility, allowing more oxygen to reach the cornea. This contributes to healthier eyes and reduced risk of hypoxia.
- Biofinity Toric: Also provides high oxygen transmissibility, essential for maintaining corneal health, especially with the lens’s increased thickness.
- Winner: Tie
Water Content
- Biofinity: Contains 48% water content, which helps keep the lenses hydrated and comfortable for extended wear. However, higher water content can sometimes lead to faster dehydration in dry environments.
- Biofinity Toric: Also has 48% water content, providing similar hydration benefits. This is beneficial for overall comfort.
- Winner: Tie
Astigmatism Correction
- Biofinity: Does not correct astigmatism. It is designed for those with spherical prescriptions.
- Biofinity Toric: Specifically designed to correct astigmatism, featuring a toric design and ballast for optimal vision.
- Winner: biofinity toric
UV Protection
- Biofinity: Does not offer UV protection. Additional sun protection is recommended.
- Biofinity Toric: Does not offer UV protection. Additional sun protection is recommended.
- Winner: Tie
Wearing Schedule
- Biofinity: Approved for extended wear, up to 6 nights/7 days, as prescribed by an eye doctor. This can offer convenience for some users.
- Biofinity Toric: Approved for extended wear, up to 6 nights/7 days, as prescribed by an eye doctor. This provides the same convenience as the standard Biofinity.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Biofinity: Generally more affordable than the toric version, representing a good value for those without astigmatism.
- Biofinity Toric: Typically priced higher due to the specialized design and manufacturing process required for astigmatism correction.
- Winner: biofinity
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Vision Correction (Astigmatism) | biofinity toric |
| Vision Correction (Spherical) | biofinity |
| Material & Comfort | Tie |
| Breathability | Tie |
| Ease of Use | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- Material: Both lenses are made from the same silicone hydrogel material, Comfilcon A, ensuring a high level of breathability and comfort. This material allows for a significant amount of oxygen to reach the eye.
- Monthly Replacement: Both Biofinity and Biofinity Toric lenses are designed for monthly replacement, providing a convenient and consistent wearing schedule. This helps maintain eye health.
- High Water Content: They both share a water content of 48%, contributing to overall comfort and hydration throughout the day. This helps keep your eyes comfortable.
- Breathability: Both lenses are designed to allow a high level of oxygen to pass through to the eye, promoting eye health and comfort. This reduces the risk of eye dryness.
- Handling Tint: Both lenses include a handling tint, making them easier to see and handle during insertion and removal. This is a subtle blue tint.
Biofinity Vs Biofinity Toric Buying Guide
Comfort and Wearability
Both Biofinity and Biofinity Toric are designed for comfort, but the experience can vary. Biofinity, with its rounded edges and high water content, often provides a smooth and comfortable feel for users without astigmatism. Biofinity Toric, while also utilizing the same material, may feel slightly different due to its design for stability and lens rotation. Factors like individual eye sensitivity and wearing habits can influence comfort. Some users may find the initial adjustment to toric lenses takes a bit longer. Proper fitting by an eye care professional is crucial for optimal comfort with either lens.
Vision Correction Capabilities
Biofinity excels at correcting nearsightedness and farsightedness, offering clear and crisp vision for those without astigmatism. Biofinity Toric, on the other hand, is specifically designed to correct astigmatism, a condition where the cornea has an irregular shape, causing blurry vision. It provides the necessary power correction and the unique toric design to stabilize the lens and maintain clear vision throughout the day. The choice depends entirely on your specific vision needs and the presence of astigmatism. A comprehensive eye exam is essential to determine the most suitable lens type.
Material and Technology
Both lenses share the same advanced material: silicone hydrogel. This material allows for a high level of oxygen permeability, ensuring healthy eyes by allowing more oxygen to reach the cornea. This feature helps prevent dryness and irritation, contributing to a comfortable wearing experience, especially during extended wear. The Aquaform® Technology used in both lenses helps lock in water and maintain moisture, further enhancing comfort. The difference lies in the design, with Biofinity Toric incorporating features to stabilize the lens and correct for astigmatism.
Fitting and Prescription Requirements
The fitting process for both lenses involves a comprehensive eye examination by an eye care professional. For Biofinity, the fitting is relatively straightforward, focusing on power and base curve. Biofinity Toric fitting is more complex, requiring measurements of the eye’s shape, astigmatism power, and axis. The correct axis is critical for proper vision correction. A trial period with the lenses is often recommended to assess comfort and vision. Always follow your eye doctor’s instructions for lens care and replacement schedules to ensure optimal eye health.
Cost and Availability
The cost of Biofinity and Biofinity Toric lenses can vary depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. Generally, Biofinity lenses are slightly less expensive than Biofinity Toric lenses due to the more complex manufacturing process involved in creating toric lenses. Both lenses are widely available through eye care professionals and online retailers. It’s advisable to compare prices and consider potential shipping costs when purchasing. Remember to always obtain a valid prescription from your eye doctor before purchasing contact lenses.
Maintenance and Care
Both Biofinity and Biofinity Toric lenses require the same basic care routine. This includes cleaning and disinfecting the lenses with a multi-purpose solution after each use, or using a hydrogen peroxide solution if recommended by your eye doctor. Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses. Replace the lenses according to the prescribed schedule, typically monthly for both. Regular check-ups with your eye doctor are essential to monitor eye health and ensure the lenses are still the right fit for your eyes.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy biofinity If…
- You have spherical vision correction needs (nearsightedness or farsightedness) without astigmatism.
- You prioritize a comfortable and breathable monthly lens.
- You want a reliable and trusted brand for your contact lenses.
- You don’t require any cylinder or axis correction.
Buy biofinity toric If…
- You have astigmatism and require vision correction for it.
- You need a lens specifically designed to stay in place and provide clear vision.
- You’ve been diagnosed with astigmatism by your eye doctor and need a toric lens.
- You desire the comfort and breathability of the Biofinity material with astigmatism correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between Biofinity and Biofinity Toric?
The main difference lies in their design and purpose. Biofinity corrects nearsightedness and farsightedness (spherical vision), whereas Biofinity Toric is specifically designed to correct astigmatism, a condition where the cornea has an irregular shape. Biofinity Toric lenses include special features to stay in place and correct the vision effectively.
Can I wear Biofinity if I have astigmatism?
No, Biofinity is not designed to correct astigmatism. If you have astigmatism, you need to use Biofinity Toric lenses. Biofinity lenses will not provide clear vision if astigmatism is present, and may cause blurry or distorted vision. Consult your eye doctor for the correct lens type.
Are Biofinity and Biofinity Toric lenses made of the same material?
Yes, both lenses are made of the same advanced silicone hydrogel material. This material provides excellent oxygen permeability, contributing to comfortable wear and healthy eyes. Both use Aquaform® Technology to lock in moisture. The key difference is the lens design and how it corrects vision.
How long can I wear Biofinity and Biofinity Toric lenses?
Both Biofinity and Biofinity Toric lenses are typically designed for monthly replacement. This means you should remove, clean, and store the lenses nightly, and then replace them with a new pair after approximately 30 days. Always consult your eye doctor for a specific replacement schedule.
Do I need a different prescription for Biofinity Toric compared to regular Biofinity?
Yes, you will likely need a different prescription. Biofinity Toric prescriptions include additional parameters to correct astigmatism, such as cylinder and axis. Your eye doctor will determine the correct prescription based on your specific needs and the results of a comprehensive eye exam.
Are Biofinity Toric lenses more expensive than Biofinity lenses?
Generally, Biofinity Toric lenses are slightly more expensive than regular Biofinity lenses. This is due to the more complex manufacturing process required to create the specialized design and features necessary to correct astigmatism. Prices can vary between retailers, so compare prices before purchasing.
Can I switch between Biofinity and Biofinity Toric lenses?
You can only switch if you do not have astigmatism. If you do not have astigmatism, you can wear Biofinity. However, if you have astigmatism, you must wear Biofinity Toric. Switching depends on your vision needs and the presence of astigmatism. Always consult with your eye care professional.
Final Verdict
Biofinity and Biofinity Toric offer excellent vision correction and comfort. Biofinity caters to those without astigmatism, providing clear vision. Biofinity Toric is specifically designed for those with astigmatism. The best choice depends on your individual vision needs and the presence of astigmatism. Consult your eye doctor for the best fit.
Winner: Biofinity Toric