Air Optix contact lenses

Welcome to your guide to finding the right Air Optix contact lenses

Whether you’re a new contact lens wearer or you’ve been wearing them for years, choosing the right contacts for your eyes is a big decision. Produced by Alcon, a global leader in eye care, the Air Optix family of contact lenses is designed to offer clear vision and consistent comfort. If you’re looking for reliable moisture, excellent breathability, or even a subtle change to your eye color, we’re here to help you navigate your options so you can easily find what you need.

Why choose Air Optix for your vision needs?

Air Optix contact lenses are crafted from a highly breathable silicone hydrogel material. This unique structure allows plenty of oxygen to flow continuously through the contacts and directly to your eyes, which is essential for keeping them looking white and feeling healthy throughout the day.

Beyond breathability, these contacts stand out because of two proprietary technologies developed by Alcon. First is SmartShield Technology. This ultra-thin protective layer is built into the lens to help guard against buildup and irritating deposits. It actively resists proteins and lipids—natural substances found in your tears—as well as residue from everyday cosmetic products.

Second is the HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix. Designed specifically for silicone hydrogel lenses, this technology works to attract and maintain surface moisture, ensuring your contacts stay hydrated. When you combine the deposit resistance of SmartShield with the continuous hydration of HydraGlyde, you get a contact lens that delivers all-day comfort from day one through day 30.

Comparing the Air Optix contact lens family

Finding the perfect match means understanding the different variations available within the lineup. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options to help you choose the best fit for your daily routine.

Air Optix plus HydraGlyde

This is the standard, everyday powerhouse of the lineup. These contact lenses utilize both the HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix and SmartShield Technology to give you exceptional comfort and defense against deposits. They’re a monthly replacement lens, meaning you wear them daily, take them out to clean at night, and replace them with a fresh pair every 30 days.

Air Optix Night and Day Aqua

If you have an unpredictable schedule, you might be interested in Air Optix Night and Day Aqua. These contact lenses offer the highest oxygen transmissibility of any available soft contact lens. While they’re a monthly replacement lens, they’re FDA-approved for up to 30 nights of continuous wear. However, you should only sleep in your contacts if specifically directed by your eye care professional, as overnight wear can increase the risk of certain serious eye problems.

Air Optix Colors

Want to switch up your look? Air Optix Colors contacts provide the same great breathability and comfort as the standard clear lenses but feature vibrant color technology encapsulated right into the lens material. Whether you need vision correction or just want to change your eye color with a non-prescription lens, you’ll still need a valid prescription from your eye doctor to order them.

Astigmatism and multifocal options

If you have a more complex prescription, Alcon has you covered. Air Optix plus HydraGlyde for Astigmatism features a specialized design that keeps the lens stable on your eye, providing consistently clear vision without shifting. For those experiencing age-related near vision changes, the multifocal versions offer seamless transitions between near, intermediate, and distance vision.

Understanding your wear and replacement schedule

All Air Optix lenses are monthly replacement contact lenses. After one month of use, you simply throw them away and open a fresh new pair. Taking good care of your contact lenses between uses by cleaning them with an appropriate solution—like Opti-Free Puremoist or Clear Care Plus with HydraGlyde—will help ensure you get the cleanest, most comfortable experience possible.

If you’re wondering how long you can wear Air Optix lenses each day, they’re designed to deliver all-day comfort. When it comes to extended continuous wear, only Air Optix plus HydraGlyde and Air Optix Night and Day Aqua are approved for overnight wear, and only if your eye care professional approves it for your specific eyes. Always follow the replacement schedule provided by your eye doctor.

How to safely order your contacts online

Buying your contact lenses online should be a straightforward process. To get started, you’ll need a current, valid prescription from your eye doctor. This prescription will specify your brand, base curve, diameter, and power for each eye.

When purchasing, you’ll typically find these contact lenses sold in a convenient 6-pack, providing a six-month supply for one eye. Many online retailers accept vision insurance or allow you to use Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) funds to complete your purchase. We recommend taking advantage of free shipping options and choosing a retailer that offers reliable customer support in case you need help verifying your prescription details.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the older Air Optix Aqua and the newer versions?

Alcon has transitioned many of its older Aqua contact lenses to the newer HydraGlyde formulation. If you previously wore the standard Aqua version, you’ll find that the Plus HydraGlyde provides an upgraded moisture experience while maintaining the same reliable fit.

Are these contact lenses a good choice if I want maximum comfort?

Yes, they provide excellent comfort for a full 30 days. However, if you’re looking for the absolute latest in lens comfort technology, you might want to ask your eye doctor about switching to Total30, Alcon’s newer monthly replacement water gradient contact lenses that feature nearly 100 percent water at the surface.

Can I wear these contact lenses if I have astigmatism?

Absolutely. The astigmatism-specific variants are carefully weighted to align correctly on your eye, ensuring your vision stays sharp and clear throughout the day.