Home BUY SMART AIR OPTIX AQUA Vs HydraGlyde: Which One’s Better?

AIR OPTIX AQUA Vs HydraGlyde: Which One’s Better?

by Roda Novenario
A woman trying to choose between Alcon AIR OPTIX Night & Day AQUA and AIR OPTIX Plus HydraGlyde contact lenses

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AIR OPTIX Night & Day AQUA and AIR OPTIX Plus HydraGlyde are two of the most popular contact lens products by Alcon Inc. Both have gained loyal users, owing to the lenses’ superior hydration and comfort. 

But is one better than the other? Let’s compare Night & Day AQUA against AIR OPTIX Plus HydraGlyde and find out!

Material and Technology

Both lines of lenses utilize Alcon’s proprietary silicone hydrogel material, known for its high oxygen permeability. 

Your eyes get to breathe, reducing discomfort and the risk of dryness. This is why both AIR OPTIX AQUA and HydraGlyde are some of the most comfortable lenses around. 

There are minor differences in how the material is used by each product, though.

AIR OPTIX Night & Day AQUA

A box of Alcon AIR OPTIX Night & Day AQUA contact lenses with SmartShield Technology
AIR OPTIX Night & Day AQUA Contact Lenses

AIR OPTIX Night & Day AQUA optimizes the silicone hydrogel’s unique structure for the optimal flow of oxygen and advanced moisture retention.

AIR OPTIX HydraGlyde

A box of Alcon AIR OPTIX Plus HydraGlyde contact lenses with SmartShield Technology
AIR OPTIX Plus HydraGlyde Contact Lenses

Alcon’s HydraGlyde lenses are made with a more advanced silicone hydrogel material that incorporates the company’s proprietary HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix Technology. It retains moisture and reduces friction on the eye, making these lenses some of the most comfortable on the market.

Hydration and Moisture

Hydration and moisture are crucial for maintaining the comfort and safety of contact lenses throughout the day. Properly hydrated lenses help prevent dryness, irritation, and blurry vision by maintaining a smooth, breathable surface between your eye and the lens.

AIR OPTIX AQUA

AIR OPTIX AQUA features Alcon’s exclusive SmartShield Technology, which creates an ultra-thin layer that protects the lens from deposits. As a result, AQUA is FDA-approved for daily wear and up to one month of continuous wear (with your doctor’s approval).

Additionally, thanks to the natural moisture-retaining properties of silicone hydrogel, you can look forward to advanced hydration for all-day use.

AIR OPTIX HydraGlyde

When it comes to lens hydration, AIR OPTIX HydraGlyde’s Moisture Matrix feature is the star of the show! This exclusive innovation creates a smooth, slick surface that helps keep moisture while reducing friction. You can enjoy a consistently comfortable feeling for up to 30 days of daily use.

Oxygen Permeability

Oxygen permeability refers to the lens’s ability to allow oxygen to pass through and reach the cornea. Both of these Alcon AIR OPTIX products provide superior oxygen permeability compared to other contact lenses.

While the differences between AQUA and HydraGlyde are minor, HydraGlyde’s more advanced materials and innovative technology allow for slightly better oxygen permeability.

Longevity and Replacement Schedule

Both AQUA and HydraGlyde contact lenses are monthly disposables. Be sure to mark your calendars to replace your lenses after 30 days of daily use.

AIR OPTIX AQUA

AIR OPTIX Night & Day AQUA is FDA-approved for 30 nights of continuous wear, making it ideal for individuals with busy lifestyles.

Of course, not everyone will feel comfortable wearing lenses for 30 straight nights. However, although this feature comes in handy for people who accidentally fall asleep with their lenses on, it is recommended that you consult your eye doctor before making this a habit.

AIR OPTIX HydraGlyde

AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde contacts are also extended-wear lenses. You can safely wear them continuously for up to six nights. Again, as with our AQUA recommendation, please consult your eye doctor before doing so.

Comfort and Feel

While comfort is always subjective, many users have shared their observations regarding these two product lines.

AIR OPTIX AQUA 

Users generally agree that you can wear Air Optix AQUA contacts the whole day without any significant discomfort. Moisture retention and high oxygen permeability lend to this quality.

Plus, they’re easy to insert and remove, making it easy for first-time contact lens users to adapt to them.

AIR OPTIX HydraGlyde

Due to Moisture Matrix Technology, AIR OPTIX with HydraGlyde contact lenses are typically rated more comfortable than AQUA. Many users report a smoother, more comfortable experience, especially by day’s end.

Cost

Right now, at EZContacts, a six-pack of AIR OPTIX with HydraGlyde contact lenses costs $32 less than AIR OPTIX Night & Day AQUA.

What Verified Buyers Say

Wondering what real wearers think of Alcon AIR OPTIX AQUA and HydraGlyde contact lenses? These reviews from verified customers should give you a good look at how these lenses perform in everyday life.

Team AIR OPTIX AQUA

An EZContacts verified customer review of Alcon AIR OPTIX Night & Day AQUA contact lenses with SmartShield Technology
AIR OPTIX Night & Day AQUA Customer Review

Chris M. rated these contacts five stars, calling them the “Best contacts on the market” and “Life changing”! Dr. Amanda B. also gave these lenses a five-star review and said, “I love these contacts! I wear them for 30 days straight – no problem!” She claimed they are “The Best Contacts for Monthly Wear!”

Araya C. ordered the AIR OPTIX Night & Day 3-Pack and had a lot to share about her positive experience:

The most amazing contacts I’ve ever worn!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“The contacts are a God send for people with vision as awful as mine! I love not having to wake up and put on glasses or put in contacts every single morning just so I can see more than blurs of color. They’re comfortable, extremely breathable, and the price is amazing. They don’t dry out, even when Im just waking up. I often forget I’m even wearing contacts with these, which is incredible. I absolutely love these. I’ve been wearing them for years, though I’ll occasionally get a pair that I do have to take out at night or wear my glasses for a week or 2 just to give my eyes a break from constant wear.”

Team AIR OPTIX HydraGlyde

An EZContacts verified customer review of Alcon AIR OPTIX Plus HydraGlyde contact lenses with SmartShield Technology
AIR OPTIX Plus HydraGlyde Customer Review

Michael W. rated AIR OPTIX with HydraGlyde five stars and reported that they’re “very comfortable.” John V. shared the same rating and sentiment, adding, “They are very durable and last as expected.” Cori said, “I have been wearing these contacts for the past 6 years and been satisfied with the breathability, flexibility, and comfort. No reason to try anything else. I’d recommend them to any contact lens wearer.”

Jessica E. tried another brand but came back to AIR OPTIX with HydraGlyde:

Hydrating and Comfortable
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“After wearing these contacts for years with no issues, my doctor suggested that I try a different brand’s contact lenses. The other brand had a great rebate so I tried them, but after a few months I felt like they were leaving my eyes dry towards the end of the day. I was grateful to switch back to the HydraGlyde contact lenses and get back to normal.”

Which of These AIR OPTIX Contact Lenses Is Better?

Both AIR OPTIX AQUA and AIR OPTIX HydraGlyde are excellent contact lenses when it comes to the essential qualities that contacts need to have: comfort, oxygen permeability, and moisture retention. 

  • AIR OPTIX AQUA has an edge over HydraGlyde when it comes to how long you can wear them safely. AQUA is FDA-approved for 30 days of continuous wear, compared to HydraGlyde’s 6 nights of extended wear. Many verified users rave about the convenience of wearing their AQUA lenses for a month.
  • AIR OPTIX HydraGlyde has a slight edge in comfort due to its Moisture Matrix Technology. It is also cheaper than AIR OPTIX Night & Day AQUA.

So, in conclusion, the best AIR OPTIX option for you depends on what you prioritize: comfort and cost versus convenience.

Shop AIR OPTIX Contact Lenses

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