ACUVUE VITA contacts and ACUVUE OASYS with HYDRACLEAR PLUS Technology are two of Johnson & Johnson Vision’s most popular products.
They are toe to toe when it comes to recommendations from eye care professionals. Additionally, each ranks highly in user reviews from newcomers and seasoned contact lens wearers.
Both brands offer reliable vision correction with long-lasting comfort, moisture, and lens breathability. But are they equal on all counts? Let’s take a closer look at key features to see if either one has the edge.
Material and Wear Schedule
ACUVUE VITA and OASYS lenses are made using Johnson & Johnson’s proprietary silicone hydrogel, which the company describes as “a soft, water-holding polymer.” However, the length of wear differs between lens brands.
ACUVUE VITA
ACUVUE VITA contacts are designed for month-long wear. Daily cleaning and storage can help ensure the lenses remain durable, moist, and soft for 30 days.
It’s important to note that they are strictly for all-day wear only. Don’t make the mistake of sleeping in these contacts. They may dry up and irritate your eyes.
ACUVUE OASYS with HYDRACLEAR PLUS Technology
The silicone hydrogel materials in ACUVUE OASYS lenses are optimized for one to two weeks of daily use. Proper care allows you to enjoy superior comfort and clarity for up to fourteen days before changing lenses.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved OASYS lenses for up to seven days and six nights of extended wear, but you should always exercise caution when wearing lenses for long periods.
Technology, Hydration, and Comfort
ACUVUE VITA contacts feature the company’s HydraMax Technology, which is designed for optimum moisture retention and comfort that lasts the whole day. This innovation makes these lenses highly breathable and comfortable.
Additionally, ACUVUE VITA offers an INFINITY EDGE design. This means the edge of the lens is tapered for soft comfort and moisture permeability.
The HYDRACLEAR PLUS Technology used in ACUVUE OASYS lenses was inspired by the way human tears work. A wetting agent is permanently embedded in each lens, ensuring all-day extended-wear comfort.
The Composition of the Contact Lenses
I know it sounds technical, but understanding what these lenses are made of explains a lot about why they feel different throughout their wear cycles. Once you know this, those subtle differences will start making way more sense.
Water Content and Oxygen Permeability
ACUVUE VITA lenses have 41% water content. ACUVUE OASYS with HYDRACLEAR PLUS, on the other hand, has 38%. The 3% difference may seem small. However, it makes a significant difference when it comes to how well each lens keeps moisture locked in throughout the day.
Higher water content equals better initial comfort when you put them in, but the lenses need to retain that moisture to keep your eyes from feeling dry by midday.
The oxygen transmissibility (Dk/t) determines how much oxygen reaches your cornea through the lens material. In simple terms: how well your lenses let your eyes breathe. Both ACUVUE VITA and ACUVUE OASYS have a score of 147 (OASYS drops to 129 for stronger prescriptions, though).
Experts recommend at least 87 for daily wear and 125 if you’re planning to sleep in them. Both lenses clear those benchmarks easily!
How the Lenses Feel in Your Hands
Lenses have what’s called a “modulus rating,” which is basically how stiff or floppy a lens is. ACUVUE VITA scores a 0.7 MPa, while ACUVUE OASYS is a 0.72 MPa. To keep things simple, that essentially means VITA is slightly softer and floppier, while OASYS is a tiny bit firmer.
VITA lenses are more flexible and mold to your eye easily. However, that extra softness means they can fold on your finger if you’re not careful. OASYS lenses hold their shape better when you’re handling them. This is a great thing to consider, especially if you’re still new to contacts.
Once in your eye, the softer VITA lens moves with you more naturally, while the firmer OASYS lens keeps its shape better during screen time or in dry air.
UV Protection
ACUVUE OASYS and ACUVUE VITA contact lenses both block UV rays, giving your eyes an extra layer of sun protection. Of course, this is just an additional shield and should not replace the protection offered by UV-blocking sunglasses.
Vision Correction
ACUVUE VITA and OASYS offer the same vision correction options, which include a range of refractive errors, such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. To get a proper prescription, book an appointment with your eye doctor.
Cost Comparison
Both VITA and OASYS come in 6-packs and 12-packs. Their 12-pack prices are close, but each box of OASYS is typically about 25% cheaper upfront.
“Upfront” is the key term. Even if each pair of OASYS lasts you a full two weeks, you’ll need two pairs of OASYS with HYDRACLEAR PLUS per month, which amounts to four 12-packs per year.
Since each pair of VITA lenses can be worn monthly, two boxes of ACUVUE VITA contacts should last a year. Therefore, ACUVUE VITA contacts will cost you less annually than OASYS lenses.
Care and Maintenance Requirements
The maintenance routines for monthly and bi-weekly lenses differ in ways that affect both your time and your wallet. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Cleaning Solutions and Daily Care
ACUVUE VITA works great with solutions that have extra moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or polyquaternium, so be sure to look for products that include those. The monthly lenses will always need thorough cleaning every night:
- Put the lens in your palm
- Add three to four drops of contact lens solution
- Rub gently for 20 seconds on each side
- Rinse for five seconds
- Then store in a fresh solution
ACUVUE OASYS also needs the same cleaning routine, but you can cut rubbing time to about 15 seconds per side since proteins build up more slowly.
Just one rule to keep in mind for both: never reuse yesterday’s solution. Empty your case every morning and let it air dry!
Case Hygiene and Deposits
Remember to replace your lens case every month for ACUVUE VITA and every two weeks for ACUVUE OASYS. Do rinse your cases daily with fresh solution (never tap water), air dry upside down, and scrub weekly with a soft toothbrush.
Also note that ACUVUE VITA lenses start collecting protein buildup around day 10 of wear. By day 20, some people see visible deposits as tiny white spots that blur vision.
ACUVUE OASYS lenses, on the other hand, collect deposits more slowly due to their two-week cycle. (Pro tip: Remove makeup before touching lenses. Mascara and face products speed up deposit buildup on both types!)
Who Should Choose Each Lens
If you are an office worker who spends at least six hours a day staring at screens, then ACUVUE OASYS would be your best bet. Using digital devices decreases how often you blink, which means there’s faster evaporation of moisture. But the HYDRACLEAR PLUS wetting agent helps keep your eyes from drying out.
Outdoor professionals who work in the midst of wind, dust, and changing humidity will probably appreciate ACUVUE VITA more. The higher water content and HydraMax Technology keep moisture stable despite environmental challenges.
Tear production naturally drops after 40. If you’re over 40, ACUVUE VITA might work better because the higher water content puts less stress on aging tear films.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even high-quality lenses can give you trouble. Knowing how to handle these issues ahead of time can save a lot of frustration.
When ACUVUE VITA lenses feel dry during week three or four, use preservative-free rewetting drops every two to three hours instead of waiting until discomfort kicks in. Personally, I think this proactive approach makes way more sense than suffering through dry eyes all day.
Monthly lenses collect more protein deposits simply because they stay in use longer. If you’re wearing ACUVUE VITA, use a weekly protein remover on top of daily cleaning. This is one of those things that seems like an extra step, but it genuinely makes a difference during that final week.
Both lens types could get uncomfortable during high pollen seasons. For ACUVUE VITA wearers, consider replacing monthly lenses every two weeks during peak allergy months. The extra cost is usually worth it compared to constant discomfort.
The softer ACUVUE VITA lens sometimes folds during insertion. Add a drop of saline solution to your fingertip before insertion to help it keep its shape. Once you get the hang of this trick, it becomes second nature.
If you’re experiencing discomfort, schedule an appointment with your eye care professional. I know it’s tempting to push through, but your eye health is more important than convenience!
What Verified Buyers Say
Don’t take my word for it. Check the EZContacts reviews to see what verified buyers say about ACUVUE VITA and OASYS contacts.
Team VITA
Crystal W.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Awesome contacts
I love my contacts. They are comfortable as easy to use. No issues.
Zoran W.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Super comfortable
I’ve been wearing these for two years now. They are the most comfortable contacts I’ve had in the 36 years I’ve worn contact lenses.
Ronald Cervino G.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Good Contacts
Good contacts. They are easy to use and they can last up to a month without any trouble as long as you don’t wear them at night.
Team OASYS
Wayne W.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love these contacts as they are always comfortable. I never have trouble getting them like others that I have tried! Thank you for the terrific price too!
Sunny P.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hydrating Contacts
Love these contacts, very hydrating and comfortable. I’ve switched to other brands throughout the years, but always end up going right back to the Acuvue Oasys. EZ Contacts always makes the ordering process a breeze and their prices are unbeatable.
Michelle L.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Comfort and quality
I’ve been using Acuvue Oasys for years and will never switch to anything else. Comfort and quality above all else!
The Verdict
ACUVUE VITA and OASYS lenses with HYDRACLEAR PLUS are truly two comparable Johnson & Johnson Vision contact lens products. Their vision correction and comfort are beyond reproach. But, as we found out, these products target different lifestyles.
- ACUVUE OASYS is your best option if you want flexibility, convenience, reliable vision correction, and comfort. Maybe you have an active lifestyle that keeps you moving all day and night.
Suppose you’re the type who feels so tired by the end of the day that you forget about your contact lenses. ACUVUE OASYS gives you the flexibility to do this. With your doctor’s approval, you can sleep safely while wearing your OASYS for up to six nights.
- ACUVUE VITA is best for people who want reliable vision correction and comfort in affordable contacts made for longer wear without changing lenses. Johnson & Johnson Vision’s technology ensures that your ACUVUE VITA lenses are safe and comfortable to wear for a month.
Remember, though, extended wear contacts, such as ACUVUE OASYS with HYDRACLEAR PLUS, can begin to feel uncomfortable for people with dry eyes or a history of eye infections the longer they wear them.
Choose according to your needs and preferences. In my book, ACUVUE VITA and OASYS lenses with HYDRACLEAR PLUS are winners!
TL;DR
- ACUVUE VITA contacts and ACUVUE OASYS with HYDRACLEAR PLUS Technology are both popular contact lenses from Johnson & Johnson. Both brands offer long-lasting comfort, moisture, and lens breathability. However, there are some differences between the brands.
- When it comes to wear schedule, ACUVUE VITA contacts are designed for monthly wear.
- ACUVUE OASYS with HYDRACLEAR PLUS can be worn for one to two weeks. They’re also FDA-approved for extended wear.
- ACUVUE VITA contacts feature HydraMax Technology and an INFINITY EDGE Design. ACUVUE OASYS contacts have HYDRACLEAR PLUS Technology, which is inspired by how human tears work.
- ACUVUE VITA lenses have 41% water content. ACUVUE OASYS with HYDRACLEAR PLUS contacts have 38% water content. Both ACUVUE VITA and ACUVUE OASYS have a Dk/t score of 147.
- ACUVUE OASYS and ACUVUE VITA contact lenses both offer UV protection.
- ACUVUE VITA and OASYS offer the same vision correction options, which include a range of refractive errors.
- For cost, OASYS is about 25% cheaper upfront than ACUVUE VITA. However, ACUVUE VITA contacts will cost you less annually than OASYS lenses.
- Make sure to clean both lenses thoroughly every night, and replace your lens case every month for ACUVUE VITA and every two weeks for ACUVUE OASYS.
- ACUVUE VITA contacts may get protein deposits. Make sure to use a weekly protein remover to keep them clean.
- Both ACUVUE OASYS and ACUVUE VITA have many positive reviews from verified EZContacts buyers.
Always consult with a licensed eye care professional before choosing or using contact lenses. Proper fitting, prescription accuracy, and eye health assessments are essential to ensure safety and comfort.
