TOTAL30 vs. AIR OPTIX
Direct your attention to center stage, where we have the latest contestants ready to duke it out for the title of "Most Comfortable Monthly Contact Lens You'll Forget You're Wearing." Okay, we made that up, but it's still fun to think about! Our contest pits TOTAL30® vs. AIR OPTIX® lenses in the showdown of the century.
Both types of lenses are made by Alcon, but they have different compositions. TOTAL30 contains lehfilcon A, while AIR OPTIX has lotrafilcon A or B depending on which type of lens you order. Both ingredients are silicone hydrogels, so they keep your eyes moist all day long. TOTAL30 and AIR OPTIX also share these characteristics:
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They're both made by Alcon.
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They're monthly contact lenses, so you can wear both brands daily for up to 30 days.
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They're designed for all-day comfort.
Sure, these lenses have a lot in common, but they're not twins. More like cousins who only see each other on holidays. Keep reading to find out who wins in the battle of TOTAL30 vs. AIR OPTIX.
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Material & design
TOTAL30 packs a one-two punch, keeping your eyes moist and protecting you from the little gremlins that can cause eye infections and discomfort. Lehfilcon A comes with Water Gradient® technology to provide the perfect balance of comfort and moisture. In simple terms, the water content of the lens increases near the surface, making you forget you're wearing lenses at all.
TOTAL30 contacts also incorporate Celligent® technology, which mimics the surface of the cornea. Why should you care? Because Celligent prevents gunk from building up and irritating delicate eye tissue. Lehfilcon A also prevents bacteria from sticking to your eyes. The bottom line? TOTAL30 lenses help you see clearly without causing any discomfort.
AIR OPTIX lenses use either lotrafilcon A or lotrafilcon B to keep your eyes cool and comfortable. Lotrafilcon A allows plenty of oxygen to reach the cornea, so it helps preserve your eye health. Lotrafilcon B also has a high level of oxygen permeability, but it's FDA-approved for up to 7 days of continuous wear. In contrast, lotrafilcon A is approved for up to 30 days of continuous wear.
Some AIR OPTIX contacts even have HydraGlyde® technology to enhance hydration. Better hydration leads to better comfort. HydraGlyde is a wetting agent, so it attracts moisture instead of repelling it.
TOTAL30 gives you three options:
AIR OPTIX offers a little more variety:
Comfort
TOTAL30 and AIR OPTIX are pretty evenly matched when it comes to comfort. Both types of lenses contain silicone hydrogel, so there's no need to worry about dryness and irritation. However, TOTAL30 and AIR OPTIX use different technologies to improve eye health and ensure that you can tolerate your lenses for hours on end.
TOTAL30 Technology
The Water Gradient found in TOTAL30 lenses gives you the perfect balance of moisture and breathability. It also maximizes surface lubricity. For those of us who don't work for NASA, lubricity is simply the ability to reduce friction between two surfaces. The less friction you have between your contact lens and your eye, the more comfortable you'll be.
TOTAL30 lenses also have a lower surface modulus. In contact lens lingo, surface modulus refers to how stiff a material is. A lower modulus indicates increased flexibility, which can make your lenses even more comfortable.
AIR OPTIX Technology
In addition to HydraGlyde, some AIR OPTIX lenses have SmartShield® technology to prevent proteins from building up on the lenses. It's normal to have some protein in your eyes, as your tears contain albumin, lactoferrin, and other high-protein substances.
Unfortunately, these proteins can form deposits on contact lenses, irritating your eyes and making them more susceptible to infections. SmartShield is your first line of defense against these deposits. As an added bonus, SmartShield technology creates a thin protective layer on each lens, maximizing moisture all day long.
Price
If you're comparing TOTAL30 vs. AIR OPTIX, don't forget to check the price of each option. Here's what you can expect to pay for each type of lens:
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TOTAL30: $76.99 (6-pack)
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TOTAL30 for Astigmatism: $81.99 (6-pack)
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TOTAL30 Multifocal: $114.99 (6-pack)
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AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde: $69.99 (6-pack)
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AIR OPTIX NIGHT & DAY AQUA: $119.99 (6-pack)
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AIR OPTIX COLORS: $52.99 (2-pack) or $128.99 (6-pack)
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AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde for Astigmatism: $88.99 (6-pack)
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AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde Multifocal: $119.99 (6-pack)
As you can see, there isn't much of a price difference between the two brands. For example, when comparing AIR OPTIX HydraGlyde vs. TOTAL30 standard lenses, the TOTAL30 contacts cost just $7 more than the AIR OPTIX contacts. This means you can choose the best brand for your eyes without worrying about affordability.
Note that these are the regular prices for these products. 1-800 Contacts often offers discounts to make your lenses even more affordable.
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Is TOTAL30 better than AIR OPTIX?
Now that you've got an eye-opening look (lol) at TOTAL30 vs. AIR OPTIX contact lenses, it's clear that one brand isn't really better than the other. TOTAL30 and AIR OPTIX both have advanced technology designed to boost moisture, maximize comfort, and prevent gunk from building up on your lenses.
AIR OPTIX contacts are slightly more affordable, so if you're a budget-conscious shopper, they may be a better fit for your lifestyle. Otherwise, you can't go wrong with either brand. Once you have a prescription, use 1-800 Contacts to order a pair.
Did you know you can order contacts online?
Say goodbye to trips to the eye doctor and hello to convenience! With 1-800 Contacts, you can easily order your contact lenses online and have them delivered straight to your door. Plus, our online vision exam makes it simple to get the prescription you need without leaving home. And the best part? You’ll save money on your first order with 1-800 Contacts. It’s never been easier to get your contacts!