What is the difference between Biofinity and XR?

Welcome to the Biofinity universe — where all the lenses are soft, breathable, and suspiciously similar-sounding. Biofinity, Biofinity XR, Biofinity Toric, XR Toric ... it’s giving multiverse. Or at the very least, a confusing group chat of prescription-strength clones.

Let’s get this untangled.

There are three main types you’ll bump into under the Biofinity umbrella:

• Biofinity. The standard option — monthly lenses for most everyday prescriptions. It comes in variations like Multifocal, Energys, and Toric, but they’re all based on the same lens.

• Biofinity Toric. A specialty lens in the Biofinity family made to correct astigmatism, using stabilizing tech that keeps things from shifting when you blink, nap, or dramatically roll your eyes.

• Biofinity XR. XR means extended range. These lenses go where standard prescriptions can't — handling higher levels of nearsightedness and farsightedness. They look the same, feel the same, but are custom-made for eyes with more extreme prescriptions.

All three are made from the same material. All three are monthly disposables. All three are more hydrated than you after a long walk in the sun. But they do different jobs — and picking the wrong one can mean discomfort or full-on contact lens chaos (AKA blur). So, let’s break it down, lens by lens.

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Biofinity

Biofinity is the original option. These lenses are designed to correct common levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and presbyopia — and unless your prescription strays into extreme territory, this is probably where you’ll land.

Biofinity lenses are made with Aquaform® Technology, which sounds like a spell but is really a fancy silicone hydrogel that lets oxygen flow in and lets moisture stick around. Think all-day hydration with none of the swampy fogginess of cheaper lenses. You can also get them in:

• Biofinity Multifocal for when your vision up-close and far-away stop playing nice

• Biofinity Energys for screen-heavy lives and squint-induced forehead wrinkles

Biofinity lenses are sort of like your favorite hoodie — low-maintenance and reliable across situations.

• Best for: Anyone with standard –12.00 to +8.00 prescriptions who wants crisp, comfortable vision without high-maintenance routines

• Price range: Lower than Toric and XR

• Features and materials:

• Aquaform® silicone hydrogel that keeps eyes hydrated, breathable, and blissfully unaware they’re wearing contacts

• Soft lens design that flexes with your eye, not against it (no plastic-y stiffness here)

• Monthly replacement schedule, with extended wear up to 6 nights — but only if your eye care professional gives you the all-clear

Biofinity Toric

Your cornea doesn’t need to be perfectly round. It’s not auditioning for a geometry textbook. But when it’s more oblong than circular (hi, astigmatism), you need a lens that understands curves. That’s where Biofinity Toric comes in.

Unlike regular lenses (which can slide around and turn your vision into a blur party) Biofinity Toric is built to stay exactly where it belongs. Its lens shape and thickness are calibrated to keep your vision stable from blink one to hour 12.

And because it’s part of the Biofinity family, you still get the good stuff. Expect breathable materials, moisture-locking comfort, and that deliciously easygoing monthly wear schedule.

• Best for: Anyone with mild to moderate astigmatism who’s tired of blur zones, drifting lenses, and squinting like it’s a personality trait

• Price range: Slightly higher than standard Biofinity because toric lenses require more specialized design, but still more affordable than custom XR lenses

• Features and materials:

• Optimized Toric Lens Geometry for rock-steady orientation — aka no spinning, even during naps or neck-craning Netflix marathons

• Aquaform® silicone hydrogel that keeps oxygen flowing and moisture locked in 

• Flexible monthly replacement with extended wear possible — if your eye care professional gives it a yes

Biofinity XR

If Biofinity lenses are for most people, Biofinity XR is for niche people. The high-prescription crowd to be exact. Yes, you, folks whose lens powers are practically superhero-grade.

XR stands for extended range. These lenses are built for prescriptions that go beyond what standard Biofinity can handle — while keeping the same soft feel, moisture-retaining comfort, and breathable fit. 

Think of Biofinity XR as the same base lens, just engineered to handle a broader range of corrections. Not fancier, just made to go further.

• Best for: People with higher prescriptions (–12.50 to –20.00 or +8.50 to +15.00) who need reliable, comfortable correction for extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness

• Price range: More expensive than standard or toric lenses due to the custom manufacturing involved but still significantly more affordable than la-di-da specialty contacts or scleral lenses

• Features and materials:

• Same Aquaform® silicone hydrogel found in every Biofinity lens — because high prescriptions shouldn’t mean less comfort

• Extended prescription parameters in 0.50 diopter increments to match your exact needs

• Monthly wear with extended wear potential (again, that’s up to your eye care professional)

Is Biofinity XR extended wear?

Biofinity XR is approved for extended wear — up to 6 nights and 7 days of continuous use. But let’s be real, just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

Extended wear depends on more than what the box says. Your eye care professional will consider things like your eye health, lens-wearing history, tear film stability, and how well your corneas handle overnight wear. Some people thrive with it, but that doesn't mean there's no chance you'll end up red-eyed and regretting your choices.

If you’re wondering whether you can sleep in your XRs, the best thing to do is ask your eye care pro. (Hint: Reddit isn't your eye care pro.) When in doubt, take them out. Your future self (and your oxygen-starved corneas) will thank you.

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Biofinity vs Biofinity XR

Let’s make this simple. Biofinity XR isn't a better version of Biofinity. It’s the same lens design, made for higher prescriptions. 

They both offer soft, breathable comfort, use the same materials, and follow a monthly schedule. But XR is custom-built to handle more intense vision correction.

Here’s a quick visual breakdown:

If your prescription fits within the standard Biofinity range, that’s your match. No need to get fancy. For those of you with a prescription that steps outside the norm, Biofinity XR is there to keep your vision sharp and your lenses comfortable. If astigmatism is your Achilles heel, Biofinity Toric has your back. 

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!