Air Optix is a family of reusable monthly contact lenses from Alcon. The range includes spherical lenses for short-sightedness and long-sightedness, together with Air Optix Plus Hydraglyde Astigmatism for astigmatism. The individual Air Optix lenses use different materials, technologies and approved wearing schedules.
Air Optix contact lenses for different vision needs
Air Optix Aqua and Air Optix Plus Hydraglyde are spherical monthly contact lenses, while Air Optix Plus Hydraglyde Astigmatism is designed for people with astigmatism. Air Optix Night & Day Aqua is also a spherical monthly lens and has a different approved wearing schedule from the other models in the range.
If you have astigmatism, you can also explore our toric contact lenses to compare other available lens options.
Materials and technologies within the Air Optix range
Air Optix lenses are silicone hydrogel contact lenses, but the material differs between models. Air Optix Aqua, Air Optix Plus Hydraglyde and Air Optix Plus Hydraglyde Astigmatism are made from lotrafilcon B, while Air Optix Night & Day Aqua is made from lotrafilcon A.
The Air Optix lenses in this range use SmartShield® Technology. Air Optix Plus Hydraglyde and Air Optix Plus Hydraglyde Astigmatism also use HydraGlyde® Moisture Matrix, while the astigmatism lens uses PRECISION BALANCE 8|4® Design for toric correction. Specifications should therefore be checked for the individual lens rather than assumed to apply in the same way across the entire Air Optix range.
Monthly replacement and different wearing schedules
All Air Optix lenses in this collection have a monthly replacement schedule, but replacement schedule and wearing schedule are not the same thing. Air Optix Aqua and Air Optix Plus Hydraglyde Astigmatism are designed for daily wear and should be removed before sleep.
Air Optix Plus Hydraglyde may be approved for extended wear for up to 7 nights, while Air Optix Night & Day Aqua may be approved for continuous wear for up to 30 nights. Overnight or continuous wear should only be followed when it is appropriate for the specific lens and has been recommended for you by your optician or eye care professional.
You can also explore our monthly contact lenses and 24/7 contact lenses to compare other reusable lens options and wearing schedules.
Choosing and reordering Air Optix contact lenses
When reordering Air Optix contact lenses, use the same lens model and prescription parameters recommended for you by your optician or eye care professional. Depending on the lens type, these parameters can include power, base curve, diameter, cylinder and axis.
Our guide to contact lens parameters explains the most common values used when ordering contact lenses online. Matching prescription values alone does not necessarily mean that one Air Optix model can be substituted for another, as material, optical design, fit and approved wearing schedule vary between products.
