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Note: The views expressed on the AC Lens Forums are solely those of the individual users and do not reflect the views of AC Lens or ACLens.com employees. Any medical references are opinion only. Please consult with your optometrist when making decisions regarding your vision care options.

Biofinity monthly replacement lenses are made with a unique, naturally wettable third-generation silicone hydrogel material, comfilcon A that offers high water content and high oxygen transmissibility, according to Coopervision

This lens has been available in the UK for several months and is the first daily disposable silicon hydrogel on the market. The lens is expensive at $67 for one months supply. Is it worth this premium price? Here is my take on the lens.

I have worn contact lenses for 32 years starting with PHEMA lenses (low water content and not good in term of oxygen permeability) and have tried many different polymers and designs, including very high water content lenses and daily disposables. I am an opticians worst nightmare: 1) Sensitive to preservatives, many cleaning agents and enzymes. 2) A heavy depositor and a sensitivity to them as well. 3) Problems with dry eyes. 4) A need for very high oxygen permeability or I get corneal oedema (as evidenced by rainbow effect round lights).

Daily disposables (both Acuvue Moist and Focus Dailies) get round the deposit problem, but dryness and insufficient oxygen flow was always an issue. Frequent replacement high water content lenses using Clear Care (the only solution that I tolerate) was a preferable alternative. However, even after one week’s use, the deposit problem would start to kick-in. Problems with dryness remained.

I moved to silicon hydrogels with mixed results and, in my 30 years wearing experience, I am very aware that the ‘best’ contact lens is very much a matter of fit, oxygen flow, resistance to dehydration and really the surface characteristics of the lens and the way this interacts with an individuals particular tear composition. This latter aspect is often underestimated in its importance.

So a brief encounter with O2 Optix; not a lens that suited me at all. Acuvue Advance was a big step forward. No oedema, nice white eyes, little dryness at the computer and the ability to nap in them as well. However, these lenses do not have good surface wetability (although J&J get round this initially with a wetting agent in the blister pack). The major problem was that the lenses deposited very heavily with lipids into only a few days of wear…and not being able to use a strong cleaner like Miraflow this was problematic. Thence to Acuvue Oasys. This lens was a definite improvement. The lipid problem was still present, but less so. However, the wetability of the surface still fell short and there was an annoying tendency for the lens to smear. I needed to replace this lens on a weekly basis. Next on the list was the new Avaira lens from Coopervision and for me, this really was a step in the right direction. I was often totally unaware of the lens and the visual acuity and tear film stability was excellent. The lens performed well for around 5 days before the deposit effect kicked in. Finally, the new Acuvue Trueye lens. This has been a revelation to me. I assumed that this would just be a re-packaged clone of the Advance lens, albeit with a different polymer variant. However, I was wrong in this and pleasantly surprised. The tear film stability and optical clarity is simply outstanding. Perhaps similar to a premium high water content lens. However, unlike the latter, problems with dehydration is almost non-existent and consequently dimensional stability and exceptional oxygen flow is maintained all day long…and I can nap.

I’m lucky in that the fit of the lens is spot on for myself and this may not be the case for everyone. However, in my mind, J&J have absolutely set the new standard for contact lenses. I really feel that this is a genuine step-change in lens technology to the extent that I’ve deferred on laser surgery.

The price is hefty, but in my own situation, as a problem patient, this lens is worth the price. Wait to see the other manufacturers play catch up. That will drive the price down and also provide the variations in fit characteristics to suit more patients. Good days ahead for contact lens wear!

Donald M. - Scotland

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This post is by a guest blogger. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views of AC Lens or ACLens.com employees. Any medical references are opinion only. Please consult with your optometrist when making decisions regarding your vision care options.

Ciba Vision plans to expand the parameter range for Air Optix for Astigmatism even further in the future to include plus powers (for farsighted patients).

Air Optix for Astigmatism is generally worn as a monthly replacement lens, and is approved for up to 6 nights wear.

Offer ends soon so buy now before it’s too late!

• Make sure your prescription does not expire by December 31st. An expired prescription means you can’t order replacement contact lenses prior to holiday travel without visiting your eye doctor.
• If you’re prescription has expired, schedule your eye doctor appointment before the holidays start. December is such a busy month that getting your eyes checked now can save you a lot of time later.
• Don’t wait until the last minute to purchase contact lenses. Due to the nature of prescription verification and other issues, processing an order of contacts can take several days in some cases which could be too late for your holiday travel plans. Also, ordering late could mean additional overnight or express shipping charges.
• Those who plan to travel by plane should stock up on travel size bottles of contact lens solution, cleaners, and eye drops. Liquids are limited to 3 fl. oz. and anything over will be thrown away at security.
• Do you have a Flexible Spending Account? Don’t forget FSA dollars expire 12/31/08 and those funds can never be used again. Contact lenses and other products at AC Lens can be used with your FSA benefits so be sure to spend them before the end of the year.

We hope these tips help decrease your expenses and make this holiday season a bit more enjoyable.

The sale ends October 31, 2008 at midnight so order now before it’s too late. Try our industry leading discount prices and award winning customer service today!