Today, we’re taking a closer look at two powerhouses in the contact lens world: PRECISION1 and DAILIES AquaComfort Plus. Both gems are manufactured by Alcon, a global leader in eye care. But how do they stack up head-to-head?
We understand that choosing the right daily disposable lens is a mix of comfort, clarity, and overall experience. With this comprehensive breakdown, our goal is to provide insights that’ll help you make an informed decision about which lens might be the perfect fit for you.
Whether you’re a seasoned contact wearer or a newcomer, we’re confident this detailed comparison will shed light on the PRECISION1 and DAILIES AquaComfort Plus debate. Let’s get started!
PRECISION1 vs DAILIES AquaComfort Plus: Specs Compared
| Brand | PRECISION1 | DAILIES AquaComfort Plus |
| Manufacturer | Alcon | Alcon |
| Year Released | 2019 (U.S.) | 2009 |
| Wearing Schedule | Daily | Daily |
| Replacement Schedule | Daily | Daily |
| Sphere Powers | -12.00D to -6.00D in 0.50 steps -6.00D to +8.00D in 0.25 steps | +0.50D to +6.00D in 0.25 steps -0.50D to -6.00D in 0.25 steps -6.50D to -10.00D in 0.50 steps |
| Base Curves | 8.3 mm | 8.7 mm |
| Diameters | 14.2 mm | 14.0 mm |
| Lens Material | 49% verofilcon A (Silicone Hydrogel) | 31% nelfilcon A (Hydrogel) |
| Lens Design | Spherical | Spherical |
| Water Content | 51% | 69% |
| Center Thickness | 0.09 mm | 0.10 mm |
| Special Features | – SmartSurface® Technology – Class 1 UV protection – Visibility tint | – Blink-Activated Moisture technology – Visibility tint – Inside-out mark |
| Blocks UV | Yes, Class 1 | No |
| Lenses Per Box | 90 (3-month supply) | 90 (3-month supply) |
Similarities Between PRECISION1 and DAILIES AquaComfort Plus
1. Daily Disposable Nature
Both PRECISION1 and DAILIES AquaComfort Plus are daily disposable contacts. This means you wear them for only one day, enjoying a fresh lens experience every morning, and discard them at the end of the day.
The term “daily disposable” in contact lenses represents not just a type of lens but a lifestyle choice. For brands like PRECISION1 and DAILIES AquaComfort Plus, this design choice offers several notable advantages:
- Hygiene and Eye Health – By using a fresh pair every day, wearers are less likely to introduce bacteria and other contaminants to their eyes. There’s no need for extended cleaning routines or overnight soaking; each day starts with a sterile lens and ends with its disposal. This greatly minimizes the risk of infections and complications linked to lens wear.
- Little to No Deposit Accumulation – Over time, protein and other deposits from tears can build up on contact lenses, which can reduce visibility and cause discomfort. With daily disposables, this build-up issue is virtually non-existent. Each day’s fresh pair ensures the lens is free from lingering deposits.
- Ultimate Convenience – For those with active lifestyles or who simply don’t want the added task of maintaining and storing lenses, daily disposables are a game-changer. There’s no need to keep track of how long a pair has been worn or to maintain a stock of lens cleaning solutions. At the end of the day, the lenses are discarded, and the next day starts anew with a fresh pair.
- Consistent Lens Quality – Since you’re opening a new pack daily, there’s consistency in the lens experience. There’s no wear and tear, no subtle changes in lens shape or texture over time — it’s the same optimal lens quality every day.
- Reduced Allergic Reactions – For those sensitive to cleaning solutions or prone to allergies, daily disposables can be a blessing. Since there’s no repeated exposure to cleaning agents and minimal chance for pollen or other allergens to build up on the lens, many find that daily disposables lead to fewer allergic reactions.
2. Focus on Moisture and Comfort
Comfort and hydration are the hallmarks of any superior contact lens, and both PRECISION1 and DAILIES AquaComfort Plus are at the top of their game in this arena.
PRECISION1 harnesses the power of SMARTSURFACE Technology, designed to keep a majority of its moisture (over 80%) right at the lens surface. This ensures consistent hydration and minimizes friction between the lens and the eye, leading to a smoother, more comfortable experience, especially for those in dry environments or with a predisposition to dry eyes.
On the flip side, DAILIES AquaComfort Plus taps into our natural blink reflex using its Blink-Activated Moisture technology. Every blink releases a moisturizing agent, ensuring eyes remain well-lubricated throughout the day. This means that every time you blink — something you naturally do 15-20 times a minute — you’re getting a fresh dose of comfort. It’s a responsive solution to the intermittent dryness many contact wearers face, especially during prolonged screen usage or changing environmental conditions.
Both technologies aim to provide all-day comfort for wearers and reduce the chances of the lenses drying out.
3. High Water Content
The lens materials for PRECISION1 and DAILIES AquaComfort Plus are geared towards maintaining a high water content. PRECISION1’s verofilcon A, with its 51% water content, demonstrates a commitment to striking a balance between hydration and oxygen permeability. In contrast, DAILIES AquaComfort Plus ups the ante with its nelfilcon A material, which contains an impressive 69% water content.
This emphasis on water content isn’t arbitrary. A higher water content in contact lenses means that they can facilitate better oxygen flow to the cornea, which is crucial for maintaining eye health and clarity.
4. Manufactured by Alcon
Both PRECISION1 and DAILIES AquaComfort Plus are products of Alcon, a leader in the eye care industry. With decades of experience and an unwavering commitment to expertly crafted eye care solutions, it comes as no surprise that both PRECISION1 and DAILIES AquaComfort Plus fall under the Alcon banner.
Differences Between PRECISION1 and DAILIES AquaComfort Plus
1. UV Protection
A notable advantage of PRECISION1 is its Class 1 UVA and UVB protection. This feature is absent in DAILIES AquaComfort Plus.
UV protection in contact lenses acts as an additional shield, reducing the eyes’ exposure to the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. However, contact lenses should not replace UV-blocking sunglasses.
2. Lens Material
The two brands differ significantly in their material composition. PRECISION1 uses silicone hydrogel, specifically verofilcon A. Silicone hydrogel lenses are known for their superior oxygen permeability, ensuring that more oxygen reaches the cornea, which can enhance overall comfort and eye health.
On the other hand, DAILIES AquaComfort Plus utilizes hydrogel, namely nelfilcon A. Hydrogel lenses typically have a higher water content, which can aid in keeping the eyes moist and comfortable.
3. Moisture Technologies
The way these lenses deliver moisture to the eyes also differs. PRECISION1’s SMARTSURFACE Technology is engineered to keep moisture on the lens surface, preventing it from drying out.
Meanwhile, DAILIES AquaComfort Plus employs Blink-Activated Moisture technology. This innovative feature releases a moisturizing agent with each blink, providing consistent hydration throughout the day.
4. Inside-Out Marks
A feature geared toward practicality is the presence of inside-out marks on the DAILIES AquaComfort Plus. These marks assist users in ensuring their lenses are correctly oriented before insertion. This can be especially helpful for those who are new to contact lenses or might struggle with lens application. This feature is absent in PRECISION1 contact lenses.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the world of contact lenses can often feel like walking a tightrope, especially with exceptional brands like PRECISION1 and DAILIES AquaComfort Plus vying for attention. While both lenses share remarkable similarities — their daily disposable nature, a focus on moisture and comfort, and high water content — they also flaunt unique features that make each stand out. Whether it’s the UV protection in PRECISION1 or the inside-out marks of DAILIES AquaComfort Plus, these differences cater to the vast array of needs within the contact lens community.
But remember: there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Our eyes are as unique as fingerprints, and what works wonders for one might not for another. So while this comparison sheds light on the intricacies of both brands, your perfect match will largely hinge on your eye care professional’s advice.
Already got a valid prescription? Shop for your PRECISION1 or DAILIES AquaComfort Plus contact lenses at 1-800-GET-LENS. Your eyes will thank you!
