What’s The Best Contact Lens on the Market?

Soft contact lenses have come a long way since their introduction in the US in 1971, and the release of disposable dailies in 1996. Today, there are around 3.1 million people who wear contact lenses in the UK and the two best-selling brands are 1 Day Acuvue Moist and Focus Dailies All Day Comfort, both dailies disposable lenses.

However, most of Europe prefers monthlies likes Air Optix Aqua and Biofinity. Since 1996 there have only been 3 major breakthroughs in the contact lens market. Silicone hydrogel lenses like Acuvue Trueye were released in 2002, the same year the FDA approved lenses that correct your far sighted vision overnight. In 2010 custom manufactured silicon hydrogel lenses became available.

“With so many different brands and types of contact lenses on the market, and taking into account peoples' own preferences, this is a difficult question to answer. We would advise that consumers keep trying different lenses until they find the ones that suit their lifestyle.” says Brendan O’Brien, resident optician at GetLenses.co.uk

The best type of lens available on the market will depend on the lenses that the individual already wears. If they wear daily contact lenses like 1 Day Acuvue Moist or Focus Dailies All Day Comfort, the best lens for them to try will be Acuvue Trueye. They were the first daily disposable silicone hydrogel lenses and are hyper-oxygen permeable which resist protein deposits that can lead to discomfort. They also have the highest UV protection and advanced Hydraclear technology which keeps more moisture in the eye and you can wear these lenses for up to 16 hours a day without getting that dry and gritty feeling.

For 2 weekly lens wearers. there is only one winner, Acuvue Oasys. As the official upgrade to Acuvue2 and Avucue Advance the only question is why such a lot of people still haven't upgraded?

If you wear monthly lenses there are two forerunners and I would be hard pushed to pick one. Air Optix Aqua and Biofinity are both silicone hydrogel lenses offering exceptional comfort for extended wearing periods of up to 16 hours.

All the contact lens manufacturers are jumping on the daily disposable silicone hydrogel band wagon. Sauflon launched ‘Clariti 1 Day’ in April 2009 and have now added to that range with a toric and multifocal lens. Sales of Ciba Vision’s ‘Dailies Total 1’ would suggest this lens is going to be hard to beat. Coopervision will be launching MyDAY in the autumn and Bausch & Lomb have recently launched their new lens, Biotrue ONEday which are made from HyperGel which they say is a next generation material which boasts an outer layer designed to mimic the lipid layer of tear film and the same water content as the cornea without the use of silicone.

About GetLenses.co.uk:
Founded in 2002 by Brendan O'Brien, GetLenses.co.uk can pride themselves on being started by opticians who understand the importance of eye care and health. The website has since grown to become the UK's largest online retailer of contact lenses. The company’s aim is to offer the widest range of contact lenses, solutions and eye care products, delivered quickly to your door, at unbeatable prices with the highest quality of customer service.

Contact:
Lindsey Robins

Tel: 020 8099 8272
Email: indsey.robins@getlenses.co.uk