Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are contact lenses comfortable?

Yes. AIR OPTIX^® brand contact lenses deliver all day comfort on contact, all day, every day. AIR OPTIX^® brand contact lenses are made with our SmartShield® Technology, which creates an ultra-thin protective layer to help shield your lenses from irritating deposits all month long.

Q: Is wearing contact lenses safe?

When used as directed, most people can wear contact lenses without complications. Successful contact lens wear depends on following the instructions of your eye care professional. Over time, your eyes can change, often without apparent symptoms or warning signs, which may put you at risk for developing complications. To maintain healthy eyes and the most efficient and comfortable vision possible, you need quality eye care on a regular basis. Only your eye care professional is educated, trained and licensed to examine, diagnose and provide treatment for your eyes and prescribe contact lenses.

Q: Do you offer any free contact lens trials?

Yes! You can get your online certificate for a free^† sample of AIR OPTIX^® contact lenses. After printing your certificate, be sure to take it to an eye care professional in your area who can recommend and prescribe the
AIR OPTIX^® brand contact lens that is right for you. Eye exam may be required before lens trial. Professional fees may apply. Offer available at participating offices. Do not have an eye care professional? Enter your zip code to locate one near you.

Q: Is it OK to play sports while wearing contact lenses?

Every sport is different. Talk to your eye care professional to select the best type of contact lenses based on your particular sport or activity. Contact lenses are not a substitute for eye protection. It is recommended to wear appropriate goggles, masks, etc. when participating in sports.

Q: Can I sleep in my lenses?

You can ONLY wear your AIR OPTIX^® plus HydraGlyde^®, AIR OPTIX^® AQUA, AIR OPTIX^® for Astigmatism,
AIR OPTIX^® AQUA Multifocal and AIR OPTIX^®
NIGHT & DAY^® AQUA for extended wear (24 hours a day, including during sleep), if directed by your eye care professional. Overnight wear of contact lenses has been shown to increase the risk of certain serious contact lens–related complications. Always follow an eye care professional's recommendations for lens wear, care and replacement schedule.

Q: Why are breathable* contact lenses important?

The AIR OPTIX^® family of contact lenses are highly breathable* soft contact lenses, with AIR OPTIX^® NIGHT & DAY^® AQUA contact lenses offering the highest breathability* of any lens available today. Allowing oxygen to pass through the lens helps prevent damage to the cornea and keep eyes healthy.

Q: Who should not wear contact lenses?

You should not wear contacts if you:

• Have an eye infection or inflammation (redness and swelling)
• Have an eye disease, eye injury or dryness that interferes with contact lens wear
• Have a systemic disease that may be affected by, or could impact, contact lens wear
• Have certain types of allergic conditions
• Are using certain medications, such as some eye medications

Q: What are the risks and possible side effects of wearing contact lenses for extended periods?

While wearing contacts has many benefits, the risk of serious injury to the eye increases when contact lenses are worn for extended periods of time. For example, there is a risk of developing a serious eye infection and complications, such as a corneal ulcer, which can progress rapidly when left untreated and can lead to an eye scar, or in rare cases, lead to loss of vision. With overnight contact lenses, a localized inflammation of the cornea, which may be accompanied by mild to severe pain, is also possible and may require antibiotic eye drops. Other less serious side effects can include conjunctivitis and lid irritation or discomfort while wearing the contact lenses, including dryness of the eye and mild burning or stinging. For your eye health, it is important that you follow the wearing and replacement schedule as prescribed by your eye care professional. If you wear your lenses too long, you can harm your eyes.

Q: Are there times when you should not wear contact lenses?

Your eye care professional can tell you about situations or environmental conditions that may be inappropriate for contact lens wear. Contact lenses should not be worn under certain general health and eye conditions. Only your eye care professional can determine if continued contact lens wear is right for you.

Q: What are some important things to remember?

While wearing contact lenses your eyes should feel healthy and comfortable, and your vision should be clear.

• If you experience any problems, immediately remove your contact lenses and contact your eye care professional. You should always carry a pair of spectacles as back-up that you can wear if a problem occurs with your contact lenses. Carefully follow your eye care professional's instructions for lens wear, care, and replacement.
• Never wear your contact lenses for longer periods than prescribed. See your eye care professional for follow-up care and periodic checkups.

Q: Why is it important to get regular eye exams?

Regular eye exams help with the periodic monitoring and maintenance of your eye health. Many eye and vision conditions present no obvious symptoms so people are often unaware that a problem exists. Early diagnosis and treatment is important for maintaining good vision, and when possible, preventing permanent vision loss. Regular eye exams are important to ensure a healthy and safe contact lens wearing experience.

• ^†Eye exam may be required before lens trial. Professional fees may apply. One pair of non-corrective AIR OPTIX^® COLORS contact lenses for wear in-office only. For other AIR OPTIX® contact lenses, the one-month trial refers to a recommended replacement schedule of up to 4 weeks, as determined by the eye care professional. Offer available at participating offices.

Q: Is it easy to care for contact lenses?

Yes. Proper contact lens care is important, but not difficult. For best results, we recommend OPTI-FREE^® PUREMOIST^® Multipurpose Disinfecting Solution or CLEAR CARE® PLUS Cleaning and Disinfecting Solution to care for your AIR OPTIX^® brand contact lenses.

Q: How often do I replace contact lenses and how do I care for them?

Replace your AIR OPTIX^® brand contact lenses with a fresh pair as prescribed by your eye care professional. When not changing into a fresh pair, remove your contact lenses between uses and properly clean, disinfect and store them with OPTI-FREE^® PUREMOIST^® Multipurpose Disinfecting Solution or
CLEAR CARE^® PLUS Cleaning and Disinfecting Solution .
AIR OPTIX^® brand contact lenses are sold in multipacks so replacements are at hand.

Q: What are AIR OPTIX^® brand contact lenses?

The AIR OPTIX^® contact lens brand is a family of breathable, high-performance silicone hydrogel contact lenses from Alcon that provides vision correction for a variety of eye care and lifestyle needs. AIR OPTIX^® plus HydraGlyde^® (lotrafilcon B), AIR OPTIX^® AQUA (lotrafilcon B),
AIR OPTIX^® for Astigmatism (lotrafilcon B) and AIR OPTIX^® AQUA Multifocal (lotrafilcon B) contact lenses are approved for daily wear or extended wear up to 6 nights. AIR OPTIX^®
NIGHT & DAY AQUA (lotrafilcon A) contact lenses are the most breathable* soft contact lenses and are FDA-approved for daily wear and extended wear up to 30 nights of continuous wear.

Q: What are AIR OPTIX^® brand contact lenses made of?

AIR OPTIX^® brand contact lenses are made of proprietary silicone hydrogel materials. The unique structure of these materials allows the flow of oxygen through the contact lenses. AIR OPTIX ^® brand contact lenses are designed to fit comfortably on the eye and allow plenty of oxygen to pass through.

Q: Why is it important for oxygen to pass through the contact lens to the eye?

Oxygen is essential for the health of your cornea, the domed-shaped front part of your eye. Insufficient oxygen may cause corneal swelling and/or lead to irritated, red eyes and uncomfortable lens wear. AIR OPTIX^® brand contact lenses are highly breathable.

Q: Which contact lens care solution should be used to clean and disinfect AIR OPTIX^® brand contact lenses?

OPTI-FREE^® Puremoist^® Multi-Purpose Disinfecting Solution and CLEAR CARE^® PLUS with HydraGlyde^® Cleaning and Disinfecting Solution are the recommended products for caring for and for cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses. Carefully follow the contact lenses wear, care, and replacement recommendations of your eye care professional. Visit opti-free.com or clearcaresolution.com for more information.

Q: Do I need a prescription to purchase
AIR OPTIX ^® brand contact lenses?

Yes. Contact lenses are medical devices and must be prescribed and fitted by a licensed eye care professional. To find an eye care professional in your area, please click here. For a free** trial of AIR OPTIX ^® brand contact lenses, please click here.

Q: How does SmartShield^® Technology protect the contact lens?

• Helps guard against the buildup of deposits such as proteins and lipids, which are natural substances found in your tears.
• Helps the lens resist changes from everyday cosmetic product use.

Q: What are AIR OPTIX^® plus HydraGlyde ^® contact lenses?

AIR OPTIX^® plus HydraGlyde^® contact lenses are made with a highly breathable material that allows nourishing oxygen to flow continuously through the lens for white, healthy-looking eyes. They are the first and only contact lenses to feature our two advanced technologies, SmartShield^® Technology and HydraGlyde^® Moisture Matrix technology, to help support long-lasting lens surface moisture.

Protective SmartShield^® Technology delivers a protective layer of moisture to help resist irritating deposits that can buildup on lenses over the wearing period.

Exclusive HydraGlyde^® Moisture Matrix surrounds the lens surface in lasting moisture to keep lenses continuously hydrated throughout the day.

Q: What is HydraGlyde^® Moisture Matrix?

HydraGlyde^® Moisture Matrix is a proprietary moisture technology specially designed for silicone hydrogel lenses. It works to attract and maintain moisture on the lens surface to keep lenses continuously hydrated throughout the day. This same exclusive moisture technology is also featured in Alcon’s premium lens care offerings, OPTI-FREE^® Puremoist^® and CLEAR CARE^® PLUS with HydraGlyde, which deliver extra hours of lens-wearing comfort. AIR OPTIX^® plus HydraGlyde contact lenses are the first and only contact lens to feature this advanced lens surface moisture technology.

Q: How does SmartShield Technology protect the contact lens?

• Helps guard against the buildup of deposits such as proteins and lipids, which are natural substances found in your tears.
• Helps the lens parameters resist changes from everyday cosmetic product use.

Q: What prescriptions are available for AIR OPTIX^® plus HydraGlyde^® contact lenses?

Your eye care professional can determine the contact lens and correction that are best for you. The quick contact lens snapshot below includes all available prescriptions.

Q: What is nearsightedness?

Also called myopia, nearsightedness is an imperfection in the shape of your eye, lens or cornea that causes blurry vision at far distances. It is one of the most common eye condition among Americans and is usually inherited. Detected first in school-age children, it generally progresses until the 20s, but adults can develop it, too. Soft contact lenses, like AIR OPTIX^® AQUA contact lenses, provide one prescription power to correct the focusing error of myopia.

Q: What is farsightedness?

Also called hyperopia, farsightedness is an imperfection in the shape of your eye, lens or cornea that causes blurry vision at near distances. Like many eye conditions, hyperopia runs in families. However, due to the flexibility of the eye when one is young, farsightedness can be very mild as you grow up and not develop further until adulthood. Soft contact lenses, like AIR OPTIX^® AQUA contact lenses, provide one prescription power to correct the focusing error of hyperopia.

Q: What are AIR OPTIX^® AQUA contact lenses?

AIR OPTIX^® AQUA breathable contact lenses are made of a highly breathable material that allows nourishing oxygen to flow continuously through the lens for white, healthy-looking eyes. The lenses also feature our exclusive SmartShield^® Technology which creates an ultra-thin protective layer to help shield your lenses from irritating deposits all month long. SmartShield ^® Technology helps provide consistent comfort from day 1 to day 30.

Q: What prescriptions are available for
AIR OPTIX ^® AQUA contact lenses?

Your eye care professional can determine the contact lens and correction that are best for you. The quick contact lens snapshot below includes all available prescriptions.

Q: What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a refractive error in which irregularity in the optical power along different meridians in the eye causes blurred vision as objects are brought to focus at two different optical planes. Vision may be blurred at all distances or none depending on the amount of astigmatism.

Because astigmatism causes images to be processed at two points on the back of the eye, each lens that corrects for astigmatism require two prescriptions that must remain in the same place relative to the eye. If the lens rotates, vision will become blurry. So, lens stability is key to consistently clear vision.

Q: What are toric contact lenses?

Contact lenses that correct astigmatism are called toric contact lenses. A toric contact lens has two prescriptions. They are also designed to stay stable in the eye and not rotate as you blink or move your eyes.

Q: What are AIR OPTIX^® for Astigmatism contact lenses?

AIR OPTIX^® for Astigmatism contact lenses are toric contact lenses that correct astigmatism while providing overall constant and stable vision. And because of the unique SmartShield^® Technology and proprietary lens material, AIR OPTIX^® for Astigmatism contact lenses also give you all-day comfort that lasts throughout the wearing period. If you have astigmatism, talk to your eye care professional about AIR OPTIX^® for Astigmatism contact lenses.

Q: What prescriptions are available for
AIR OPTIX ^® for Astigmatism contact lenses?

Today, there is an AIR OPTIX^® for Astigmatism contact lens for almost every astigmatic patient. Your eye care professional can determine the contact lens and correction that are best-suited for you. The quick contact lens snapshot below includes all available prescriptions.

Q: What is presbyopia?

Presbyopia is a condition in which the eye’s natural lens loses its ability to focus, making it difficult to see objects up close. As we get older, our eyes’ lenses start losing elasticity, which means they cannot change their shape and focus on different distances as easily as they used to. The loss of focusing ability is so gradual that it may take a while before we realize we are having trouble seeing up close. This noticeable change in vision is common, unavoidable, and typically occurs around the age of 40.

Q: What are AIR OPTIX^® AQUA Multifocal contact lenses?

If you have presbyopia, you should talk to your eye care professional about
AIR OPTIX^® AQUA Multifocal contact lenses. The unique Precision Profile™ design of AIR OPTIX^® AQUA Multifocal contact lenses allows for a range of prescription strengths to blend across the lens for clear, uninterrupted vision, near through far. These lenses work with your eyes’ natural function to allow your eyes to make remarkably smooth transitions, from up close vision to farther away. This design allows for clear vision for the biggest challenges—like reading fine print—so you can go back to seeing clearly without having to strain or struggle with readers. It also allows for clear distance vision without blurring or distortion, even when driving. In addition, the unique SmartShield^® Technology which creates an ultra-thin protective layer to help shield your lenses from irritating deposits all month long.

Q: What prescriptions are available for
AIR OPTIX ^®AQUA Multifocal contact lenses?

Your eye care professional can determine the contact lens and correction that are best for you. The quick contact lens snapshot below includes all available prescriptions.

Q: Is sleeping in contact lenses a common practice?

Some contact lenses are not approved to sleep in or for overnight wear. However, many soft contact lenses are only approved for six nights of continuous wear. In contrast, AIR OPTIX^® NIGHT & DAY^® AQUA contact lenses are approved for up to 30 nights of continuous wear.^§ If you are sleeping in your contact lenses, it is important that you to talk to your eye care professional and be honest about your sleeping habits so that you can get the contact lens that is right for you.

Q: What are AIR OPTIX^® NIGHT & DAY ^® AQUA contact lenses?

AIR OPTIX^® NIGHT & DAY^® AQUA contact lenses are designed to be worn continuously, even while napping and sleeping, as determined by your eye care professional. The contact lenses are FDA-approved for daily wear and continuous extended wear for up to 30 nights. ^§ AIR OPTIX^®
NIGHT & DAY ^® AQUA contact lenses are the most breathable soft contact lenses available. They also feature our SmartShield^® Technology which creates an ultra-thin protective layer to help shield your lenses from irritating deposits.

Q: Why is it important to choose AIR OPTIX^® NIGHT & DAY^® AQUA contact lenses if I nap or sleep in my contact lenses?

Traditional soft contact lenses do not offer a high enough amount of oxygen through the lens, which could increase the risk of eye health-related issues, like eye infections, if worn for extended periods or overnight. And some contact lenses have surfaces that break down with wear, allow irritating deposits like dirt, dust and lipids to build up on the contact lens and cause the contact lenses to feel dry and less comfortable over time. AIR OPTIX^® NIGHT & DAY^® AQUA contact lenses were created specifically with superior breathability and deposit resistance. This is why
AIR OPTIX^® NIGHT & DAY^® AQUA contact lenses are FDA-approved for up to 30 days and nights of continuous extended wear.

Q: What prescriptions are available for
AIR OPTIX ^® NIGHT & DAY^® AQUA contact lenses?

Your eye care professional can determine the contact lens and correction that are best for you. The quick contact lens snapshot below includes all available prescriptions.

Q: How should I clean and care for my
AIR OPTIX ^® NIGHT & DAY^® AQUA contact lenses?

AIR OPTIX^® NIGHT & DAY^® AQUA breathable contact lenses do not require daily cleaning or disinfection when worn continuously for up to 30 nights. ^§ However, contact lenses removed between replacement times must be cleaned and disinfected before reinsertion. We recommend you use CLEAR CARE^® PLUS cleaning and disinfecting solution or OPTI-FREE ^® Puremoist^® multi-purpose disinfecting solution for your AIR OPTIX^® brand contact lenses. We recommend you carefully follow the wear, care, and replacement recommendations of your eye care professional. Visit opti-free.com or clearcaresolution.com for more information. For general information about contact lens care and wear, click here.

Q: How are AIR OPTIX^® NIGHT & DAY ^® AQUA contact lenses worn?

The contact lenses are worn on the cornea—the domed-shaped front part of the eye—and they correct vision by refocusing light rays onto the retina—the back part of the eye.

The contact lenses may be used to correct nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). They may be prescribed for:

• Daily wear—worn only while you are awake.
• Extended wear—worn while you are awake and asleep.
• Up to 30 nights (1 month) of continuous wear^§—based on how your eyes respond to contact lens wear and your eye care professional’s recommendation.

Q: Can everyone wear AIR OPTIX^®
NIGHT & DAY^® AQUA contact lenses for 30 nights of continuous wear?

Not everyone can reach the maximum wear time of 30 continuous nights. Approximately 80% of wearers are able to wear the contact lenses for extended wear, and about two-thirds of wearers achieve the full 30-night continuous wearing schedule.
Your eye care professional may recommend a shorter wearing time depending on your individual needs, and you should always follow your eye care professional’s advice. After removing your contact lenses, rest your eyes and do not wear contact lenses for at least one night. Remember, even between shorter wearing periods, you should always clean, disinfect and store your contact lenses with a contact lens solution such as CLEAR CARE^® PLUS cleaning and disinfecting solution or OPTI-FREE ^® Puremoist^® multi-purpose disinfecting solution."

Q: What if I have other questions about
AIR OPTIX ^® NIGHT & DAY^® AQUA contact lenses?

It is essential to visit your eye care professional about your eye health. Make sure you get complete information about AIR OPTIX^®
NIGHT & DAY^® AQUA contact lenses and discuss any questions you may have. To learn more, ask your eye care professional for the AIR OPTIX^®
NIGHT & DAY^® AQUA contact lenses patient instruction booklet available from Alcon.

• § Not everyone can sleep in lenses or wear lenses for a full 30 nights. Ask your eye care professional for complete wear, care, and safety information.

Q: What are AIR OPTIX^® COLORS contact lenses?

AIR OPTIX^® COLORS are color contact lenses designed to enhance or transform dark or light eyes, with a completely natural effect, and can be prescribed with or without vision correction. They are made with exclusive SmartShield^® Technology and feature 3-in-1 color technology to blend naturally with the color of your eye, so you can experience a new look that can be subtle or vibrant.

Q: Do I need a prescription to wear AIR OPTIX^® COLORS contact lenses?

Yes. Contact lenses are medical devices that should be fitted by a licensed eye care professional, even for people who do not need vision correction. AIR OPTIX^® COLORS Color Studio offers a virtual try-on experience with 12 different color contact lenses available to try on, making it an easy way to find the color that best fits you.

Q: What prescriptions are available for AIR OPTIX^® COLORS contact lenses?

Your eye care professional can determine the contact lens and correction that are best for you. The quick contact lens snapshot below includes all available prescriptions.

Q: What makes AIR OPTIX^® COLORS contact lenses different from FreshLook^® Color contact lenses?

Both color contact lens brands share the 3-in-1 Color Technology. However, AIR OPTIX^® COLORS contact lenses are made of a silicone hydrogel material that provides advanced breathability. AIR OPTIX ^® COLORS also feature exclusive SmartShield^® Technology and the unique Aqua moisturizing agent that supports both initial and lasting comfort. AIR OPTIX ^® COLORS contact lenses are the most breathable color contact lens available, for white, healthy-looking eyes.

Q: How do I care for my AIR OPTIX^® COLORS contact lenses?

Proper contact lens care is important, but not difficult. AIR OPTIX^® COLORS contact lenses should be removed and cleaned daily. For best results, we recommend OPTI-FREE^® Puremoist^® Multi-Purpose Disinfecting Solution or CLEAR CARE^® PLUS cleaning and disinfecting solution to care for your AIR OPTIX ^® COLORS contact lenses.

Q: What is presbyopia?

Presbyopia is a condition in which the eye’s natural lens loses its ability to focus, making it difficult to see objects up close. As we get older, our eyes’ lenses start losing elasticity, which means they cannot change their shape and focus on different distances as easily as they used to. The loss of focusing ability is so gradual that it may take a while before we realize we are having trouble seeing up close. This noticeable change in vision is common, unavoidable, and typically occurs around the age of 40.

Q: What are AIR OPTIX^® plus HydraGlyde ^® Multifocal contact lenses?

If you have presbyopia, you should talk to your eye care professional about AIR OPTIX^® plus HydraGlyde^® Multifocal Contact Lenses, which are made with a unique combination of technologies to give you the comfortable lens-wearing experience you deserve. With HydraGlyde ^® Moisture Matrix technology, you can enjoy long-lasting lens surface moisture. The Unique Precision Profile™ design of AIR OPTIX^® plus HydraGlyde Multifocal contact lenses allows for a range of prescription strengths to blend across the lens. It works with your eyes' natural function for uninterrupted clear vision, near through far*. This all-distance design allows for clear vision for the biggest challenges – like reading fine print – so you can go back to seeing clearly without having to strain or struggle with readers. It allows your eyes to make remarkably smooth transitions from up close vision to further away without blurring or distortion, even when driving. In addition, the Smartshield^™ Technology delivers a protective layer of moisture that resists irritating deposits from day 1 to day 30.

Q: What prescriptions are available for
AIR OPTIX ^® plus HydraGlyde^® Multifocal contact lenses?

Your eye care professional can determine the contact lens and correction that are best for you. The quick contact lens snapshot below includes all available prescriptions.

• *In emerging presbyopes.