Review: AIR OPTIX® Plus HydraGlyde® Monthly Disposable Contact Lenses

Alcon, the global leader in eye care and a division of Novartis has unveiled its latest product innovation to the Malaysian market. The AIR OPTIX® plus HydraGlyde® monthly disposable contact lenses are designed to reduce blurry vision throughout the entire month of wear. By combining two leading technologies, SmartShield™ Technology and HydraGlyde® Moisture Matrix, monthly disposable contact lens wearers no longer need to settle for cloudy vision or dryness mid-way through the month.

Over time, protein and lipid (oil) deposits build-up on monthly contact lenses, making them dry and blurry to wear. Add on residue from cosmetic products like mascara, eye shadow, eye makeup remover and hand creams; and this can further compromise clarity of vision and make the lenses uncomfortable. SmartShield™ Technology, which is a proprietary technology only available on AIR OPTIX® contact lenses, combats this problem by creating an ultra-thin protective layer on the lens’ outer surface that shields the contact lens wearer from these deposits. The contact lens wearer has a positive experience with protection from everyday irritants and the added benefit of consistently clear vision.

AIR OPTIX® plus HydraGlyde®’s second technology is the HydraGlyde® Moisture Matrix, which allows users to experience a lasting moisture boost by attracting and retaining moisture on the lens. This technology envelopes the lens in moisture and provides longer-lasting hydration after 16 hours, delivering comfort for active and on-the-go individuals that want peace of mind.

This test shows the SmartShield™ Technology at work. This is Alcon's proprietary technology only available on AIR OPTIX® contact lenses, and creates an ultra-thin protective layer on the lens’ outer surface that shields the contact lens wearer from external deposits.

Being a contact lens wearer since I was in Form 3, I've had my fair share of contact lenses that does not live up to expectations. So I keep an open mind whenever I try out a new range of lenses and see how it goes.

The packaging itself is pretty slim and minimalist, each box containing three pieces of lenses, so one box is enough to last you ideally for three months. The lens itself is clear, and lightly tinted so that you can still see it in the event that you accidentally drop it. The power of the lenses is stamped on the side of the box, and the box design is in such a way that you can still cover it back even after you open it. 

Being in the service industry, I am always on the go, and I always have to ensure I look my best especially when I am meeting clients. It is true that eyes are the windows to the soul and contact lenses are a staple for me on days I have meetings and events.

 The past month, I had to travel to Cambodia for work, so I decided to pack these lenses with me and try them out. It was a four day business trip, with very long hours. So it would be the suitable setting to test these lenses if they are really what they claim to be. 

The flight to Cambodia itself was pretty eventful, with the plane being delayed three times (yay AirAsia) so by the time we were all checked into the hotel, we were pretty beat. I've had the lenses in for about 14 hours (7am - 9pm), but I didn't feel the strain at all. My eyes were not dry, and I did not experience any discomfort at all.

As luck would have it, I lost my specs on the plane, and I had to resort to using the lenses until I go to bed so that I could see what I was doing. For the next few days, I have my lenses in by 8am and took them out only at about 11pm each night, which means I would have worn the lenses for 15 hours straight each day. It was the perfect opportunity to try out its claims. 

After four days, what do I think? I think these are one of the best pairs of lenses that I have tried. My eyes never felt dry, and I never have to blink repeatedly to clear my blurry vision, because my vision was always clear. Even after having them on for as long as 15 hours, I did not feel that I had anything in my eyes even until I had to take them out. There was once or twice I rewetted my lenses with my favourite Rohto Eye Drops, but that was mostly a force of habit. I really didn't have to do so at all.

Even though I've been wearing them close to a month, my vision is still as clear as the first day I put them on. I am actually quite happy that I have found myself lenses that are able to support my busy and hectic schedule without hindering it with problem vision. 

Would this be something I would recommend? Absolutely. If you are a constant contact lens wearer, I would recommend that you give this a shot as the lenses are really in a class of their own. 

AIR OPTIX® plus HydraGlyde® monthly disposable contact lenses are available across Malaysia in boxes containing three lenses, with a recommended selling price of RM86.90 per box (including GST). Please see your eye care professional for more details.

Visit Alcon Malaysia’s Facebook page to learn more about the newest member of the AIR OPTIX® family of contact lenses.

AIR OPTIX® plus HydraGlyde® Monthly Disposable Contact Lenses

Price: RM86.90 per box (containing three lenses)

Size: N/A

Availability: Available in major optometrist shops

*The products were provided to me for review consideration. However, this has not affected the outcome of the review in any way.

Til the next time, stay beautiful!

xoxo,

yin