Choosing the right daily contact lenses can feel overwhelming when you’re standing in front of dozens of options. If you’ve narrowed it down to 1 day acuvue moist and dailies aquacomfort plus, you’re already looking at two of the most popular choices on the market. But which one actually deserves a spot in your eyes?
I’ve spent years helping people find their perfect lens match, and these two brands consistently come up in conversation. Whether you’re new to contacts or switching from monthly lenses, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about these daily disposables.
Why Daily Contact Lenses Are Game-Changers
Before we dive into the comparison, let’s talk about why daily lenses have become so popular. Unlike bi-weekly or monthly contacts, daily contact lenses are designed to be worn once and thrown away. No cleaning solutions, no storage cases, and significantly lower risk of eye infections.
For busy professionals, students, or anyone who travels frequently, dailies offer unmatched convenience. You simply pop in a fresh pair each morning and toss them before bed. It’s like having a brand-new lens experience every single day.
Meet the Contenders: Quick Overview
1 Day Acuvue Moist
Made by Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, these lenses have built a strong reputation since their launch. They use LACREON technology, which embeds a moisture-rich ingredient directly into the lens material. This means the moisture doesn’t wash away throughout the day.
Dailies AquaComfort Plus
Manufactured by Alcon (formerly Ciba Vision), these lenses feature a unique triple-action moisture system. Each time you blink, the lens releases moisturizing agents to keep your eyes comfortable from morning to night.
Comfort Showdown: Which Feels Better?
When it comes to all-day comfort, both lenses deliver impressive performance, but they work differently.
1 day acuvue moist feels silky smooth right out of the package. The LACREON technology maintains consistent moisture levels, which is fantastic if you work in air-conditioned offices or spend hours staring at screens. Users often report that these lenses feel almost invisible after the first few minutes of wear.
Dailies aquacomfort plus takes a different approach with its blink-activated moisture release. Every time your eyelid moves across the lens, it triggers a fresh burst of hydration. This makes them particularly popular among people who experience afternoon dryness or work in challenging environments.
Real-World Comfort Factors
- Computer users: Both perform well, though Acuvue Moist edges slightly ahead for extended screen time
- Outdoor activities: Dailies AquaComfort Plus handles wind and varying conditions better
- Sensitive eyes: Acuvue Moist typically causes fewer irritation issues
- Long days (12+ hours): AquaComfort Plus maintains comfort longer for most wearers
Material Matters: What Are You Actually Putting in Your Eyes?
Understanding lens materials helps you make smarter decisions about your eye health.
1 Day Acuvue Moist Specifications
- Material: Etafilcon A
- Water content: 58%
- Oxygen permeability: 28 Dk/t
- UV protection: Yes (blocks 99% UVB and 85% UVA)
The higher water content makes these lenses feel incredibly soft and comfortable initially. The built-in UV protection is a significant bonus that many other daily contact lenses don’t offer.
Dailies AquaComfort Plus Specifications
- Material: Nelfilcon A
- Water content: 69%
- Oxygen permeability: 26 Dk/t
- UV protection: No
With 69% water content, these lenses are among the highest moisture options available. The ultra-thin design allows your eyes to breathe naturally throughout the day.
Handling and Durability
Nobody wants lenses that tear when you’re trying to put them in at 6 AM.
1 day acuvue moist lenses have a slightly thicker profile, which makes them easier to handle for beginners. They rarely tear during insertion and maintain their shape well throughout the day. The tinted visibility handle helps you see the lens in solution.
Dailies aquacomfort plus are thinner and more delicate. While this creates an incredibly natural feeling once they’re in, first-time users might struggle a bit during the learning phase. The good news? The packaging is designed to make removal easy, and most people adjust within a week.
Price Comparison: Getting Value for Your Money
Let’s talk numbers because your budget matters.
For a typical 90-pack supply:
- 1 Day Acuvue Moist: Usually ranges from $70-$90
- Dailies AquaComfort Plus: Typically costs $65-$85
Prices vary by retailer and whether you buy in bulk. Many online suppliers offer discounts for annual supplies, which can save you 15-20% compared to buying boxes individually.
Both brands occasionally run promotions, and your eye care professional might have access to rebates or loyalty programs that reduce costs further.
Vision Quality and Clarity
Sharp, clear vision is non-negotiable when choosing daily contact lenses.
Both options provide excellent optical quality for most prescriptions. The 1 day acuvue moist tends to offer slightly crisper vision in low-light conditions, which drivers and movie-goers appreciate.
Dailies aquacomfort plus excels in maintaining consistent clarity throughout the day, even as afternoon fatigue sets in. The lens design minimizes protein buildup, so your vision stays sharp from morning coffee to evening dinner.
Who Should Choose Each Lens?
Choose 1 Day Acuvue Moist If You:
- Need UV protection for outdoor activities
- Prefer lenses that are easier to handle
- Experience sensitivity with other brands
- Want reliable performance for office work
- Value consistent moisture throughout the day
Choose Dailies AquaComfort Plus If You:
- Deal with afternoon or evening dryness
- Work in challenging environments (wind, dust, AC)
- Want the highest water content available
- Prefer ultra-thin lenses that feel invisible
- Need excellent comfort for 12+ hour days
Tips for Making Your Decision
Start by getting a professional fitting. Your eye care specialist can measure your eyes and let you try both options. Most practices offer trial lenses, so you can test each brand for a few days before committing.
Pay attention to how your eyes feel at different times of day. Notice any dryness around hour eight? Check if either lens causes redness or irritation after screen time. These real-world observations matter more than specifications on paper.
Consider your lifestyle honestly. If you’re constantly on the go, the packaging and ease of use might matter as much as comfort. If you have sensitive eyes, the UV protection in Acuvue Moist could be worth the investment.
The Bottom Line
Both 1 day acuvue moist and dailies aquacomfort plus are excellent daily contact lenses that have earned their popularity through consistent performance. Your choice ultimately depends on your specific eye characteristics, lifestyle needs, and personal preferences.
The beauty of daily disposables is that switching between brands is easy if your first choice doesn’t work perfectly. Start with the option that matches your primary concern—whether that’s UV protection, extreme comfort, or end-of-day dryness.
Remember, the best contact lens is the one you’ll actually wear comfortably and safely every day. Take advantage of trial offers, listen to your eyes, and don’t hesitate to ask your eye care professional for guidance. Your vision deserves nothing less than the perfect match.
Ready to make the switch to daily lenses? Schedule a fitting with your eye care provider to try both options and discover which lens transforms your daily vision experience.
Aaron Bennett