Proclear Contacts

What you need to know about Proclear contact lenses

Finding the right contact lenses often feels like a balancing act between clarity, comfort, and cost. If you have ever experienced that gritty, dry sensation halfway through your workday, you know that comfort isn't just a luxury—it is essential for keeping your focus on your life rather than your eyes. For many people, especially those who struggle with dryness, CooperVision Proclear contact lenses are a trusted solution designed specifically to keep moisture where it belongs.

The science behind the comfort

The main reason many eye doctors prescribe Proclear is their unique ability to handle dry environments. If you work in an air-conditioned office, spend hours staring at digital screens, or simply have eyes that don't produce enough quality tears, standard lenses can dehydrate quickly. When a lens dries out, it changes shape slightly and rubs against your eyelid, causing irritation.

PC Technology explained

The secret sauce in these lenses is something CooperVision calls PC Technology. While that sounds highly technical, the concept is actually inspired by nature. "PC" stands for phosphorylcholine, a molecule found naturally in human cell membranes. Because this material is biocompatible—meaning your body recognizes it as friendly rather than foreign—it mimics the cells of your own eye.

This technology does two very important things for your wearing experience:

1. It binds water to the lens: Instead of water evaporating off the surface, the molecules in the lens material actually attract and hold onto water. This creates a shield of hydration around the lens that lasts for up to 12 hours.
2. It resists deposits: Over the course of a day, proteins and lipids from your tears can build up on the surface of a contact lens. This buildup is often what makes a lens feel cloudy or itchy. The Proclear lens material helps you avoid eye irritation by resisting this deposit build-up, keeping the lens surface smooth and clean.

This combination allows Proclear to be the only contact lens brand with an FDA clearance for the claim: "may provide improved comfort for contact lens wearers who experience mild discomfort or symptoms relating to dryness during lens wear."

Finding the right Proclear lens for you

One size rarely fits all in the world of vision correction. Fortunately, the Proclear family is extensive, offering specific designs for almost every type of visual impairment. Here is a breakdown of the different options you might see on your prescription.

Proclear sphere

These are the standard monthly replacement lenses designed to correct nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia). If your prescription has a sphere power but no cylinder or axis numbers, this is likely what you need. They are designed to be worn daily for up to a month, meaning you take them out each night, clean them, and store them in solution. They are excellent for consistent wearers who want a balance of value and premium hydration.

Proclear 1 day

If you love the feeling of a fresh lens every single morning, the Proclear 1 day is the daily disposable version. Daily contacts are often considered the healthiest way to wear lenses because you don't have to worry about cleaning them or storing them in a case where bacteria might grow. You simply wear them once and toss them away. This is a fantastic option if you have allergies, as you dispose of any pollen or allergens that collect on the lens at the end of the day.

Proclear toric

For people with astigmatism, standard spherical lenses won't provide clear vision because the cornea isn't perfectly round. Proclear toric lenses are designed to correct this irregular curvature. They feature a specialized stabilization design that keeps the lens from rotating on your eye when you blink or look around. This ensures your vision stays sharp and stable, rather than going in and out of focus.

Proclear multifocal

As we get older, our eyes naturally lose the ability to focus on close objects—a condition called presbyopia. If you find yourself holding your phone further away to read text messages, you might need multifocal lenses. Proclear multifocal lenses use a sophisticated design that allows you to see clearly at all distances: near, intermediate, and far. They help you transition smoothly from reading a menu to looking at a friend across the table without needing reading glasses.

Proclear vs. Biofinity: what is the difference?

A common question we hear from customers is about the difference between Proclear and Biofinity, as both are made by CooperVision. While they are both high-quality monthly lenses, they use different materials.

• Proclear is made from a hydrogel material called omafilcon A. It has a high water content (62%) and focuses heavily on retaining that water to prevent dryness. It is often the go-to choice for people with very sensitive eyes who cannot tolerate silicone.
• Biofinity is made from silicone hydrogel (comfilcon A). This material allows more oxygen to pass through the lens to the cornea (high breathability).

Think of it this way: if your primary issue is that your eyes feel dry and gritty, Proclear's water-retention focus might be better. If your primary need is wearing lenses for very long hours where oxygen flow is critical to prevent redness, Biofinity might be the doctor's preference. Always follow your optometrist's recommendation, as they know which material suits your eye health best.

Frequently asked questions about Proclear contacts

Are Proclear contacts being discontinued?

There have been rumors about discontinuation because manufacturers occasionally streamline their product lines. While some specific, less common powers or older variations might be phased out over time, the core Proclear line (Sphere, Toric, Multifocal, and 1 Day) remains widely available.

Is Proclear a hydrogel lens?

Yes, Proclear is a traditional hydrogel lens. Unlike newer silicone hydrogels, it relies on high water content and the unique PC Technology to maintain oxygen flow and comfort. This makes it softer and sometimes more comfortable for people who find silicone lenses too stiff.

How long can you wear Proclear contacts?

This depends on the specific product. Proclear sphere, toric, and multifocal lenses are monthly replacement lenses. You wear them daily and replace them after 30 days. Proclear 1 day lenses are single-use only. Regardless of the lens type, you should never sleep in Proclear lenses unless specifically approved by your eye doctor, as they are not designed for overnight wear.

How do I know if I have dry eyes?

If you find yourself blinking excessively, rubbing your eyes, or feeling a burning sensation after a few hours of lens wear, you may have dry eyes caused by your contacts. Switching to a lens material designed to bind water, like Proclear, can often alleviate these symptoms and help you wear your lenses comfortably for the full day.