What are water gradient lenses?

Water gradient lenses are a special type of contact lens that have a high water content at the surface. This unique design creates a layer of moisture next to the eye, which can help you wear them comfortably.

Keep in mind that water gradient contacts are different from gradient lenses in sunglasses. (It's confusing, we know.) The "gradient" in these lenses refers to the gradual light-to-dark tinting, which helps reduce glare.

Wearing water gradient contact lenses can have both comfort and functionality benefits, including:

• Comfort due to the moisture cushion

• Excellent breathability

• Mimics natural tears

• Potential barrier against buildup

What does water gradient contact mean?

A water gradient contact is made from a unique type of material that has a lower water content at the core and a higher water content at the surface. The core of the contact is made from silicone hydrogel. (The same stuff that's in other contacts.)

Here's where it gets interesting — the part of the contact that touches your eye is made from a special gel that's nearly 100% water.

This design creates a soft, lubricated moisture cushion that keeps your eyes comfortable. (Ah, sweet relief.) It also helps prevent proteins, lipids, and other substances from building up on the surface of the lens.

Some water gradient contacts release a substance called SmarTears, which mimics a substance that occurs in your natural tears. It helps stabilize your tear film — a layer of liquid on the surface of your eyes — so you can wear the contacts comfortably for longer.

The unique water gradient structure helps make contacts more breathable, allowing more oxygen to reach your eyes. That's pretty important because oxygen helps your eyes stay healthy.

How are water gradient contacts different from other types of contacts? They use different materials and water percentages at the core and the surface. Traditional contact lenses, on the other hand, are made of a single material throughout.

What is the Alcon water gradient technology?

Water gradient technology was created by Alcon. You can find it in products including Dailies Total1 contacts and Dailies Total1 for Astigmatism. This technology is proprietary, so it's only available through Alcon. (Exclusive!)

Examples of water gradient contacts

Currently, water gradient technology is only available in contacts from Alcon. It's used in products including:

• Dailies Total1. Designed to be replaced every day, these contacts are designed for long-lasting comfort and moisture. They offer higher breathability than most other daily contacts and don't require cleaning or disinfecting. (Thank goodness for that.)

• Dailies Total1 for Astigmatism. This product offers the convenience of daily contacts and the comfort of water gradient technology.

• Total30. These contacts are designed to be replaced every 30 days. They're the only monthly contacts on the market with water gradient technology.

• PRECISION1. PRECISION1 lenses feature an ultra-thin layer of moisture at the surface that's approximately 80% water. They're designed to provide easy handling, long-lasting comfort, and precise vision for people who are new to wearing contacts.

Curious? Your eye care professional can recommend the option that's right for your eyes.

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Other contact lenses with high water content for comfort

Alcon's water gradient technology is just one way to enjoy a hydrated, comfortable contact lens experience. You can also consider options such as:

• PRECISION7. These contacts, which have a 55% water content, are made with Alcon's Activ-Flo System. The core constantly releases a replenishing agent that floats to the surface, creating continuous moisture for up to seven days.

• ACUVUE OASYS. Made with Hydraclear Plus technology, these contacts are designed for all-day moisture. If you're curious about how they compare to water gradient lenses, check out the differences between Dailies Total 1 and ACUVUE OASYS.

• Biotrue ONEday. These daily contacts feature a 78% water content for comfortable wear and clear vision. They're also engineered to reduce glare, which is convenient if you struggle to see in low light. (Say goodbye to streetlight halos!)

What are gradient lenses?

Gradient lenses are a type of sunglass lens, but you might see this term used to refer to water gradient lenses. In gradient-lens sunglasses, the lens has different levels of tint. The top of the lens typically has a dark tint to help reduce glare from the sun. The tint gradually becomes lighter near the bottom of the lens, making it easier to see objects close to you.

This gradual design enables you to function in bright, sunny conditions without losing your close-up vision. For example, you can use gradient sunglasses to see your phone screen or car dashboard in direct sunlight. (No more squinting.)

Do gradient lenses protect your eyes from the sun? They can, as long as they're designed to block UVA and UVB rays. The protection doesn't come from the tint gradient, but from the UV-blocking coating.

Talk to your eye care professional about contact lens comfort

If you're searching for contacts that help your eyes, feel comfortable and hydrated, water gradient lenses are a great option. With their breathable cores and super-moist surface, these contacts are easy to wear. And if they're not right for your eyes, you can always try contacts with other types of moisture-boosting technology.

Interested in more comfortable contacts? At your next eye appointment, ask your eye care professional about switching to a prescription with a higher water content or hydrating features. Make sure to mention if you're dealing with any discomfort — if your eyes are dry or itchy, they can recommend lenses to help.

Once you have a prescription, you might be able to save money by getting your lenses online. To find out more, learn how to order contact lenses online.

 

Did you know you can order contacts online? 

Say goodbye to trips to the eye doctor and hello to convenience! With 1-800 Contacts, you can easily order your contact lenses online and have them delivered straight to your door. Plus, our online vision exam makes it simple to get the prescription you need without leaving home. And the best part? You’ll save money on your first order with 1-800 Contacts. It’s never been easier to get your contacts!