If you’ve ever wished you could just pop in your contact lenses and forget about them for a whole month, Air Optix Night and Day might be exactly what you need. These extended-wear lenses promise continuous 30-day use, offering convenience without compromising comfort.
I’ve tried my fair share of contacts over the years, and finding the perfect pair is no small task. Some dry out too quickly, some irritate my eyes, and others just don’t last as long as promised. But Air Optix Night and Day claims to deliver moisture, oxygen flow, and long-term wearability—all in one lens.
So, do they actually live up to the hype? If you’re tired of switching out daily lenses or constantly dealing with dry, uncomfortable eyes, keep reading—I’ll break down my personal experience, pros and cons, maintenance tips, and how these lenses compare to other brands.
What Are Air Optix Night and Day?
Air Optix Night and Day are extended-wear contact lenses designed for people who want the convenience of wearing their lenses for long hours, including overnight. Manufactured by Alcon, these silicone hydrogel lenses are highly breathable, allowing a significant amount of oxygen to reach the eyes.
This helps maintain eye health and reduces dryness or discomfort, especially for those who wear lenses continuously. They are FDA-approved for up to 30 days of continuous wear, meaning you can sleep in them without removing them every night. However, wearing them overnight should still be done under the guidance of an eye care professional, as not all eyes can tolerate extended wear.
One of the biggest advantages of Air Optix Night and Day is their moisture-retaining technology, which helps keep the lenses comfortable even after prolonged use. They are also designed to resist protein and lipid buildup, reducing the chances of irritation or infections. These lenses come in a range of prescriptions, making them suitable for many people with vision correction needs.
While they offer the convenience of not having to remove and clean them daily, they still require proper care. If used for continuous wear, it’s essential to follow an optometrist’s recommendations and watch for signs of discomfort, redness, or dryness. Though they are more breathable than standard contact lenses, not everyone’s eyes can handle 30 days of wear without a break. For those who need long-lasting comfort and flexibility, Air Optix Night and Day can be a practical option.
My Experience with Air Optix Night and Day
Wearing Air Optix Night and Day has been a game-changer for me. As someone with a busy schedule, I needed contact lenses that didn’t require constant maintenance. The idea of wearing lenses continuously for up to 30 days sounded convenient, so I decided to give them a try.
Initially, I was skeptical about comfort, especially overnight, but I was pleasantly surprised. The lenses felt light and breathable, and I didn’t experience the usual dryness that comes with extended wear lenses. Even after a long day, my eyes didn’t feel irritated, which made me more confident in their ability to last.
Sleeping in them was another test. I expected to wake up with red or dry eyes, but most mornings, my vision remained clear, and my eyes felt normal. However, after about a week, I started noticing some slight discomfort, so I followed my eye doctor’s advice and gave my eyes a break. While Air Optix Night and Day claim to be wearable for 30 days straight, I found that my eyes appreciated a day or two of rest in between.
One of the best aspects was the convenience—no need to deal with a daily cleaning routine or worry about taking lenses out every night. That said, they still required some maintenance to prevent buildup. Overall, Air Optix Night and Day offered me the freedom I was looking for, but I learned that extended wear isn’t for everyone. Listening to your eyes and taking breaks when needed is key.
Pros and Cons of Air Optix Night and Day
Pros:
- Extended wear convenience: Approved for up to 30 days of continuous wear, reducing the need for daily removal and cleaning.
- High oxygen permeability: Made with silicone hydrogel, allowing more oxygen to reach the eyes, which helps maintain eye health.
- Moisture retention: Designed to stay hydrated and comfortable, even after long hours of wear.
- Reduced irritation: Resistant to protein and lipid buildup, lowering the chances of discomfort and infections.
- Good for busy lifestyles: Ideal for those who prefer a low-maintenance lens-wearing experience.
Cons:
- Not suitable for everyone: Some eyes may not tolerate extended wear, leading to dryness, redness, or discomfort.
- Risk of eye infections: Sleeping in lenses increases the likelihood of infections, even with high oxygen permeability.
- Requires professional approval: Not all optometrists recommend 30-day wear, and some users may need to remove them more frequently.
- Higher price point: More expensive than daily or bi-weekly lenses due to their extended-wear capabilities.
- Potential buildup over time: Although designed to resist deposits, some users may still experience lens buildup if not cleaned periodically.
Also Read: My Experience With TheraTears Eye Drops
Air Optix Night and Day Vs. Other Brands
- Air Optix Night and Day Vs. Acuvue Oasys
Air Optix Night and Day offers extended wear for up to 30 days, making it a great choice for those who want minimal maintenance. Acuvue Oasys, on the other hand, is designed for two-week replacement and prioritizes moisture with its Hydraclear Plus technology. While Acuvue lenses may feel more hydrating for those with dry eyes, they require more frequent changing. If convenience is your main priority, Air Optix wins, but if you prefer a lens that maximizes hydration and comfort with regular replacements, Acuvue Oasys is the better option.
- Air Optix Night and Day Vs. Biofinity Lenses
Both Air Optix Night and Day and Biofinity offer extended wear capabilities, but Biofinity lenses are typically recommended for a maximum of six nights, whereas Air Optix can be worn for up to 30 days. Biofinity uses Aquaform Technology for better moisture retention, making them a strong choice for those prone to dryness. Air Optix, however, provides higher oxygen permeability, which may be better for long-term eye health. If you want a lens with more flexibility in wear time, Biofinity is solid, but for those who want true month-long wear, Air Optix is the winner.
- Air Optix Night and Day Vs. Bausch + Lomb Ultra
Bausch + Lomb Ultra focuses on keeping eyes hydrated with MoistureSeal Technology, which retains moisture for up to 16 hours per day. While it provides excellent comfort, it is not approved for continuous 30-day wear like Air Optix Night and Day. If you’re looking for an all-day comfortable lens with a fresh feel each day, Bausch + Lomb Ultra is a strong option. However, if you prioritize extended wear convenience without needing daily replacements, Air Optix remains the better choice.
- Air Optix Night and Day Vs. Dailies Total 1
Dailies Total 1 is a premium daily disposable lens known for its water gradient technology, providing a silky-smooth feel and exceptional comfort. Unlike Air Optix Night and Day, which is designed for long-term wear, Dailies Total 1 requires fresh lenses every day. While Dailies may be more hygienic and comfortable for sensitive eyes, they are significantly more expensive in the long run. If you want ultimate comfort and can commit to daily disposal, Dailies is great. But if convenience and long-term wear are your priorities, Air Optix Night and Day is a better fit.
- Air Optix Night and Day Vs. Clariti 1 Day
Clariti 1 Day is another daily disposable option that emphasizes breathability and UV protection. It’s great for those who prefer the simplicity of fresh lenses each day without worrying about buildup. However, daily lenses create more waste and require constant repurchasing, making them a pricier option over time. Air Optix Night and Day, with its month-long wear capability, is far more cost-effective and convenient for those who don’t want to replace lenses daily. If sustainability and extended wear matter, Air Optix is the better investment.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Pataday Eye Drops
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, these lenses are FDA-approved for up to 30 nights of continuous wear. However, not everyone’s eyes can tolerate overnight wear, so it’s best to check with your eye doctor before making them your go-to.
They’re designed for 30 days of continuous wear, but some people prefer taking them out once a week for cleaning. Listen to your eyes—if they start feeling dry or irritated, give them a break.
The original Air Optix lenses (without HydraGlyde) are being phased out in favor of Air Optix plus HydraGlyde, which offers better moisture retention. But the Night and Day Aqua version is still available.
They are soft contact lenses, but because of their high oxygen permeability, they feel slightly firmer than traditional soft lenses.
Final Thoughts
After wearing Air Optix Night and Day for a while, I can confidently say they’re one of the best extended-wear options out there. They’re comfortable, breathable, and convenient—perfect for people who don’t want the hassle of daily lens changes.
Would I recommend them? Absolutely. If you’re looking for a high-quality, long-lasting contact lens that allows you to see clearly 24/7 without the daily maintenance, these are worth considering.
That said, they’re not for everyone. Some people might find them too pricey, while others may prefer to take their lenses out at night. But if convenience is your top priority, Air Optix Night and Day is one of the best options available.
