A: A soft contact lens is a medical device made from either of two families of plastics: hydrogels and silicone hydrogels. With both materials, the lens floats on the tear film on the front of your eye, working much like a spectacle lens to bend light and redirect it towards the back of your eye.

Hydrogels use water to transmit oxygen to the eye, but next-generation silicone hydrogels incorporate silicone, a more breathable material, into the lens. This requires less water content than hydrogels, which permits more oxygen flow and less dehydration over the course of a day, delivering better end-of-day comfort.

The unique silicone hydrogel technology of ACUVUE^® OASYS™ Brand Contact Lenses with HYDRACLEAR^® Plus, for example, dramatically increases oxygen transmission versus conventional hydrogels, while delivering more soothing moisture to the surface of the eye with less water content in the actual lens.

A: Dk, or oxygen permeability, is the rate that oxygen can flow through a contact lens. Dk/t, or oxygen transmissibility, determines how much oxygen gets through a lens of a particular thickness.

A: HYDRACLEAR^® is our brand name for our patented technology in ACUVUE^® ADVANCE^® Brand Contact Lenses. HYDRACLEAR^® brings together a remarkable moisture rich wetting agent with high performance base materials to form clear, wettable lenses with a unique, silky feel.

A: HYDRACLEAR^® Plus is our brand name for the next generation of proprietary technology in ACUVUE^® OASYS™ Brand Contact Lenses that adds more moisture-rich wetting agent into a state-of-the-art formulation.

A: LACREON™ is our brand name for the proprietary technology found in 1•DAY ACUVUE^® MOIST^® Brand Contact Lenses. It binds a water-holding polymer into our already moisture-rich hydrogel lens, creating a cushion of moisture around the lens. Similar to your natural tear layer, it reduces friction with the eyelid and enhances moisture retention.

A: ACUVUE^® OASYS™ Brand for ASTIGMATISM are soft contact lenses designed for people with astigmatism. In the past, it was more difficult for people with moderate astigmatism to wear contact lenses. ACUVUE^® OASYS™ for ASTIGMATISM combines Accelerated Stabilization Design that helps to naturally align your lenses every time you blink, with patented HYDRACLEAR^® Plus technology for exceptional comfort.

A: About 2/3 of people who need vision correction have some astigmatism. With astigmatism, light rays entering the eye focus in two different locations, requiring a more complex lens for correction to see clearly. This can result in shadowing or a difference in clarity for vertical lines compared to horizontal lines, for example. Spherical lenses (those not made to correct astigmatism) can only partially correct astigmatism, so ask your eye doctor about ACUVUE^® OASYS™ for ASTIGMATISM or ACUVUE^® ADVANCE^® Brand Contact Lenses for ASTIGMATISM that are specially designed to correct astigmatism.

A: Accelerated Stabilization Design (ASD), found in ACUVUE^® OASYS™ for ASTIGMATISM and ACUVUE^® ADVANCE^® Brand for ASTIGMATISM, is a revolutionary way to help keep lenses from shifting and rotating through the natural pressure of the eyelid and a unique lens shape. Thin at the edges, thicker in the middle, the accelerated slope of thickness of the lens interacts with the eyelid when blinking to help keep it aligned. Greater stability means they rotate less, so you have less blur.

A: ACUVUE^® Brand BIFOCAL Contact Lenses are designed for people with presbyopia (the need for reading glasses). The lenses have specific areas for distance and near viewing, arranged to allow good vision under a variety of lighting conditions.

A: Presbyopia is an age-related condition that makes it hard to focus on nearby objects, especially in low light. Starting in your 40s, the lens of your eye becomes less flexible, making it harder to adjust your focus quickly from far objects to near objects. As you get older, it can become tough to focus on near objects at all. Untreated, presbyopia can lead to headaches and eye fatigue when doing close work. Presbyopia shares some symptoms with farsightedness, but they aren’t the same. Farsightedness is caused by an incorrectly shaped eye, whereas presbyopia occurs when the lens becomes less flexible, even in correctly shaped eyes.

A: It depends, ask your doctor. If you’re comfortable with monovision and are using lenses with our latest technologies such as ACUVUE^® OASYS™ with HYDRACLEAR^® Plus, that still may be the best option for you. However, many people who have successfully adapted to monovision are even happier with their vision when re-fitted with ACUVUE^® BIFOCAL Contact Lenses. Ask your eye doctor for a FREE* Trial Pair of ACUVUE^® BIFOCAL Contact Lenses.

*Professional exam and fitting fees not included. Valid only while supplies last.

A: Maybe. Only your eye doctor can tell for sure. Be sure to discuss this at your next appointment. LASIK is not a permanent solution, so you may still need vision correction with the onset of presbyopia. If your eye doctor feels that contacts are still an option, we believe that ACUVUE^® Brand is an excellent choice for people who've undergone refractive surgery.

A: Not a chance. It’s physically impossible for a contact lens to get lost “behind” your eye. A thin membrane covers your eye and connects to the inside of your eyelids, so the lens is unable to move off the front surface of your eye.

A: No. In the vast majority of cases, contact lenses are easily removed using the method your doctor recommended. Contact lenses can always be removed with a little patience. Watch how it’s done

A: With proper selection and fitting, lenses should stay in place almost all the time. Even on that rare occasion when a soft contact lens moves out of place, it stays on your eye until you can move it back.

A: Lens-related health problems can occur, but they are most commonly related to poor cleaning routines or other care-related issues. Read the Patient Instruction Guides for your lenses and follow your eye doctor’s directions for proper wear and care, and you can significantly reduce your risk of infection.

A: Contacts can be worn as your everyday vision correction or in combination with glasses just when you want them. If your need for vision correction isn’t that strong, contact lenses provide an easy, always-there alternative to putting on and taking off your glasses all day. Plus, unlike eyeglasses, contacts won’t smudge, steam up, fall off or break, and you won't lose any peripheral (side) vision.

A: Advances in technology make ACUVUE^® Brand Contact Lenses convenient and easy to use. And caring for them is easier than ever with new multipurpose solutions that make cleaning, disinfecting and storing your lenses a quick process. For an even more convenient option, 1•DAY ACUVUE^® MOIST^® Brand Contact Lenses can be worn one day then thrown away, so there's no lens care or solutions.

A: Absolutely. In fact, ACUVUE^® Brand Contact Lenses are exceptionally comfortable. We start with either a silky smooth hydrogel or silicone hydrogel material and combine them with proprietary lens designs for a great fit and feel.

For example, the patented polymer of ACUVUE^® OASYS™ Brand Contact Lenses with HYDRACLEAR^® Plus is extremely wettable, meaning the lens maintains a tear film on its surface similar to your natural eye. This creates very little friction with each of your 12,000+ blinks per day. It’s also extremely breathable, delivering almost 100% of the available oxygen to the eye, helping to prevent irritation. Also, since our lenses are designed to be disposable, they‘ll always feel clean, fresh and comfortable.

A: Bring it on. Contacts offer exceptionally crisp, clear vision and players don't have to worry about them fogging up, falling off or breaking during a game like glasses may. You won't experience a loss of peripheral (side) vision like you can with glasses. It's also easier to wear protective goggles with contact lenses. When it comes to swimming or other water sports, ask your eye doctor about wearing contact lenses.*

*Exposing contact lenses to water may increase the risk of eye infection from microorganisms

A: Contact lenses are surprisingly affordable. For as little as the price of a soda a day, you could wear ACUVUE^® Brand Contact Lenses.

A: Contact lenses are a great option for many ages. There’s no minimum age. Lots of teens, and even some pre-teens, wear contact lenses. The average age teens first get contacts is 13, but it has been shown that some younger children – even as young as 8 – are mature enough to wear and care for contact lenses. Successful lens wear depends more on responsibility and attitude than age. It’s important to see an eye doctor to help determine whether contact lenses are right for you. An eye doctor can also determine which type of ACUVUE^® lenses are best for your vision correction needs, and teach you about proper contact lens wearing and care.

A: With daily disposable and one-week to two-week contact lenses, such as 1•DAY ACUVUE^® MOIST^® Brand and ACUVUE^® OASYS™ Brand, losing a lens isn’t a big deal since each lens only costs a few dollars at most, and you’ll almost always have back-up lenses on hand.

A: Some ACUVUE^® Brand Contact Lenses can be worn while you sleep. For example, ACUVUE^® OASYS™ lenses have been approved by the FDA for extended wear, which means they can be worn for six night/seven days consecutively. However, the risk of certain eye problems is higher with overnight wear. Only your eye doctor can determine if sleeping in your contact lenses is right for you and provide you with information on proper use.

A: Of course. You can wear both contact lenses and glasses, alternating for specific activities, needs, or preference. However, contact lenses can be used full-time. The choice is yours.

A: Yes. Astigmatism is no longer a barrier to wearing contact lenses. ACUVUE^® OASYS™ Brand Contact Lenses for ASTIGMATISM and ACUVUE^® ADVANCE^® Brand Contact Lenses for ASTIGMATISM offer people with astigmatism the same exceptional fit, comfort, and visual clarity that regular lens wearers enjoy.

A: Probably not. Teens usually adapt easily to using and caring for contact lenses. Contact lenses also make it easier to be active and help your teen to look and feel their best. Lots of teens, and even some pre-teens, wear contact lenses. The average age teens first get contacts is 13, but it has been shown that some younger children – even as young as 8 – are mature enough to wear and care for contact lenses. Successful lens wear depends more on responsibility and attitude than age. An eye doctor will help determine if your child is a candidate for contact lenses.

A: That depends on your child and his or her attitude toward hygiene and overall responsibility. Does your child keep his or her room clean or brush their teeth at night without constant reminders? Your eye doctor may ask you questions like these to determine if your child is ready for contact lens wear and care. Many eye doctors recommend daily disposable contact lenses, such as 1•DAY ACUVUE^® MOIST^® Brand Contact Lenses because it eliminates the need for lens solution and cleaning.

A: Contact lenses are a great choice for athletes. They offer sharp vision, and they don't fog up, fall off or break during a game like glasses may. With contact lenses, unlike glasses, your child won't experience a loss of peripheral (side) vision. When it comes to swimming or other water sports, ask your eye doctor about wearing contact lenses.*

*Exposing contact lenses to water may increase the risk of eye infection from microorganisms.

A: Actually, they’re surprisingly affordable. In fact, for as little as the price of a soda a day, your child could wear the #1 doctor-prescribed ACUVUE^® OASYS™ Brand Contact Lens. And with insurance coverage, your out-of-pocket cost may be even less. Plus, replacing lost lenses is cheap and easy compared to replacing lost or damaged glasses.

A: Sure. Astigmatism is no longer a barrier to wearing contact lenses. ACUVUE^® OASYS™ Brand Contact Lenses for ASTIGMATISM and ACUVUE^® ADVANCE^® Brand Contact Lenses for ASTIGMATISM offer people with astigmatism exceptional fit, comfort, and visual clarity, that regular contact lens wearers enjoy.

A: Absolutely. ACUVUE^® 2 COLOURS™ Brand Contact Lenses are available with and without vision correction. But even if your child has perfect vision, color contact lenses must be fit by an eye doctor, and they need the same care as any other contact lenses.

A: Lots. ACUVUE^® 2 COLOURS™ Brand Contact Lenses are available in three colors that enhance light eyes (Aquamarine, Ocean Blue, and Emerald Green) and seven colors that completely change any eye color (Chestnut Brown, Sapphire Blue, Hazel Green, Jade Green, Pearl Gray, Warm Honey, and Deep Blue).

A: Yes. ACUVUE^® 2 COLOURS™ Brand Contact Lenses are available for those people who don't require vision correction and for people with prescriptions between +6.00D and -9.00D. Even if your prescription is available, your eye doctor must decide if ACUVUE^® 2 COLOURS™ Brand Contact Lenses are right for you.

A: Your eye doctor and his or her staff will ask you to narrow down your choices to one or two colors before you try on lenses. While they want to make sure you're happy with your choice, their office will have a limited amount of trial lenses. You can learn more about your choices and what might look best on you by using the ACUVUE^® 2 COLOURS™ iMakeOver™ and by taking that color choice information with you to your eye doctor appointment.

A: Your eye doctor may allow you to take one trial lens in each color that you choose. Keep in mind that ACUVUE^® 2 COLOURS™ Brand Contact Lenses trial lenses have no prescription power and are marked with the word TEST. As a result, they won’t be usable beyond the trial period. However, they’ll give you a very good idea how you’ll look while you’re making your color decision.

A: No. You should never allow anyone to wear your lenses. Sharing the same lenses with someone else may increase your chances (and theirs) of having eye infections and other complications. Even if you haven't opened the individual lens package, you still shouldn't let someone else wear your lens. Your eye doctor has prescribed lenses to fit and provide necessary vision correction specifically for your eyes. If you have a friend who wants to try ACUVUE^® 2 COLOURS™ Brand Contact Lenses, he or she should make an appointment with an eye doctor.

A: Your eye doctor will be able to tell you if he or she thinks you’re old enough and ready to wear any contact lenses, including ACUVUE^® 2 COLOURS™. Depending on your age, your eye doctor may require parental consent before fitting and selling you any contact lenses.

A: Your eye doctor can provide more information and an assessment as to whether or not ACUVUE^® 2 COLOURS™ are right for you.

A: ACUVUE^® 2 COLOURS™ are available with and without vision correction, so even people with perfect vision can wear them. However, contact lenses are medical devices that must be fitted to your eyes and require a prescription, even if they don't correct your vision. Only your eye doctor can decide if ACUVUE^® 2 COLOURS™ are right for you.

A: Enhancer colors are nearly transparent, allowing the structure of the natural iris to remain visible. When worn by a light-eyed person, enhancer colors are effective in subtly “brightening” the natural eye color. The effect is probably too subtle to see on dark eyes.

A: No. The color on the lens is virtually transparent. After your eyes have about 15 minutes to adjust to the lenses, your vision should be unaffected. Some wearers notice a change in vision due to the amount of light that enters the eye. If you notice a continued change in your vision, talk to your eye doctor.

A: Color covering the full iris (the colored portion of your eye) and pupil keeps your eye looking natural, with no “transition zone” where the color stops and your natural iris starts. With enhancer colors, the concentration of color is low enough that covering the pupil won’t impact your vision.

A: The colors on these lenses are mostly opaque, meaning they completely block light. This allows the color pattern to mask your natural iris (the colored portion of your eye) to give the impression that your eyes are a different color.

A: Your eye doctor will tell you how long you should wear your lenses each day before taking them out for cleaning and how often you should replace them. By following these directions, you will benefit from the advantages of frequent replacement contact lens wear.

A: Yes. The average UV-Blocking of ACUVUE^® 2 COLOURS™ is 82% of UV-A and 97% of UV-B radiation‡. This capability helps protect against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye. However, since contact lenses only cover a portion of the eye, they aren’t a substitute for UV-absorbing eyewear, including sunglasses.

‡ Helps protect against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye. WARNING: UV-absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. You should continue to use UV-absorbing eyewear as directed. NOTE: Long-term exposure to UV radiation is one of the risk factors associated with cataracts. Exposure is based on a number of factors such as environmental conditions (altitude, geography, cloud cover) and personal factors (extent and nature of outdoor activities). UV-blocking contact lenses help provide protection against harmful UV radiation. However, clinical studies have not been done to demonstrate that wearing UV-blocking contact lenses reduces the risk of developing cataracts or other eye disorders. Consult your eye care practitioner for more information.