Alcon/CibaVision Dailies Total 1 - A Game Changer?

If you've read this blog very much you'll know that I am a bit of a skeptic when it comes to the claims of contact lens manufacturers. Every new lens is the "greatest" and "most comfortable" and the "best for dry eye patients", etc etc. They all claim this. As with any product, I have my favorites and what we have had success fitting on patients in the past. So today our Alcon rep shows up with trials of their newest product: CibaVision DAILIES TOTAL 1. It's a silicone daily, their 1st (not the 1st silicone daily in the market, that would be Acuvue TruEye). Dailies Total 1 (or "DT1" as I'm sure I will be writing on the file) is a 33% water, high-Dk silicone lens for daily replacement. The "difference" they say is that the surface of the lens is more like 80% water while the matrix on the inside remains low water (and thus very "breathable"). It also has a very, very "slick" surface. The word they use is that DT1 has a high "lubricity" AKA very low friction. Sounds appealing, but then again so does every lens that ever gets pitched to us. Ok so the rep suggested I try one on, and here's my personal (and anecdotal) experience: I can't feel it. I'm not kidding. This is the most initially comfortable lens I have ever put on my eye, and I've tried them all. I am not one to gush, I am just stating my experience. I have never worn a lens this comfortable. I politely asked for some trials for my wife and 8 year old daughter to try, and our Alcon rep gladly complied. I am now super excited about this product and we will for sure be fitting it at our office. It is more expensive than most other lenses, but of course we expect that. New = more expensive, and better = more expensive. And this product, in my opinion, is BOTH new and better. I'm a big, BIG fan. Can't wait til the fitting set gets here next week! Finally a new, different and BETTER contact lens, and I don't say that lightly.

Comments

  1. With low friction (high lubricity) will Dailies Total 1 be a good choice for GPC? In theory, yes. Friction is the primary cause of GPC. I am going to try using it on my GPC patients for sure.

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    1. I was under the impression the sicone was not good for GPC. Can you please explain why you feel this is different?

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    2. I kind of did that above. GPC is a product of "lid interaction", either from a stiff lens, a non-rounded edge or a sticky surface. all silicone lenses until now have been stiff (high modulus) and "sticky" (high friction). DT1 is lower modulus and VERY VERY low friction.

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    3. Thanks! I had GPC several years ago and switched from a monthly Acuvue contact to a Daily Acuvue contact. I did not experience GPC again until about a month ago. I am considering to switch to a different brand of daily contacts after the flare up has past. From your blog I learned CIBA DAILIES are recommended. Do you think the Total 1 will be better? Or do you suggest I try both?

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    4. I do NOW think that DT1 is better, in the last 2 weeks since Dt1 came out

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    5. What do you think about the proclear lenses? The daily ones in comparison?

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    6. my opinion on proclear dailies: nothing special.

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    7. Thanks. I was trying the DT1 for a week now. Unfortunately, and it makes me really sad, they seem to stick to my eyes like glue and I have problems getting them off , plus really really red eyes. I had proclear monthly lenses (also silicone lenses) and then acuvue trueyes. Both proclear and acuvue did not stick as much, although the trueye were sometimes not "made correctly".

      It seems anything with too much water is not good for me. It is true that you can`t feel the DT1 but my eyes hurt and are swollen after a day.

      Do you know if the proclear dailies are made of silicone? or just the regular staff? I heard proclear are special materials? Or just fancy advertisement?

      I guess I go for another LASIK surgery :)).

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    8. well as far as them "sticking to your eyes like glue", maybe they don't fit. maybe they're too tight for you. they do only come in "one-size-fits-most" like almost all soft contact lenses.

      proclear dailies are not silicone. they are traditional soft hydrogel or "plastic". their material is proprietary and was *very* unique...in 1998. but compared to today's technology IMO they are still "nothing special".

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    9. Maybe my eyes have to get used to them.Feeling wise they seem a little better than acuvue trueyes, but the redness is unberable after a day. But: My eyes were also burning a little when I switched from proclear monthly to acuvue trueye. The "fit" seems to be the same as with the acuvue lenses I have, so that can`t be an issue, I guess. I will see, my experience is just anything with too much water bugs my eyes ...

      Thanks a lot for your insight, I really did appreciate :)

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    10. I just figured out a slight difference between the trueye acuvue and the dailies total 1 in the description. Sorry, if I am bugging you, but what do these parameters mean?

      trueye: 8.5 and DIA 14.2
      total1: 8.5 and DIA 14.1

      is the 14.1 the thing with the tightness?

      I try left eye trueye and right eye total1 now and see how that goes. I realized when putting in that the total1 is "stronger" and the trueeye appears "flabby".

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    11. that's the diameter of the lens in mm. 14.2 vs 14.1 is not an appreciable difference. that's not making a difference in "tightness". they're either both too tight or neither is.

      the "flabby" one is lower modulus (low stiffness). the "stronger" one is higher modulus (higher stiffness). that is probably not a factor in your case, either.

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    12. Yay. I tried the one eye DT1 and TRUEEYE approach and now finally my eyes have adjusted, obviously, and I do find the DT1 more comfortable than the other one. The Trueye fit better at the beginning, but later on the DT1 is better for me at least. Yay! How about using them for more than a day? I use mine for two days with cleaning to save some money. I read somewhere that the material is not really worse than the monthly lenses and it‘s only slightly thinner and all about marketing. Is there any proof that this isn‘t so? Because speaking logically I can‘t really see why a company would make dailies in a way to not last longer... :(. Of course my contact lense sales person has no idea what I am talking about, but I just use logical thinking :). Here is an interesting article.http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-357082/Contact-lens-firms-ripping-off.html

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    13. that link is bull. no one is "trying to rip off" anyone. that's a stupid premise. the lenses are designed for one use. no doctor or manufact is going to allow or say it's ok to wear them multiple times. of course it would "save money", but no...it is not okay. I and every eye care professional and every manufacturer are ALL going to agree it's not ok to wear a daily lens more than 1 time.

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    14. plus that article you just linked is 8+ years old now...

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  2. My 8 year old just put them in. She cannot feel them at all. She even had a mini argument with me over whether they were even IN or not! She had to go try to watch TV w/o glasses to prove to herself that they were in.

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  3. information about the lens from an article in a trade publication: " It is the first and only water gradient contact lens, showing a gradual transition from 33% water at the silicone hydrogel lens core to over 80% water content at the contact lens surface. An ultrasoft surface gel composed of a hydrophilic polymer network with extended surface polymer chains allows the water content to approach 100% at the very outer surface of the contact lens, similar to the precornea tear film. This gives the lens an excellent comfort rating, with over 97% of patients successfully fit with the product."

    http://optometrytimes.modernmedicine.com/optometrytimes/news/hundreds-practitioners-attend-alcon-s-us-launch-total-dailies-1

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  4. here's what a colleague said about DT1 in a recent "Contact Lenses Today" publication:

    Ronald K. Watanabe, OD, FAAO



    A Revolutionary "Material"

    Alcon is launching Dailies Total1 one-day contact lenses in North America this summer; the lens has been launched in other parts of the world already. You may have heard about this lens and are wondering if it is truly revolutionary. After trying a pair myself, I think it has the potential to live up to the expectation. How is the lens different? The answer lies in the "Water Gradient" technology that scientists have been working on for over 10 years. Unlike other lenses that have a homogeneous polymer composition, this new lens is made up of two different phases. The core is a 33% water content silicone hydrogel material with a Dk of 140. Imbedded into the surface of the SiHy core are extremely hydrophilic polymer chains that can attain 80-100% water content. These polymer chains emerge in single strands from the core with less and less crosslinking towards the surface, analogous to the microvilli on the corneal surface. The result is a 6 micron ultrasoft, hydrophilic surface gel that can maintain surface hydration throughout the day. If this lens can consistently maintain this level of surface hydration, it may be as revolutionary as SiHys were in the early 2000s.

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  5. I tried gas permeables last year but my eyes just were too dry and eventually I just gave up on them and just used them when I learned to scuba dive but for diving this year I decided to try soft ones and he said he had just gotten these in... seriously your 8 year old wasn't kidding from the moment I put them in, it's like there is nothing there, pretty awesome

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  6. I'm trying these out. I was in Air Optix Night and Day because I like having the option of sleeping in my contacts. I've never used the daily disposables until today. I agree with your comments above. Seems like a great lens. I hope it's everything the Ciba says it is.

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  7. How did these new lenses compare to Bausch & Lomb One Day BioTrue Lenses?. Because BioTrue claims the lenses have excellent vision which in my opinion is very important too. THanks!.

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  8. Every contact lens claims to be the most comfortable and the least dry and the best vision. But do they? Which ones do?

    I haven't blogged about biotrue 1 day bc....IMO it is nothing special. "Meh". Its just another plastic daily, of which there are dozens. I mean its not terrible, its just not worth getting excited about, nor blogging about.

    What makes DT1 "different than EVERY other lens I've ever fit is...its "water gradient" silicone. Watch the videos posted above. It really is different. Those are not comparable IMO except that they're both "dailies"

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    1. How's the vision on the Dailies- is it sharp you would say?. I've use biotrue and liked them very much- couldn't feel them in my eye as well but I need to order contacts and don't know what to get now, thanks!.

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    2. Also, would you say out of all the one day disposables on the market now, are these the most comfortable?. I'm looking for excellent, crisp vision, comfort and no blurriness, thanks!.

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    3. Yes. Excellent vision. As good as biotrue

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    4. Thanks!. So would you say I should buy the Dailies then over BioTrue in your opinion?.

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    5. Ha! Well yes but you hafta buy what your doc Rx's...

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    6. Yes, sure. If I normally wear an 8.5 BC and 14.2 diameter and being this is 14.1, would I be able to wear it still?.

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    7. I originally started wearing Focus Dailies, then my eye doctor switched me to AquaComfort Dailies, now he wants me to have the Total 1. The AquaComfort are great (and 69% water)and the only time I have problems is when I go into a store that has very dry air. I've been wearing the Total 1 for a few days and they seem to dry out faster. Why?

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  9. Oops the videos are not posted above. Sorry. I'll hafta link those later. In the meantime goto YouTube and search "dailies total 1". Watch the one that covers "lubricity"

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  10. I'd never tried contact lenses before this month. Out of 3 different products I tried, these are the only ones that actually worked for me. The others I'd somehow manage to damage during install, but thus far these have worked both times I tried them. They're so smooth, I had trouble getting them out the first time.

    Affordability is another matter, though.

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  11. I've always worn Acuvue True Eye dailies. I tried these and bottom line, I fell in love. Can't feel them. 100% totally comfortable even at the end of the day.

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  12. from Optometric Physician:

    "ALCON LAUNCHES DAILIES TOTAL1 WATER GRADIENT CLS IN UNITED STATES. Alcon has announced the U.S. launch of DAILIES TOTAL1 water gradient contact lenses, which follows the successful European rollout of the product. According to Alcon, DAILIES TOTAL1 water gradient contact lenses are the first and only water gradient lenses that feature an increase from 33% to more than 80% water content from core to the surface, approaching 100% water content at the very outer surface. Made from delefilcon A, they have a diameter of 14.1 mm, and 8.5-mm base curve and a center thickness of 0.09 mm at –3.00D. DAILIES TOTAL1 water gradient contact lenses are available in trial packs of five and retail packs of 30 and 90. The lenses are currently available with a power range of –0.50D to –6.00D (in 0.25 steps) and –6.50D to –10.00D (in 0.50 steps). For more information on this lens, visit"

    http://www.revoptom.com/e-newsletters/opnl/c/41668/

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  13. Hi thanks for review. I have been happy with acuvue true eye for a number of years and started a trial of this new lens today. They are very similar to true eye - handle better but feel the same when in. My optician has suggested trying one eye each to determine the best.

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  14. I have the most dry eyes you can have and after trying these samples on in severe dry dusty conditions, I am highly impressed.
    Ive tried Cooper, Acuvue, Focus, and previous versions of Ciba and none compare.
    Ive suffered with dry eye symptoms for all of my lens wearing life and just became used to it, thinking nothing was going to relieve my symptoms, these CV Dailies are simply the best yet...

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    1. Unrelated, if I normally wear in glasses -4.25 right and
      -3.75 left, in contacts I would be -4.00 right and -3.50 left?. My eye doctor told me she feels that is the best for me. She said the left eye of -3.50 would be better for reading as opposed to -3.75 which would be better for distance but unless I'm a truck driver or taxi driver and always in my car, which I'm not, stick with -3.50 in the left eye?. Would you agree with that?. In my most recent exam she said if I made glasses today, I would need -4.25 in the right and -4.00 in the left with a quarter astigmatism in each eye I need. Wouldn't in glasses I would be -3.75 in the left since I'm -3.50 in contacts?. Thanks very much!.

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    2. What your discussing is called "vertexing"...accounting for the distance between the eye and the glasses lens (vs the zero distance between the eye and a contact lens). There are differences of opinion on this and none of those scenarios above would be considered "wrong", but yes I usually side with only vertexing at -4.00 or above. So in contacts that would be the -3.75 for the left, as opposed to sticking with the left eye being slightly undercorrected at -3.50 and trying to reverse-vertex that to a -3.75 in glasses. But like I said before...none of those are "wrong"

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    3. So in essence, if I wear -4.25 right and -3.75 in glasses, I would be -4.00 right and -3.50 in contacts?.

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    4. Well yes that is not wrong. That's one way to do it. I don't think most people need to vertex under -4.00. So I personally would have done -4.00 in the right and -3.75 in the left (no change). But again that's not incorrect. Basically the difference is where you draw the line about what to vertex and what not to

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  15. it's hard for me to convey to patients who have been absolutely bombarded with contact lens advertising that this lens is actually different. it is. it is not like previous lenses. I mean, it is like them in that it is a soft contact lens. but the composition and design are pretty radically different. the reps of the other companies are scrambling a little...pushing the idea that this lens is pretty much the same as their daily. its not. it's a significant technological advance, IMO...one that the other manufacturers will eventually copy

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  16. Are the dailies tinted blue for easy access if it drops in the sink?.

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  17. Yes. Almost all contact lenses are visi-tinted these days. It'd be hard to find ones that weren't

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  18. The lack of UV filter or protection is a big issue for me. would I select a lens that possibly felt slightly more comfortable but lose all UV protection? I dont think I would at this stage.

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  19. Sounds like a vistakon rep haha! No really. This is what the vistakon (acuvue) reps are screaming. Their products are 100% UV so they're pushing that. OK here comes another personal bias of mine: UV IMO is just not that important in contacts. Think about people who don't have refractive error: are they worried about CONSTANT UV protection? Few of then are. When they're outside the put sunglasses on. That's enough for most people IMO. So do contact lens wearers need to be special and have MORE UV protection than everyone else? CONSTANT UV blocking? I mean I guess its nice but is it necessary? At the expense of comfort? Not IMO its not. Who cares? Haha I hate to be flippant about it but CONSTANT UV protection from a contact lens is way at the bottom of my list of importance. Comfort and vision are at the top. Wear sunglasses when you're outside for your UV protection. Just my opinion.

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  20. I just tried to order a pair of trials for a patient at my office, but was told we needed to purchase the full trial set? Was this the case for your office?

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  21. I have been trying to get into a daily lens for years, and my doctor asked me to test these last week. AMAZING! Very comfortable, with excellent acuity. Absolutely love these more than any other type I have tried!

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  22. How important is BC?
    Now I wear an 8.8 BC --surevue--, would I be able to try these DT1?
    Thanks

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  23. Its important...but yes you *probably* could try DT1 with a doc's approval. Are you sure you're in "surevue"? Those haven't been available in the US for quite some time

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  24. Any idea when they will be available in Canada?

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  25. My eye doctor gave me a sample of these. Seem fine except I'm trying to remove them and can't grab them out of my eye. Been wearing contacts for almost 40 years and never had this problem. Wouldn't pay a dime for these.

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    1. To remove out of the right eye, for example, look up and to the left then with your finger slide the lens down to the right bottom corner to remove.

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  26. The 2 big complaints of this lens are:

    1) cost
    2) hard to remove

    Its hard to remove bc its so slick. The thing that makes it so comfortable is the thing that makes it hard to remove. OK its a valid point. Sorry its the kicker for you. I think it'll catch on anyway tho bc at the end of the day MOST patients want a lens that is comfortable...at the end of the day. And I think that trumps "a little harder to take out than my old lens".

    A hint is: have your fingers be bone dry before attempting removal.

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  27. They are available in Canada. I live near Calgary and FYI Doctors in Calgary & Edmonton carry them.

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  28. So where can I purchase these online?

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    1. Don't know. Google it I guess. They'll be widely avail soon

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  29. Are these available online yet?

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  30. Hey doc. I'm an optometrist in Arizona (Sonoran Desert Eye Center) and we've been dispensing these about three weeks. We've had the same experience. These lenses are AMAZING. I now feel like a drug dealer. Everyone I hand them out to loves them and doesn't mind paying whatever they cost. Just wanted to add my testimonial to yours.

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  31. I have a teenage son that just loves these contacts. He has had lots of issues with contacts and these are working well for him. The biggest challenge is that he falls asleep in them and wears them a 2nd day. Should I be overly concerned about this? He hasn't seemed to have any issues but I don't want him to push his luck.

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  32. While its not ideal and its not recommended and the manufacturer will tell you the lens is not designed for that...its probably not the most evil thing ever. If its only occasionally, that is

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  33. I'm a first-timer with contacts so they let be try different ones but they were all tight, but the last one was so comfortable I can barely feel it! They told me it was new and it wasn't available to most clinics yet~ Haha I have the same problem, it's so comfy that I can't tell if I've put them on despite watching myself in the mirror! It really feels good though~

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  34. Just trialed these lenses and after 15 years of wearing contacts these are the best so far - hands down. I agree with the doctor's opinion of 1) comfort and 2) vision as being the most important and these certainly live up to that. I haven't had a problem handling these, but they have gotten away from my finger because they are so slick I've dropped them a few times. Not a big deal. I normally wear contacts for 16-17 hours a day. the big challenge will be allergies to see if these are superior in comfort during hayfever attacks.

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  35. Has anyone noticed a decrease in their close-up visual acuity while wearing these lenses?

    Also intersting that no one has referenced these lenses require a certain type of saline solution - I have been told to only use Unisol 4 with these lenses.

    Otherwise, love them!

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    1. If you are not old enough(you think) to be losing close-up vision, maybe this will help.

      I had that same problem this past week and I couldn't figure out why. I finally went to the eye doctor for a follow through, and guess what. They over corrected my vision. They(initial doctor) prescribed too high powered lenses, meaning the contact lenses were unnecessarily too clear/strong. So the new doctor decreased the power and gave me these wonderful pair(it seems like you already know)of contacts and I'm better. I'm going again next week to pick up another pair, but one degree lower power, to see which one is better yet still have 20/20 vision. Hope my answer helped! If not, oh well I guess I needed finger exercise. :P

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  36. "Has anyone noticed a decrease in their close-up visual acuity while wearing these lenses?"

    no, that wouldn't be a contact lens problem. That's an age problem (presbyopia) or a prescription problem (over-minus). no contact lens, including this one, would cause blurry vision ONLY UP CLOSE. that's your eyes or your Rx

    "Also intersting that no one has referenced these lenses require a certain type of saline solution - I have been told to only use Unisol 4 with these lenses. "

    in theory they don't need any solution b/c they're never being stored in anything...

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    1. Thanks! Likely Rx because I went back to old contacts today as an experiment and can read computer screen with no issues - the right eye had been increased from -5.75 to -6.00. Appears to be the difference. (Age is also a factor but never had to wear readers to see work computer screen until wearing new brand of lens). Will try using the -5.75 in both eyes and see if that makes a difference). Thanks again!

      Saline solution was for "in the event any is needed"

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    2. I'm not sure what you meant, but in my experience glasses and contacts do affect my ability to read. I can read just fine when not wearing anything, but with glasses I have to hold the object farther away, and with contacts it is even worse, I have to wear reading glasses. I don't believe it is an rx issue, as I've been given the same prescription for years by different doctors.

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  37. I have recently got an eye examination to start using contacts(again, I stopped for about a year). The very first one that I tried were the "Air Optix Night and Day," just because I saw an add on a fashion magazine. It was supposed to be excellent for continuous wear for day and night. Especially for long wear and night hrs and even sleep on them! However, I was very disappointed with them. My eyes were so dry I had to apply eye drops every 5~10 minutes. So that went out the door. And then I tried "Aqua Oasis." The dryness got better, but I still had to put eye drops continually. Finally, today, for the third time I got a pair of these "Ciba Vision's Dailies Total 1," and I fell in love immediately!! I can't say much about it, since today was my first day trying them, but I can say that these are better(in my opinion) than the first two brands I've tried. When I put them on at the eye doctor's they "sucked" right into place! Additionally, the trouble I've been having with the other lenses, folding constantly due to surface tension, has been resolved! It held its form until I put them in. I will try to fix or update my comment as I continue to try them for a week. I know they are very expensive(IMO), but they may be worth it!

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  38. I have been wearing contacts for 20 years. For most of that duration, I have been in monthly lenses. Since I'm now having a problem with dry eyes, my doc recommended that I try daily lenses. I have trialed: Dailies Aquacomfort, DT1, and Acuvue Trueye. It's hard for me to tell the difference between DT1 and Trueye. The Aquacomfort are a definite "no". They just did not seem comfortable at all. Are there any significant differences between DT1 and Trueye? I still have trials of both and want to make the best decision before finalizing my Rx. My doc says that "it's completely patient dependent" and offers no other advice.

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    1. Yes. Trueye is nothing special. Its a daily but its kind of a standard silicone lens with a standard silicone design and a standard silicone surface. Its the daily version of other other lenses. Its not terrible or anything but its not special.

      DT1 is special. Its is very different. It has "water gradient" technology that every manufacturer is going to try to copy. It really is an advance in technology.

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    2. I just left the eye Dr. I have been using Acuvue oasis lens for 6 weeks and developed GPC :( We tried 3 different pairs if contacts that all hurt my eyes.... BUT then she told me about the new Dailies total 1...SUCCESS!! I don't feel them at all. I am sooooo happy well with the money. The lens is extra slick you can feel that when your putting them on.

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  39. So far so good! I've been wearing lens for over 20 years and for many years I've wore Acuvue Oasys. Last Friday, I switched to Ciba Vision Dailies AquaComfort Plus and wore them until this afternoon, not impressed. This afternoon, I switched to CooperVision Proclear 1 Day in one eye and the Ciba Vision Dailies Total 1 in the other. I can definitely feel the Proclear, again not impressed. So far, the Total 1 is the clear (haha) choice, can't even feel it! I'm watching TV and using the laptop and I don't have any issues with vision. The Total 1 feels great!

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  40. Hi! I have very bad dry eyes- both MGD and lack of tears. My vision is 20/70. I have found no relief in eight years except with the Dailies 1. I have had amazing eye docs who communicate well with one another and they thought of me when this came out. So far it is only in my lefteye, yet- by far the worst eye- but it is being used underneath a "piggy back" Gas Perm because I have astigmatism. BUT- I wear the piggy back for less than a few hours because it hurts....still I feel happier with next to no pain (even though I cant see) in my left eye. Seriously- it was so bad I was nearly suicidal. Also, my right eye is +.5 and Dailies are not available in this. So, my HUGE question is- will this lense become available for astigmatism and for nearsightedness?? Fingers crossed- I feel it has already been the biggest blessing on my poor, beat up, left eye. I literally sprint out of bed in the morning to put it in and keep it in until the minute I know I am asleep for the whole night (I leave it in for naps with no problem)..so for now- I can barely see but still it has changed the quality of my life- Dailies 1 please come out with this lense for astigmatism!!!!!!!!

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  41. it'll be awhile. if I had to guess based on what previous manufacturers have done...probably 2014 for the plus powers and 2015 or 2016 for torics (astigmatism). it'll be awhile

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  42. Just got back from the eye doc where she recommended switching my lenses from my Bausch & Lomb Soft Lens Dailies to these new DT1's due to the increased oxygenation of the new lenses.

    I've worn contacts for decades and have never experienced the comfort upon putting them in my eyes that I did this afternoon. It's quite remarkable. She didn't have my prescription in the office, so I'm wearing a slightly weaker correction for a few days until my order comes in.

    One question: my old lenses were 8.6 and 14.2 diameter. I notice the new ones are 8.5 and 14.1. Will this be noticable to me over the long run? Is there a reason that these lenses have different "default" measurements?

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  43. there is virtually no difference in 8.6/14.2 and 8.5/14.1. no, you will not notice any difference in the short term or long run. so why did Alcon make them 8.5/14.1 then? who knows? it probably has something to do with the modulus and thickness and their research on what will fit "most" corneas.

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  44. Can someone tell me what exactly these will cost me? I have been reading the reviews and might consider changing, but reading that they are expensive isn't helping much in determining whether to switch or not.

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  45. They're $1 each. $30 for a 30 pack, $90 for a 90 pack. That's pretty much the most expensive lens out there.

    But still relatively inexpensive compared to iPhone 5 and data plans, etc...and totally worth it

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  46. Hi Doctor,
    I recently discovered your blog and it's been immensely helpful. I have GPC and have not worn contact lenses in 2 years. I'm thinking about going back to them. Your review on these DH1 lenses sound super promising. Unfortunately I also have astigmatism so I'll have to wait until they release the toric versions.

    What is your recommendation for someone with GPC, myopia and mild astigmatism? Are the Focus Dailies Toric lenses too rough for someone with GPC?

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  47. Focus dailies toric is your best option. Won't know if it will work for you unless you try it. Hard to predict

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  48. I recently tried these lenses and lived them. After buying a 90pk my first 2 times trying to get them out was extremely difficult. I've worn contacts all my life and never had an issue. I almost had to go to emergency room because I didn't know what else to do. Has anyone else had these issues? I'm afraid to try them again. Any suggestions?

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    1. Make sure your fingers are as dry as possible before removing them (washed with soap to remove natural oils). Slide the lens down your eye 5mm, then pinch and remove.

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    2. I have been using these for a month now. Much more comfortable, When I have too much trouble removing them, I just use a contact lens eye moisturizing drop which gets the lens to float, and then it comes out much more easily.

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  49. they're slick, so they can be hard to take out. you should not be going to the ER if you can't remove your lens. that is not a medical emergency. leave it in 1 night and go to an eye doc the next morning. the ER likely won't be able to get it out, either.

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  50. Ok. It was a Saturday night and I'd have to leave them in till Monday then. I looked at their YouTube video and watched their process. They recommend dry fingers and don't wet lenses before removal. Would one of those suction cup things work in a pinch?

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  51. suction cups will not work, no. those are for rigid gas permeable lenses. suction cups like that will not work on soft lenses.

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  52. I have been a wearer of contact lenses for nearly 10 years and for as long as I can remember I have been using the acuvue oasys. I recently developed blurriness in my left eye and after numerous refraction tests they couldn't get the vision right in my left eye.the optician said I had quite a bit of staining over the suface of my left eye which could be due to dry eye as there are no other signs of infection. Was told to leave out contacts for a couple of months before trying contacts again.i am reluctant to try the oasys again as twice it seems to have caused staining.i tried the ciba total dailies for a week before being told to give up contatcs and found them incredibly comfortable (altho did notice they moved around my eye more).if I am allowed to wear contacts agaib I want to perhaps try dailies but am torn between the acuvue ones and the total 1. Which are best for dry eyes??

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  53. well as you can probably tell from my initial post on DT1 and my replies in the comments section...there is absolutely nothing special about acuvue dailies IMO. yawn. there absolutely *IS* something special about DT1: water gradient. so if you're asking ME which one *I* think is better for dry eyes...hands down DT1.

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  54. Another important issue for ocular health is eye infections. How does DT1 hold up as far as that. Is the material could for resisting eye infections?

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  55. Well dailies are THE safest modality. THE most "eye-infection-resistant" contacts. So yes...great. plus its high Dk which does not allow anaerobic bacteria a foothold...PLUS its low surface friction to resist biofilm. So pretty much the most eye infection resistant contact lens ever

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  56. I've been a contact lens wearer with dry eyes for 15 years. ALL contacts have caused me SOME pain over the years; I've just learned to deal with it. This includes the proclear dailies I wore last year.

    My eye doc gave me a trial of these yesterday. Now I only wore them for about 5 hours but DAMN they are the most comfortable contacts I've ever worn- no pain over those 5 hours. The next test will be a full day of use but I'm not going to lie, I'm already impressed. These are going to cost me ~$500 after insurance but I'm pretty sure they are going to be worth every penny.

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  57. Hello! I have been wearing contacts for 10 years- (Focus Dailies) I used to be able to wear them for long hours at a time when I was playing sports or up all night. Recently in May I just couldn't stand to have them in anymore. My right eye would start stinging in the nasal corner of my eye and one vein in particular gets really red, shooting towards my pupil. I've tried to find any solution I could think of; did I irritate it with a solution? Is it my make up? Should I take fish oil pills? Am I staring at the computer too long? AHH! My mind is going crazy trying to find a solution. I've been to three eye doctors and they all told me it was an allergy. Well not until the third visit was I told to put Lotemax steroids in my eye (drops and ointment). After this, doc said that my allergies look better. Well I popped my contacts back in and bam, same issue in that right eye. I went back AGAIN, he says the allergies are still present and he can see the redness and irritation in my eye. His solution is to put me back on the steroids for five days and then try these new and special contacts -DTI- afterwards to see how I feel. What is your opinion on my situation of redness in that eye? Did I do something to it? Why would it be lasting five months and not subside? I really want to get back into wearing contacts for multiple reasons and am a little upset that my eye is acting up! Thanks so much.

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  58. This is a common story. See my posts on "GPC". ITS NOT: makeup, staring at the computer, solution, etc etc etc. No it is unlikely that fish oil will help. "What's my opinion?"...GPC. many people have this problem. Use lotemax. Try DT1. That's really all you can do. I understand the want to west contacts again but for some people the answer is...get out of contacts. If you use lotemax and they a bunch of dailies and you can't get comfortable...well then the prognosis for future comfortable contact lens wear is not all that great.

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  59. Maybe it's the newer material these are made out of, but I swear the prescription seems off. I wear a -6.00 and the new Total 1 lenses seem like they are over minused. I have a hard time focusing up close with them. If I put in the same prescription of the older Focus Dailies, everything is fine. I know that I am beginning to experience some presbyopia, but why would there be a difference between the two lenses with same prescription? The lenses are very comfortable, but I will probably need to drop the strength one step if I buy more. I think I'll try to get an auto refraction while wearing either the Total 1 or the regular Dailies and see if it reads any difference. I've gone back and forth between the lenses and there's is a definite difference. So much that I can only wear the new lenses on the weekend and the older ones at work.

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  60. it's probably not the material. there shouldn't be a difference between the two lenses.

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    Replies
    1. I am finding that these lenses sit so much better on my eyes that I can use a slightly weaker prescription than with other brands and get excellent correction.

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  61. I've been wearing dt1 since January. I had never worn contacts before. Never even tried them. I was concerned about the cost but after trying them for 2 weeks,going back to my doc and trying a less expensive brand, it was clear how much better dt1 were. I could not get a grip on the other brand. Couldn't even get the lens in my eye.

    9 months later and I have no complaints. I have discovered the easiest way to get them out is to leave my fingers moist after washing my hands. They come right out with little struggle.

    Now I'm just patiently waiting for online ordering.

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  62. I have been wearing contacts for about 13 years now. Before I started wearing DT1 I suffered from dry eyes, my eyes were constantly burning and red from irritation. I have tried a ton of different types of contacts, including trueye and I can honestly say DT1 has been the best contacts for me!! I know they price is a little higher than other contacts on the market, but I am willing to pay that for the comfort they give!! Can not WAIT until they can be ordered online!

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    Replies
    1. Not a little, a lot higher. Roughly 50% more expensive than Trueye!

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  63. Can someone tell me if there is a considerable difference between DT1 and Trueye. I need to make a decision between the two. Which one of the two will provide more comfort?

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  64. Yes. The considerable difference is: SURFACE FRICTION. DT1is much, much slipperier, which equates to better comfort and less GPC

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  65. I just tried the Dailies Total 1 today. When I put them on, they didn't sit tight to my eye and moved around too much when I blinked. My eye dr. said they only have one size of these. Do most contacts only come in one size or do they usually make multiple sizes/fits for the same lens?

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  66. Hi Dr.
    I have been try too many different brand contact lenses: Dailies Aqua, DT1, Acuvue Treye(A and B), Acuvue moist, Bio- true oneday, proclear 1 day. But all of them except for Bio-true one day. i feel my eye sooo dry then blurry. Mostly is dryness. But my doctor said I do not have dry eyes. I really prefer new technology, but I just do not know why is cause all those problem when i wear contact. (my first time to wear contact) (right eye: -1.75 left eye: -2.00)

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  67. Well, I don't really have a great answer for you. If you try umpteen lenses and can't find one that's comfortable for you..consider the possibility that you might not ever find one.

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  68. What is the dk/t value of these? Thanks

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  69. I think you're not giving the TruEye silicone hydrogel daily disposables a fair shake. They were the first on the market and until now, the most comfortable dailies I've worn. Plus they have UV protection as an added bonus (yes I know sunglasses are still important).

    I'm looking forward to trying the Dailies Total 1 - I just wish they had UV protection as well. One issue I've had with the TruEyes, their quality control doesn't seem ideal, I'm experiencing a high rate of partially defective lenses.

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  70. How can you tell if they are inside? Also, my left guy was fine but my right eye feels like I can feel the edge of the contact when I look far to the right or left. Is this a size issue? My left eye is 2.0 and feels perfect but my right eye is .75 and I always feel it. I've tried .50 in that eye also and I feel that too. But I don't feel the 2.0 in either eye.

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  71. I respectively think the UV protection you get from competitors' lenses is an important distinction. Our eyes are constantly exposed to UV radiation, even indoors from windows that can only partially block sunrays. Small amounts are emitted by fluorescent lighting. And of course, who always remembers to wear sunglasses outside?

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  72. I am a new contact lense wearer and these were the ones my doctor recommended. I absolutely love them! Very comfortable. The only problem I had was taking them out, as they pretty much stuck to my eyes. When my 90 pack finished, I tried sourcing them but couldnt get them anywhere! (didnt know they were a new product and my doc was just too expensive)..Nevertheless, I tired Acuvue Trueye and they were a complete DISASTER!! Just wearing makeup would make my lenses foggy, and I had to travel with a pair of glasses as more often tham not I would have to remove them. Definitely going back to DT1!!!

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  73. I switched from AcuVue TruEye to Dailies Total 1 a few months back. I do prefer DT1 over TruEye, but I may switch back due to cost. You can find TruEye for almost half the cost. I am guessing when they start distributing this to online stores we will see a price decrease. Until then, I will go back to being a TruEye customer!

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  74. "I LOVE THIS PRODUCT"...Are they going to make them in colors as well?

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  75. I am allergic to nickel sulfate. I have some pain and discomfort when I take out these samples that I was given. Do you think it has something to do with my nickel allergy and the silicone..I do not have a problem with my GP Lenses?

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  76. doc, have you read anything about the toric version coming out? also what would recommend as the best toric lens for dry eyes? thanks

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  77. I love these contacts, I wore monthlys before this and got tired of the lens drying out. From the moment I put these in I had a hard time telling if I was actually wearing contacts of any type. I dont have a bad thing to say about these contacts except the fact that they are more expensive, but you have to expect that with anything new. Hands down I am willing to pay the extra money for extra comfort.

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  78. Did your dr CHARGE you for the trials? I am so upset i dontk now why i did this, last night my eye dr told me hed give me trial for these contacts as i have dry eyes and have never been able to wear contacts, upon checking out this woman i guess an officeworker told me i cant have them UNLESS i pay $75 and i said forget it then, he told me i didnt have to pay since ive worn contacts before and she kept going on about fitting for them etc, and then had some nurse come and tell me HOW AWESOME these are etc, and at that point i just said FINE ILL PAY FOR IT, then i get home an was thinking how she told me they are expensive and come out to about $1 a day yet I ONLY GOT 2 boxes of trials for a total of 10 days so for $75 i should have received 75 pairs right?i am so pissed off right now its not funnty I HATE PEOPLE LIKE THAT< never in a million years would i think going to an eye dr would be like going to a car dealership. i will be calling them first thing today.

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  79. Been using these lenses as a "piggy back" for my RGP's for kerataconus for just over a month now. They are definitely worth it. I could only wear RGP's for about four hours before they became extremely uncomfortable but piggy backing them with the cibavision dailies 1, I now routinely wear them for up to 12 hours every day. Amazing!

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  80. I've been wearing these contacts since January. Previously I used Acuvue Dailies but I always had a problem of them drying out and my eyes being very uncomfortable. The first day I wore them, I couldn't get them off! I had to peel them off. But, after speaking with my doctor, as you said, your fingers have to be really really dry to take them off. Now, I'm used to it. Occasionally though, I feel like I need an extra drop or two of the solution. But, I was told that regular saline will ruin the lens. So what kind of solution ca you use for re-wetting purposes or is that something that doesn't even need to be done?

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  81. I had a week sample of this DT1. It's good but I'm one of those minority who deposits lipid and proteins relatively fast. DT1 Comfort last me for 2 hours, thus I conclude that my discomfort is due to this depositions. Maybe silicon hydrogel is not for me, I've tried Biofinity, Acuvue Oasys, Air Optix Night and Day Aqua and this DT1. But what makes my eyes really happy is Proclear. Call it Old tech but the science behind is what I need to fool my eyes to stop dumping lipid and proteins to my contacts.

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  82. I am in love with my DT1's. I would never post on a blog but I'm looking to check prices online of these. I've been in every contact. TruEyes made my eyes feel like toenails were in them at 2 hours of wearing them. I seriously can not feel these. I love them. I will pay extra for them. I'm in HEAVEN with amazing contacts!!

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  83. I'm trying these for the first time, an Accuvue Moist 1 Day user and allergy sufferer. My eye doctor was very excited for me to try them and I have to say, he was right! Even when I took them out of the package, the feel of the lenses on my fingertips was so amazing! I usually have a bit of an issue with one or the other of my AM1D feeling sticky or not setting right when I first put one in, sometimes having to take it out, rewet and replace, but I have been wearing these since my appointment this morning and they feel just as fresh and like I am wearing nothing at all! WoW!!!!

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  84. i was prescribed these contacts yesterday as my first ever contacts. although they are comfortable, i can see at a distance and i truly can't feel them, i was sure i needed $45/ 3 month contacts instead of these over $100 ones. after reading this blog, i do NOT feel that my doctor was trying to rip me off! ;) thanks!

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  85. I have dry eyes (and allergy bumps on my eyelids) and my Air Optix lenses just aren't cutting it anymore. I tried several pairs, including the BioTrue (better, but still need drops) and DT1. Wow, I am in love with the DT1. However, the price really is out of reach right now at over $700/yr. Until the price comes down, what would you suggest as a runner-up? Right now I ordered two 90 packs and hope allergy eye drops and allergy shots kick in and make a less-than-ideal brand more tolerable.
    Thanks!

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  86. I have been wearing contact lenses for over 30 years and yes these are a gmae changer. I have only trialled them now for 2 days and I am sold. I cannot feel them at all. Gone now are my previous lenses of choice, old trusty 1 day Acuvue Moist!

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  87. Great post! Been reading a lot about getting contacts. Thanks for the info here!

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  88. Anyone know when TD1 will be available in Plus powers please?

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  89. I love these lenses tried them for The first time a month ago. Feels like there's nothing on can wear them all day without dry eyEs. They pop off easily. These are definitely a game changer

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  90. long time contact lens wearer. was wearing True Eyes and having trouble with occasional blurring. Trying TD1 -- love the feel. But, has anyone reported allergies to the material in TD1? Eyes burning and runny nose since started trial. wearing True Eyes today and allergy symptoms are gone.

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  91. It must be nice having such a wide array of contact lenses available to correct myopia. If and when Alcon decides to release plus powers for TD1, it will likely bring the full range to -10 through +6.

    Accounting for vertex distance conversion from glasses:
    Myopia: Plano through -12.
    Hyperopia: Plano through +5.50.

    So not only do contact lenses correct everything from mild to extreme myopia, they are sometimes only available in minus powers, such as with DT1.

    Adding insult to injury is that virtually everyone with myopia is a candidate for LASIK, phakic IOLs, or both. Range: 0 through -20 and beyond. Hyperopia? Good luck.

    So to summarize, if you have myopia at any range you are golden. Hyperopia and you are screwed.

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  92. Hey Doc, is there a difference between Ciba Vision DT1 and Alcon DT1? My doc gave me a trial pair of Ciba and I loved them so I ordered online, but when they arrived it was by Alcon. Also the caption was different. Ciba showed "Breathable one day contact lenses" and Alcons shows "water gradient one day lenses? Are they different?

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  93. I ordered the Ciba Vision DT1 online but what I received instead was an Alcon brand. Also the captions on the boxes were different. The Ciba Vision caption showed "Breathable One-Day Contact Lenses" while the Alcon one shows "Water Gradient One-Day Contact Lenses". Is there a difference?

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  94. threy are the same lens. Ciba/Alcon are in the middle of a rebranding campaign. new name is "Alcon".

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  95. I found this post by looking up what eye drops to use for my aquacomfort plus dailies. I think you're very cool -- I love people who are passionate about their job. I have been wearing glasses since I was a child but I wear contacts every once in a while. I need to renew my contacts before the year is up, but I'll be sure to try out the Total 1 next year.

    P.S. Happy holidays! And what eye drops would you recommend for Ciba DAILIES AquaComfort Plus?

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