Which Premium Daily Lens Wins? Dailies Total 1 vs. Acuvue Oasys 1-Day

When it comes to premium daily disposable contacts in Australia, Alcon’s Dailies Total 1 and J&J's Acuvue Oasys 1-Day are definitely well-regarded options. They're known for delivering on quality and performance, particularly if you're dealing with dry eyes or astigmatism.

So, let's break down what makes each of these lenses tick and see how they compare when it comes to comfort, how much they cost, and the UV protection they offer.

Below is a handy table that lays out the key specs for both lenses side-by-side:

Why these specs matter: Good oxygen flow (Dk/t) helps keep your eyes white and healthy, especially important on long workdays under air-conditioning or during summer sports and beach trips. And if you’re out in the Aussie sun (UV index often peaks at 11+), solid UV blocking can reduce cumulative sun damage around the cornea.

Comfort & ease of use

Daily disposable lenses are generally designed to be easy to use – that's a big reason why heaps of new wearers start with them. Surveys back this up, showing 82% of new users find dailies simple to pop in, and 72% of users say they are pretty easy to take out. So, they're known for being quite user-friendly overall.

Now, if you struggle with particularly dry eyes, Dailies Total 1 often comes highly recommended. Its Water Gradient and SmarTears tech create this really slick, moisture-rich surface that many say feels like you're wearing nothing at all.

On the other hand, Acuvue Oasys 1-Day uses HydraLuxe technology. This aims to work with your natural tears to keep things comfortable, especially over long hours of wear.

Because handling and comfort can differ from person to person, it’s always a good idea to discuss your needs with your local optometrist to figure out what suits you.

Cost comparison

Dailies Total 1 (DT1)

30 Pack - $54.95 ($1.83 per lens)

90 Pack - $125.95 ($1.40 per lens)

Acuvue Oasys Daily with HydraLuxe

30 Pack - $55.95 ($1.87 per lens)

90 Pack - $126.95 ($1.41 per lens)

Dailies Total 1 works out fractionally cheaper per lens, but honestly, the difference is pretty tiny, especially when you buy the larger 90-packs, where it's only about one cent per lens. That very slight extra cost for Acuvue Oasys 1-Day might reflect its features, like the high-level UV protection.

For anyone switching from reusable fortnightly or monthly lenses, the sheer convenience of a fresh pair every day (no cleaning solutions needed) often makes either of these daily options seem worthwhile, regardless of the small price variation between them.

Eco note & recycling

Daily disposables generate more packaging waste, but many Aussie chemists and optometrists partner with recycling schemes (e.g. TerraCycle) to collect used lenses and blister packs. You can also peel, rinse and drop blisters (foil, plastic & lens) into household recycling where accepted.

What our customers say

Feedback for Dailies Total 1 is overwhelmingly positive, consistently highlighting exceptional comfort as the standout feature. Many reviewers describe them as the "most comfortable" lenses they've ever worn, often using phrases like "feels like wearing nothing" or forgetting they even have them in. 

Users also frequently praise the stable fit, noting the lenses don't move around, and appreciate the general ease of insertion and removal. They receive specific mentions as being an excellent choice for those with dry eyes, exceeding the expectations of even long-term contact lens wearers.

“I love these contact lenses; they are easy to insert and remove and fit great.” - Steph B.

“Very comfortable. I tried many lenses at the optometrist and this was the best one for dry eyes. It doesn't feel like you are wearing them at all because they are made from mostly water.” -  Justin D.

“Feels like I'm wearing nothing at all.... On my eyes!” - Laura W.

“I've been wearing contacts for over 30 years and recently tried Dailies Total 1 and they exceeded my expectations. These are the most comfortable lenses without doubt.” - Danny

“Put them in and forget about them ... literally!

Unlike others I have used, they dont leave you feeling like you "have" to take them out at the end of the day because you have bits of sand / grain in your eyes. Sometimes hard to take out as they are so fine.” - Taryn

Reviews for Acuvue Oasys 1-Day often highlight how comfortable they are, especially over long hours. Wearers mention their eyes don't feel too dry or tired even after a full day, and that the lenses are non-irritating. They seem to be a particularly good fit for those battling sensitive or allergic dry eyes. 

“Great product. Very comfortable and eyes are not too dry or tired after long-time-wear.” - Zoe

“Best daily contact lenses I've ever worn. Non-irritating and long lasting. Worth it!”

“Feels like the best fit for my allergic dry eyes” - Darren J.

Wrapping up

So, the bottom line? Both Dailies Total 1 and Acuvue Oasys 1-Day are excellent choices in the daily disposable market, each catering to different needs:

Choose Dailies Total 1 if your main focus is on top-tier comfort (especially if you battle dry eyes) and cost-effectiveness.

Choose Acuvue Oasys 1-Day if reliable all-day comfort, stable vision, and that high-level UV protection are key factors for your lifestyle, particularly with plenty of time spent outdoors.

Regardless of which sounds better, seeing your optometrist is still a must. They can properly assess your eyes, discuss your specific requirements (like astigmatism or chronic dryness), and recommend the very best option for you.

References:

• https://total.myalcon.com/products/dailies-total1/
• https://www.acuvue.com/en-nz/products/acuvue-oasys-1-day/
• https://www.reddit.com/r/optometry/comments/5gqo9l/dailies_total_1_vs_acuvue_oasys_1_day/?rdt=34636
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6969706/