If you’re new to the world of vision correction, you may be wondering if eyeglasses or contact lenses are the better option for you. 

While your decision is largely a matter of personal preference and prescription type, if you do plan to get contacts, Dailies Total1 lenses might be the perfect fit. 

That’s because Dailies Total1 are disposable contact lenses that are specifically designed for single-day use, making them an excellent option if you’re looking for major convenience and minimal care. Since you toss them at the end of each day, you don’t have to worry about cleaning and storing your lenses properly.

This option is also ideal for people transitioning from glasses to contact lenses. They use special technology that adds extra lubrication to the surface of the eye — these contacts are so comfortable you may forget you’re wearing them!

Disposable contact lenses: The basics

Strictly speaking, disposable contact lenses are ones that are used for one day, then replaced with a new pair. 

Dailies Total1 contacts are a leading example of such disposable, single-use lenses. Other brands on the market include Acuvue Oasys 1-Day, MyDay, Bausch + Lomb INFUSE, Precision1 and clariti 1 day. Each offers the kind of convenience that comes with one-time use.

Other lens types have different wear times. Some that can be used for a period of 7-30 days, depending on the kind (frequent replacement), while others are even good for half a year (reusable). 

However, these longer-use lenses need to be carefully maintained and disinfected before each subsequent use — people who don’t want to commit to this regimen may prefer dailies.

All about Dailies Total1 contacts

Introduced in 2013, Alcon Total Dailies1 are disposable contact lenses that are meant to be replaced with a new pair after each use. 

These contacts are designed for maximum comfort, and aim to reduce the chance of dryness and lens intolerance thanks to the brand’s special water gradient technology. But what exactly does that entail?

Alcon describes it as a two-level optimization: 

• Core level optimization – The core of the lenses is silicone hydrogel, which features 33% water content, while also being water-repellent. This design allows for greater levels of breathability — so much so that the manufacturers claim it has the highest levels of oxygen transmissibility of all disposable lenses on the market.
• Surface level optimization – Where the core is water-repellant, the surface is designed to love water. With a water content of 80%, they are supposed to match the eye surface they cover, reducing the chance of dryness and overall discomfort.  

The increased water content near the outer surface of the lenses results in what the brand calls a “cushion of moisture” in their dailies. This is particularly helpful for people who generally experience dry eyes when wearing contact lenses.

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Features and specifications

In addition to the water gradient optimization that combines a water-loving surface with a water-repellant core, Total1 dailies come with a host of other cool specs and features. These include:

• SmarTears Technology – This technology is designed to release phosphatidylcholine, an ingredient that is naturally present in our tears. The idea is to keep the eye hydrated while helping to stabilize the lipid layer of the tear film.
• A versatile range of lens power – Total1 dailies are available in a range of powers, from -12 to +6. Their versatility makes them suitable for a variety of users with different prescription needs.
• LightStream Technology – This is the tech that enables the water gradient system (the transition between the surface and core levels of the lenses) in the first place. With it, the core’s water content remains at 33%, while the surface water content is 80%. 

If these technological advances don’t convince you, Alcon has another feature to consider: A free trial period. 

That’s right — Dailies Total1 contact lenses come with a free five-day trial offer, so you can experiment to see if this brand is right for you.

SEE RELATED: Eyeglasses and contact lenses discounts

Who can wear Alcon’s Dailies Total1 contacts?

Dailies Total1 contact lenses suit a range of users — but that doesn’t mean they are meant for everyone. 

The high price can be a solid barrier for some people considering this brand. But, thanks to the technologies mentioned above, this brand’s disposable contacts alleviate dryness and discomfort, making them a great option for people who usually have trouble adjusting to lenses.

If your prescription lens power ranges between -12 and +6, Alcon dailies have got you covered. 

The company also claims that users over 40 years of age can transition easily to these lenses. Special Total Dailies1 multifocal lenses are also available for people with presbyopia, which is the natural decrease in near vision ability that comes with age. These lenses are designed to transition seamlessly between near, intermediate and distant vision. 

Unfortunately, the brand doesn’t have lenses for people with astigmatism, a condition that causes blurry or distorted vision. Such users would need to opt for Dailies AquaComfort Plus Toric contact lenses instead.

How much do Dailies Total1 cost?

There’s no getting around it — Alcon’s Dailies Total1 contacts are more expensive than many other daily disposable contact lenses on the market. Alcon claims that the price difference is due to the advanced tech used in their lenses to ensure comfort and enhanced vision. 

The 90 packs are usually priced at:

• $100 for standard Total1 dailies
• $120 to $130 for the multifocal option

Meanwhile, Dailies Total1 30 packs are typically around:

• $45 for standard Total1 dailies
• $54 to $58 for multifocal lenses

Keep in mind that you may find lower prices through a wholesale shopping club, such as Costco or Sam’s Club, or from discount retailers, including Walmart (all of whom offer eye exams for one-stop shopping).

A quick internet search may also help you find sales and other deals from certain retailers, so be sure to look around and compare.

Additionally, your eye doctor may be able to help you get the cost down a bit with Dailies Total1 rebates — that is, if you go for an in-office visit. 

And don’t forget the free five-day trial! This is an excellent way to see if these contact lenses are indeed the perfect fit for you and if you think the comfort level is worth the hefty price tag.

Advantages and disadvantages of Total1 dailies

Daily disposable lenses by Alcon promise comfort, higher oxygen transmission and greater eye lubrication for the user. Their design comes with both perks and negative quirks, though, so it’s important to consider the advantages and disadvantages before shopping for contacts.

On the pro side:

• These lenses boast almost 100% water levels on the surface, ensuring your eyes stay hydrated.
• Their SmartTears Technology helps stabilize the lipid layer of the tear film.
• Total1 dailies are breathable and comfortable even during extensive use.
• These lenses are suitable for people with myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness).
• There’s a multifocal option available.

Among the cons, you’ll find that:

• There are no Total1 lenses for astigmatism.
• The slick and highly lubricated surface can make these lenses difficult to put in and remove.
• The price range for Total1 daily lenses is higher than many other daily disposable brands.

Ultimately, weighing the pros and cons — advanced technology versus cost, for instance — can help you decide whether or not to purchase Dailies Total1 disposable contacts.

Comparing Dailies Total1 to other brands

If you’re keen on buying disposables, but aren’t yet convinced that Dailies Total1 contacts are the way to go, seeing how they stack up against the competition may give you the insight you need to make an informed purchase.

Dailies Total1 vs. clariti 1 day contacts

Perhaps one of the biggest edges that clariti 1 day has over the Dailies is that clariti 1 offers toric lenses. This means that more people can use them, including those with astigmatism. 

When it comes to lens power, Total1 contacts are good for users with -12 to +6 prescriptions, while clariti 1 day’s lenses range between -10 to +8. It’s also important to note that the Alcorn lenses don’t have cylindrical power options, while clariti 1’s daily lenses do — this cylinder measurement indicates the lens power for astigmatism. 

Additionally, clariti 1 contacts provide UV protection, and you can even get a set of 10 lenses in their free trial offer, which is double the number of lenses in the Total1 trial period.

That said, clariti 1 day contacts don’t have features like Total1’s water gradient system or SmarTear Technology — but that also makes them less expensive.

Dailies Total1 vs. 1-Day Acuvue TruEye contacts

Another cheaper option, Acuvue TruEye offers contact lenses specifically designed for those with astigmatism as well. Unlike Dailies Total1, they also provide lenses with UV protection. 

Dailies contact lenses do boast other perks, though, including that state-of-the-art technology mentioned above that maximizes user comfort. This makes them especially ideal for people with chronically dry eyes from wearing contacts.

Dailies Total1 vs. MyDay contacts

As with some other brands, MyDay lenses are less expensive than Alcon Dailies contacts. They also come in packs of 90 and 180 — flexible purchasing options are always good to have — and their trial size is double that of the Total1 offer. 

Additionally, MyDay contacts feature UV protection and have options available for people who have astigmatism. One downside, however, is that they currently do not have multifocal lenses.

The biggest difference between brands? The tech — where the MyDay has only Smart Silicone lenses, Total1 dailies feature lenses with SmarTear, water gradient and near-precision profile technologies. 

Dailies Total1 vs. Acuvue Oasys 1-Day

With high oxygen permeability and a price tag that’s only a little less expensive than the Alcorn’s Dailies, Acuvue Oasys lenses also deliver on maximum lubrication. They do this with their HydraLuxe Technology, which creates a network of teardrop-like molecules that mimic the structure and stability of the natural tear film. 

These lenses also provide UV protection and lens powers ranging between -12 to +8, making them suitable for a wider range of people. 

While Acuvue Oasys lenses are suitable for people who have astigmatism, the brand doesn’t yet offer multifocal lenses. This makes the Dailies more suitable for people with presbyopia.

How to use disposable lenses

If you have recently made the transition to daily disposable lenses, you’ll find that there are some things you need to get used to first. A few guidelines to keep in mind for proper use of Dailies contacts are:

• Dispose of the used pair every day – Even though Dailies Total1 are quite expensive, you shouldn’t try to save them (and money) by wearing them more than once — these contacts are not meant to be worn for more than one day and should be discarded accordingly.
• Do not sleep in them – The Dailies are not suitable for a good night’s sleep, so be sure to remove them (and discard) before you go to bed each night.
• Use clean, dry hands – While you should never touch your lenses without washing your hands, it is also important to dry your hands before putting in your Dailies since the lenses are very slippery. Don’t use lotions, essential oils, etc., before touching your lenses.
• Store carefully – If you need to remove your contacts for any reason during the day (to swim, for instance), remember to carry some contact lens solution to store them in.

In the end, Alcon’s Dailies are a good choice for people looking for quality disposable lenses. They offer clarity, can reduce dryness and even minimize the chance of allergies flaring up. Total1 contacts also cover a good range of lens powers and can help people with presbyopia.

As long as you don’t have astigmatism and don’t mind the price tag, the Dailies Total 1 may just be the right lenses for you.

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