Acuvue Contacts – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know About Acuvue Contact Lenses
Find all the answers you are looking for in our Acuvue contact lenses FAQ below.
Contact lenses have transformed the way millions of people see the world—quite literally! If you’ve ever made the switch from glasses to contacts, you’ll know exactly what we mean.
That freedom from the constant presence of glasses resting on your face is fairly liberating. (No matter how cute you look with glasses!)
Vanity metrics aside, contact lenses also offer a wider field of view and are significantly more comfortable in terms of playing sports of all kinds. Little wonder then that contacts, and in particular Acuvue contact lenses, continue to be one of the most-asked about vision products at Unionville Optometry. (Keep reading to find out why Acuvue wins the ‘Best contact lens’ debate.)
Of course, if you’ve ever made the switch from glasses to contacts, you’ll also know that not all contact lenses are created equal! Fitted incorrectly, or with an inferior product, they can be irritating as heck, painful even. Fortunately, these days, that is less of an issue.
Whether you’re looking for convenient daily disposables, lenses designed for digital device use, or options that correct astigmatism or presbyopia, today’s contact lens technology has never been better. And, among the many brands available, Acuvue contact lenses stand out as one of the most trusted choices—not just by our Unionville Optometry, Markham, Ontario optometrists, but worldwide.
Let’s dive into exactly why we choose Acuvue contact lenses over others by answering all your most frequently asked questions about these tiny discs of vision magic.
Acuvue Contact Lens FAQs
Why would I choose Acuvue contact lenses?
Acuvue has been in the business of contact lenses since 1987. That’s nearly 40 years of bettering your vision, one lens, and one technological breakthrough, at a time!
Acuvue® contact lenses are a top choice for many wearers because they blend comfort, eye health technology, and versatility. Built using moisture-rich materials like HydraLuxe® and Hydraclear®, and breathable silicone hydrogel options, they are designed to help eyes feel hydrated throughout the day.
Many Acuvue lenses also include UV-blocking agents for added protection, and there are dedicated options for astigmatism, presbyopia, and digital eye strain.
How long do Acuvue contacts last?
Acuvue lenses are available in different wear schedules to fit your lifestyle:
- Daily disposable contacts: Worn and discarded each day for hassle-free wear and improved hygiene.
- Reusable two-week or monthly lenses: These require prescribed cleaning and storage but can be more cost-effective for some wearers.
Daily disposable options are often recommended for their health benefits and reduced buildup of allergens and debris.
Do I need a prescription for Acuvue contact lenses?
Yes, you must have a valid contact lens prescription from an optometrist, even if you’ve worn contacts before or have mild vision correction needs. Contact lens fitting includes measuring your eye’s curvature, lens diameter, tear film quality, and specific prescription power to ensure clear, comfortable vision and long-term eye health. A well-fitted contact lens ensures minimal irritation, clear vision, and long-term ocular health.
Can I use my eyeglass prescription to order contact lenses?
No. Eyeglass prescriptions do not include critical measurements required for contact lenses. Contacts rest directly on the eye’s surface, so eye curvature and lens fit must be evaluated separately. Always schedule a proper contact lens exam for an accurate contact lens prescription.
Always schedule a proper contact lens exam to get the correct prescription.
What is Acuvue Oasys?
Acuvue Oasys is one of Acuvue’s popular contact lens families designed with advanced comfort technologies like Hydraclear® Plus or HydraLuxe® to help maintain moisture and reduce dryness. These lenses offer high oxygen permeability and all-day comfort, making them suitable for screen use and environments that may otherwise cause eye fatigue. Acuvue Oasys lenses come in daily and reusable formats, as well as specialized versions for astigmatism and presbyopia.
Can I sleep in Acuvue contacts?
No. You should not sleep in your contact lenses, including Acuvue lenses. Sleeping with lenses in increases the risk of corneal infections, redness, irritation, dryness, and serious eye conditions like corneal ulcers.
How old do I have to be to wear Acuvue contacts?
There is no strict minimum age for contact lens wear. At Unionville Optometry, patients as young as seven have been successfully fitted with Acuvue lenses. Younger and older wearers often do well with daily disposable lenses, which require minimal handling and care.
Are Acuvue contacts comfortable?
Yes. Comfort is a hallmark of Acuvue lenses. Their moisture-rich materials and breathable design help maintain hydration and comfort throughout the day. This makes them a popular choice for new contact wearers, people with mild dry eye symptoms, and those using digital devices frequently.
Can an Acuvue contact lens get stuck in my eye?
It’s very unlikely for a contact lens to become permanently stuck. If a lens feels stuck due to dryness, try applying lubricating eye drops, blink gently, and reattempt removal. If removal remains difficult, our optometrist can assist safely.
Can I wear Acuvue contact lenses for sports?
Absolutely. Many people prefer contacts over glasses for active lifestyles because lenses don’t fog up, shift, or interfere with peripheral vision. Acuvue lenses stay stable and comfortable during sports like running, cycling, gym workouts, and team activities.
Are there Acuvue contacts for astigmatism?
Yes. Acuvue offers toric lenses designed for astigmatism with technologies that help maintain rotational stability on the eye. They also have specialized light-correcting options for presbyopia. Your optometrist can help determine the best fit for your vision needs.
(Note: For more answers to your questions about contact lens wearing and astigmatism, see this Astigmatism FAQ post.)
Can I wear glasses even if I mostly wear contacts?
Yes. Many contact lens wearers switch between contacts and glasses depending on their needs or activities. Alternating can give your eyes a break and ensures you always have clear vision available.
Can I wear Acuvue contacts every day?
In most cases, yes. With proper hygiene, lens care, and adherence to replacement schedules, Acuvue contacts can be worn daily. Always follow your optometrist’s personalized recommendations for safe wear.
Are contact lenses bad for my eyes?
No. Contact lenses, including Acuvue lenses, are safe when worn correctly. Problems usually occur when lenses are over-worn, not cleaned (for reusable lenses), or worn while sleeping. Regular check-ups and proper care help maintain eye health.
What is the difference between 1-day and reusable Acuvue lenses?
1-day Acuvue lenses are worn once and disposed at the end of the day for maximum hygiene and convenience, while reusable lenses are replaced on a two-week or monthly schedule and require cleaning.
Do Acuvue lenses block UV rays?
Many Acuvue contact lenses include UV-blocking technology, offering protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays, though they should be paired with sunglasses for full eye protection.
Can I wear Acuvue contacts if I have dry eyes?
Yes. Certain Acuvue lenses with moisture-rich materials are designed to help keep eyes comfortable and hydrated, which may benefit wearers who experience dry eye symptoms.
How often should I replace my reusable Acuvue contact lenses?
Follow the replacement schedule prescribed by your optometrist, typically every two weeks or monthly, and don’t exceed that schedule to maintain eye health.
Can I swim wearing Acuvue contact lenses?
No, it’s best to avoid wearing contacts while swimming because water exposure increases the risk of eye infections. Goggles or prescription swim masks are recommended.
What should I do if my contacts feel uncomfortable during use?
If lenses feel uncomfortable, remove them, rinse with appropriate solution, and rest your eyes. Persistent irritation or pain should prompt consultation with your optometrist.
Is a contact lens exam different from a regular eye exam?
Yes. A contact lens exam includes additional measurements such as base curve, diameter, and tear quality, beyond a standard vision test for glasses.
I Still Have Questions About Contact Lenses…
Do you still have questions about contact lenses in general, or Acuvue contact lenses specifically, or you are ready to get your first fitting?
Call us today at 905-477-4488, book an appointment online, or email us at Unionvilleoptometry@gmail.com.
Whether you’re new to contacts or exploring new, more comfortable options to suit your lifestyle, we are here and ready to help find and fit the perfect Acuvue lens for you.
1 ClinicalTrials.gov is a website maintained by the NIH. The 29 clinical studies evaluated subjective comfort as a primary or secondary endpoint for ACUVUE® OASYS Brand 2-Week Family, ACUVUE® OASYS 1-Day Brand Family, and ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-Day Brand Family of contact lenses, vs. competitors’ products. Review conducted as of April 30, 2025.