Lotrafilcon B Contact Lenses

Features of Lotrafilcon B Contact Lenses

In the 1970s, doctors typically prescribed contact lenses made of hydrogel — a thin, pliable material that easily conforms to the surface of the eye — due to their comfort and ease of use. However, a major downside of hydrogel contact lenses is their tendency to dry out. The water in hydrogel contact lenses gradually evaporates, making them uncomfortable to wear for long periods. Hydrogel also has low permeability to oxygen, which the eye needs to stay white, moist, and healthy.

Eventually, contact lens manufacturers were able to improve the hydrogel polymers used in contact lenses. This improvement resulted in the introduction of silicone hydrogel contact lenses. From the name itself, silicone hydrogel is a polymer that contains both hydrogel and silicone — a gel-like polymer known for its high degree of flexibility. Like hydrogel, silicone hydrogel contains water. But unlike hydrogel, silicone hydrogel is porous and has better oxygen permeability.

In fact, silicone hydrogel allows five times more oxygen to reach the eye than hydrogel. With silicone hydrogel, contact lens wearers are less likely to suffer from a lack of oxygen supply to the eye, which can lead to acute inflammation, swelling, or infection. For this reason, silicone hydrogel lens materials like lotrafilcon B are much more suitable for overnight or continuous wear than hydrogel lens materials. Currently, lotrafilcon B is FDA-approved for up to six nights and seven days of continuous wear.

According to a 2015 eye study, lotrafilcon B is also associated with less epiphora (excessive tear production), blurred vision, and photophobia (sensitivity to bright light) after photorefractive keratectomy (a type of laser surgery that can improve vision. Additionally, lotrafilcon B is associated with less foreign body sensation, or the feeling that you have something in your eye.

Note that one major disadvantage of lotrafilcon B contacts and other silicone hydrogel contacts is their tendency to collect deposits more quickly than hydrogel contacts. Lotrafilcon B contacts and other silicone hydrogel contacts may also not be suitable for people who are allergic or sensitive to silicone.

Popular Lotrafilcon B Contact Lenses

There are several popular brands of lotrafilcon B contact lenses available. These include CIBA VISION’s O2 Optix and Alcon’s Air Optix® for Astigmatism, Air Optix AQUA, and Air Optix AQUA Multifocal.

O2 Optix are bi-weekly lenses, while all three lotrafilcon B contacts belonging to the Air Optix brand are monthly lenses. Bi-weekly lenses may be the better option for you if you want to strike a balance between low maintenance and comfort. Bi-weekly lenses may also be ideal for you if you only wear contacts for a few hours every day. Moreover, having bi-weekly lenses gives you the freedom to wear your contacts and remove them as needed without feeling wasteful, which would be the case if you were using daily disposable contacts.

On the other hand, monthly lenses may be the better option for you if you’re discerning enough and can adhere to a lens care routine. Note that Air Optix for Astigmatism, Air Optix AQUA, and Air Optix AQUA Multifocal can be worn daily for 30 days or continuously for up to 6 nights and 7 days, after which they must be replaced with a new pair. 

Note that not everyone can wear contacts for a full 7 days, even contacts approved for overnight or extended wear. If in doubt, it’s best to just follow the wearing schedule recommended by your eye care professional.

How Much Are Lotrafilcon B Contact Lenses?

Lotrafilcon B contact lenses can cost $25 to $50 per box of six lenses, with each box lasting six months. If you replace your contacts every month, expect an annual lens cost of $100 to $200. The actual figure may be lower or higher depending on how frequently you replace your contacts.

On Lens.com, lotrafilcon B contact lenses can cost as low as $10 per box of six lenses after rebates. Take advantage of our discount prices by shopping Lens.com today!

How to Insert and Remove Lotrafilcon B Contact Lenses

Lotrafilcon B contacts are soft contacts and as such, you should follow the standard procedure for that type of lens. Start by washing your hands with mild soap and water, then dry them with a lint-free towel. Scoop your first lens out of the case with your index finger of your dominant hand and rinse it with a cleaning solution that’s specially formulated for soft contacts. Inspect the lens for any tears or debris and make sure it’s not inside-out. Using the middle finger of your dominant hand, pull down your lower eyelid. If necessary, use the middle finger of your non-dominant hand to pull your upper eyelid. Look upward and gently put the lens on your eye. Blink a few times to center the lens. Repeat this with the other lens. 

To remove lotrafilcon B contacts, hold your eyelids open and gently pinch the lens between your index finger and thumb. Carefully lift the lens off of your eye. Repeat with the other lens.

About Lens.com

Lens.com has been proudly offering high-quality contact lenses at discount prices since 1995. Choose from a variety of our lotrafilcon B contact lenses and enjoy hassle-free returns, quick shipping, and a 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee.