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Precision 1 vs. Acuvue Oasys 1 Day - What’s the Better Pick for Kiwis?

29th Apr 2025

Precision 1 by Alcon and Acuvue Oasys 1-Day by Johnson & Johnson are two of the most common daily disposable contact lenses you'll find in New Zealand. This reflects a worldwide shift, where dailies are now used by 35-40% of wearers. With almost 40% of Kiwi lens users choosing the hygiene and ease of daily disposables, let's break down how these popular choices stack up against each other on comfort, technology, cost, and suitability.

Comfort

Up to half of contact lens wearers struggle with discomfort, often due to dry eye symptoms. This resonates in New Zealand, where a study of 45-year-olds revealed clinical signs of dry eye in 45% of participants, even though only 9% had an official diagnosis. That underlying dryness in many Kiwis can certainly impact lens comfort.

This is where specific lens tech comes in. Precision 1 uses SmartSurface™ Technology to create a lasting moisture layer on the lens, offering relief for eyes prone to drying out in air conditioning or on long drives.

Acuvue Oasys 1-Day features TearStable™ Technology, aiming for a consistently stable tear film to keep vision comfortable through various challenges, from screen time to those gusty Wellington southerlies.

If tackling that dry feeling is your top priority, Precision 1's moisture-focused surface is compelling. But for dependable comfort across a wider range of conditions, Acuvue Oasys 1-Day warrants serious consideration.

Behind the science

Let's break down some of the key technologies working for you in these lenses:

Both lenses utilise silicone hydrogel materials. The big benefit here is excellent oxygen breathability, letting plenty of oxygen reach your cornea (the front of your eye). This is vital for maintaining eye health and comfort throughout your entire wearing day.

Acuvue Oasys 1-Day uses TearStable™ Technology, which works with your natural tears, helping them spread evenly and remain stable across the lens surface for smooth, consistent vision.

Precision 1 features its SmartSurface™ Technology, which creates a permanent, super-thin layer of moisture (over 80% water) right on the outer surface of the lens. It’s like having a built-in moisture reservoir designed to keep things feeling hydrated.

We know our sun packs a punch, with the UV Index often soaring into the "extreme" zone (12-13) during summer, as NIWA regularly flags. Acuvue Oasys 1-Day comes with Class 1 UV blocking – the highest level available in contacts – filtering out over 99% of UVB and 96% of UVA rays that hit the lens. While it's crucial to remember contacts don't cover your entire eye (so sunnies are still a must outdoors), this built-in protection is a bonus for everyday defence against UV exposure.

Pockets and pricing

Price is always a key consideration, so let's look at how these lenses compare:

Lens

30-pack (per lens)

90-pack (per lens)

Precision 1

$43.95 ($1.47)

112.95 ($1.26)

Acuvue Oasys 1-Day 

$59.95 ($2.00)

145.95 ($1.62)

Important Reminder: These specific prices were used for this comparison. Always verify current pricing before making a purchase, as prices and offers can change.

Based on these figures, Precision 1 consistently offers a lower cost per lens, with the savings becoming more noticeable when purchasing the larger 90-pack. The higher price point for Acuvue Oasys 1-Day reflects its specific technologies, particularly the Class 1 UV protection – a valuable feature given New Zealand's high UV levels, and its TearStable™ approach to tear film stability. Whether the added cost for Acuvue Oasys 1-Day is worth it really depends on how much value you place on those specific features for your lifestyle and eye health needs.

The bottom line

So, how do you pick? Honestly, it just depends on what matters most to you. If your eyes tend to feel dry and you're watching the budget, Precision 1 contact lenses could be a really great fit – it's built for that moisture boost. But if you need comfort that lasts through pretty much anything, plus that extra UV protection (which is pretty useful here in NZ), then Acuvue Oasys 1-Day contact lenses might be the one for you.

Everyone's eyes are different. The only way to know for sure what feels best is to try them, and the best way to figure that out is to chat with your optometrist. They can take a proper look and help you find the lens that genuinely works for your eyes.

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