Over the past couple of years, I have been recommending a lens swap to more and more patients. People come in wearing Acuvue Oasys, which has been a solid daily lens for years, and I suggest they try Precision1 by Alcon. Not because Oasys is bad. It is genuinely good. But Precision1 has changed the comfort conversation for a lot of my contact lens wearers, and the comparison between these two is the one I get asked about most.
Both are premium daily disposable lenses. Both have proprietary moisture technology. Both cost roughly the same. So why does one work better than the other for certain people? Here is what I have learned from fitting both of them day after day.
The Head-to-Head Comparison
Let me start with the specs, because the details matter more than you might think.
| Feature | Precision1 (Alcon) | Acuvue Oasys 1-Day (J&J) |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Verofilcon A (silicone hydrogel) | Senofilcon A (silicone hydrogel) |
| Water content | 51% | 38% |
| Surface water content | >80% | 38% (uniform) |
| Dk/t (oxygen) | 100 | 121 |
| Comfort technology | SMARTSURFACE (micro-thin moisture layer) | HydraLuxe (tear-like molecules in lens) |
| Base curve | 8.3 mm | 8.5 mm / 9.0 mm |
| Diameter | 14.2 mm | 14.3 mm |
| UV blocking | No | Yes (Class 1) |
| Toric available | Yes | Yes |
| Multifocal available | Yes | Yes (Acuvue Oasys Max 1-Day Multifocal) |
| Price (30-pack, CAD) | $35–$45 | $37–$47 |
The numbers tell part of the story. Precision1 has higher water content and a surface moisture layer that Oasys does not. Oasys has better oxygen permeability and UV blocking. Same ballpark pricing. Different approaches to the same goal: comfortable eyes all day.
How the Comfort Technology Differs
This is where it gets interesting. Alcon and Johnson & Johnson took completely different engineering paths to solve the same problem.
Precision1's SMARTSURFACE creates a permanent micro-thin moisture layer on the outside of the lens. The lens core is 51% water, but the outer surface exceeds 80% water content. Think of it like a lens wearing its own invisible coating of tears. This layer stays put throughout the day regardless of your blinking pattern or environment.
Acuvue Oasys 1-Day's HydraLuxe takes a different approach. Johnson & Johnson embedded tear-like molecules (phospholipids and other components that mimic your natural tear film) directly into the lens material. The idea is that the lens integrates with your own tear film rather than sitting on top of it. The lens itself becomes part of the moisture system.
In practice, here is what I observe: Precision1 tends to feel wetter and more lubricated right out of the package, and that feeling holds steady. Oasys 1-Day feels thinner and more "invisible" on the eye, which some people prefer. The comfort difference between them becomes most noticeable in the last few hours of a long wear day.
| Comfort Factor | Precision1 | Acuvue Oasys 1-Day |
|---|---|---|
| Initial insertion comfort | Excellent — feels wet immediately | Excellent — barely noticeable |
| Mid-day comfort (hours 4-8) | Very consistent | Very consistent |
| End-of-day comfort (hours 10+) | Strong — moisture layer holds | Good, may thin slightly in dry environments |
| Screen-heavy days | Edge — surface moisture compensates for low blink rate | Good |
| Outdoor/active days | Good | Edge — UV protection, thinner feel |
| Dry/heated rooms | Edge — higher water content resists drying | Lower water content may actually help (draws less from tears) |
Why I Started Recommending the Switch
I started suggesting Precision1 to patients who reported end-of-day dryness in their Acuvue Oasys 1-Day lenses. Not everyone, just the ones who mentioned that their lenses felt great in the morning but by 4 or 5 PM they were reaching for rewetting drops or wanting to take them out.
The results have been consistent enough that I now trial Precision1 for most new daily lens fits, unless the patient has specific needs that point toward Oasys (like wanting UV protection or needing the 9.0 mm base curve option for a flatter cornea).
That said, I also have patients who tried Precision1 and went back to Oasys. Some people find Precision1 slightly thicker-feeling on insertion. Others prefer the way Oasys integrates with their tears rather than sitting on top of them. Contact lens comfort is genuinely individual. What works beautifully for one person can feel mediocre to another with nearly identical eyes.
Pricing in Canada
One of the reasons this comparison is so common is that both lenses sit at nearly the same price point. Neither is the budget option and neither is the luxury tier.
| Pack Size | Precision1 (CAD) | Acuvue Oasys 1-Day (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| 30 lenses (one eye, 1 month) | $35–$45 | $37–$47 |
| 90 lenses (one eye, 3 months) | $55–$70 | $58–$72 |
| Annual cost (both eyes, daily wear) | $700–$950 | $750–$980 |
Prices vary depending on where you buy. Your local optical store may offer annual supply discounts or bundle pricing that brings the per-box cost down. Manufacturer rebates are also common, especially in the fall and spring. Ask about these before you buy.
Most private insurance plans in Canada cover contact lenses under a vision care allowance, typically $150 to $300 per year. That covers roughly 2 to 4 months of daily lenses, depending on your plan. Check your benefits before year-end so you do not leave money on the table.
Who Should Wear Which
After fitting both lenses hundreds of times, here is my shorthand recommendation:
Try Precision1 first if: you work at a screen most of the day, your current lenses get dry by mid-afternoon, you live or work in heated/air-conditioned environments, you have mild dry eye symptoms, or you want maximum end-of-day comfort.
Stick with Acuvue Oasys 1-Day if: you spend a lot of time outdoors (UV protection matters), you prefer a thinner, barely-there lens feel, your cornea is flatter (you need the 9.0 base curve), you have been happy with Oasys and have no dryness complaints, or you have a mild sensitivity to thicker lens edges.
Consider neither and look at Dailies Total1 if: you have moderate to severe dry eyes and need the absolute maximum moisture technology. Dailies Total1 (also Alcon) is a step above Precision1 in comfort but costs more. It is the lens I reach for when both Precision1 and Oasys are not enough.
The Fitting Matters
I want to be direct about something: do not switch between these lenses without having the fit checked. I see people order Precision1 online after wearing Oasys because the base curve is "close enough." It is not the same. Precision1 has an 8.3 mm base curve and 14.2 mm diameter. Acuvue Oasys 1-Day comes in 8.5 mm (and 9.0 mm) with a 14.3 mm diameter.
A lens that is too tight restricts oxygen and can cause redness and discomfort over time. A lens that is too loose moves excessively and causes blurry vision. A 10-minute fit check with your optician or optometrist confirms that the new lens sits correctly on your cornea. It is quick, painless, and important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Precision1 better than Acuvue Oasys?
Neither is universally better. Precision1 uses Alcon's SMARTSURFACE technology, which creates a moisture-rich outer layer that stays lubricated throughout the day. Acuvue Oasys 1-Day uses HydraLuxe technology with tear-like molecules integrated into the lens material. Precision1 tends to feel more comfortable for patients in dry environments or with long screen hours. Acuvue Oasys tends to handle active lifestyles and longer wear days well. Your eye shape and tear chemistry matter more than brand.
Are Precision1 contacts good for dry eyes?
Yes, Precision1 is one of the better daily lenses for mild to moderate dry eyes. The SMARTSURFACE technology maintains a high-moisture outer layer (over 80% water content at the surface) even as the day goes on. Many of my patients who struggled with end-of-day dryness in other lenses find Precision1 more comfortable through hour 10 and beyond. For severe dry eyes, drops alone may not be enough. Talk to your optometrist about whether contacts are appropriate for your level of dryness.
How much do Precision1 contacts cost in Canada?
Precision1 daily lenses typically cost between $35 and $45 CAD per box of 30 lenses, or $55 to $70 per box of 90. This works out to roughly $1.00 to $1.30 per day for both eyes. Prices vary by retailer and whether you buy in bulk. Acuvue Oasys 1-Day is priced similarly, usually within $2 to $5 per box. Annual supply deals from your optical store can save 10 to 20 percent.
Can I switch from Acuvue Oasys to Precision1 without a new fitting?
You should have your optometrist or optician evaluate the fit before switching. Although both lenses come in similar base curves (Precision1: 8.3 mm, Acuvue Oasys 1-Day: 8.5 mm or 9.0 mm), the diameter and material are different, which affects how the lens sits on your eye. A quick fit check takes 10 minutes and ensures the new lens moves and centres properly. Do not just order a different brand online without confirming the fit.
Does Precision1 come in astigmatism or multifocal?
Yes. Precision1 for Astigmatism and Precision1 multifocal are both available. Acuvue Oasys 1-Day also offers both astigmatism and multifocal versions. Both brands now cover the three main categories: sphere, toric, and multifocal. Availability in your specific prescription parameters may differ, so check with your optician.
Which daily contact lens has the highest water content?
Dailies Total1 (also by Alcon) has the highest surface water content at over 80%, though its core water content is 33%. Precision1 also has surface water content over 80%, with a core of 51%. Acuvue Oasys 1-Day has 38% water content throughout. Higher water content does not automatically mean more comfortable. Lens material, surface treatment, and tear film interaction all play a role. Some drier eyes actually do better with lower water content lenses because they draw less moisture from your tears.
Are daily contacts worth the extra cost over monthlies?
For most people, yes. Dailies eliminate the need for cleaning solutions, reduce infection risk significantly, and provide a fresh, comfortable lens every day. The cost difference has narrowed. A year of Precision1 or Acuvue Oasys 1-Day costs roughly $700 to $950 CAD for both eyes, compared to $300 to $500 for monthlies plus $80 to $120 in solution. The convenience and health benefits usually justify the premium, especially for people who wore monthlies longer than recommended.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your optometrist for a contact lens fitting and prescription before switching brands or lens types.