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Dailies Total 1 vs Acuvue Oasys Max 1-Day

30th Jan 2026

Dailies Total 1 vs Acuvue Oasys Max 1-Day LensesOnline NZ

If you’re choosing between Dailies Total 1 and Acuvue Oasys Max 1-Day, you’re already at the premium end of the contact lens market. These are top-tier daily lenses — the kind people usually end up in after years of dry eyes, irritation, or that gritty “get these out of my eyes” feeling by 5 pm.

Important stock note for 2026: Due to global demand and its popularity for digital use, Acuvue Oasys Max is frequently unavailable in New Zealand. If you are looking for that specific Oasys comfort today, we recommend the Acuvue Oasys 1-Day with HydraLuxe as the most reliable, high-performance alternative.

Alternative article: Dailies Total 1 vs. Acuvue Oasys Hydraluxe 1 day here - Beyond the Hype: Dailies Total 1 vs Acuvue Oasys Compared.

Dailies Total 1: The Lens You Forget You’re Wearing

Dailies Total 1 has been the benchmark for comfort for years, and for good reason. Its standout feature is a water-gradient design — the lens surface is almost 100% water, so your eyelid never really rubs against plastic.

In clinical surveys, 9 out of 10 wearers agreed that these lenses are so comfortable they actually forget they are wearing them.

What Kiwi Wearers Are Saying:

The "Invisible" Experience: "I hadn't used this brand of disposable daily lenses before, and now I'm a total convert! They are light, easy to use... Excellent lenses, very comfortable to the point I even forget I have them in." > — Marilou H. & Max L. (Verified LensesOnline Customers)

The "Office & Digital" Factor: - “Put them in and forget about them literally! Unlike others I have used, they don't leave you feeling like you 'have' to take them out at the end of the day because you have bits of sand in your eyes." > — Taryn (Verified LensesOnline Customer)

The "Worth the Investment" Vote: "A little on the high side price-wise, but the first daily contacts that don't irritate my eyes. They don't make my eyeballs feel dry after long hours of wearing them." > — Raewyn W. (Verified LensesOnline Customer)

The downside
That ultra-slick surface can make removal a bit fiddly. If your fingers are even slightly damp, the lens can feel like it’s dodging you. Dry hands are non-negotiable.

Best suited to
People who dislike the sensation of contact lenses, or whose eyes dry out easily.

Acuvue Oasys Max 1-Day: Built for Screens and Sun

This product is no longer available for purchase in New Zealand. The Acuvue Oasys 1-Day with HydraLuxe is the original "gold standard" alternative. It uses the same high-breathability material and offers the same Class 1 UV protection, making it the most reliable "Plan A" for our customers until the Max supply stabilises.

Acuvue Oasys Max 1 Day is Johnson & Johnson’s newest daily lens and feels very much like a response to how we live now - long hours on screens, night driving, and bright outdoor conditions.

Slightly more “present” on the eye than Dailies Total 1, but still very comfortable. The lens includes OptiBlue™ light-filtering technology, designed to reduce light scatter from screens and harsh lighting. If you find your eyes "squinting" at your monitor by 2 PM or struggle with headlight glare during your commute home, then this technology is definitely a game-changer.

While Dailies Total 1 focuses on a water-only surface you can’t feel, Oasys Max focuses on TearStable™ tech to keep your vision clear and sharp even when you aren't blinking enough.

Because the lens has a bit more "body" than the ultra-slippery DT1, most Kiwi wearers find the Oasys Max much easier to put in and take out.

Best suited to:
Office workers, frequent night drivers, and anyone who spends weekends outside.

Important note: While it features a Class 1 UV filter (blocking 99.9% of UVA and 100% of UVB), it does not replace the need to wear sunglasses. Contacts only cover your cornea; you still need sunnies to protect the rest of your eye and the delicate skin around it from the harsh NZ sun.

Alternative to Oasys Max: Acuvue Oasys 1-Day with HydraLuxe

Acuvue Oasys Max 1-Day is currently unavailable in New Zealand. The closest and most reliable alternative right now is Acuvue Oasys 1-Day with HydraLuxe. This lens is built on the same "Oasys" DNA that wearers have trusted for years. It uses a tear-inspired design that integrates with your tear film rather than sitting on top of it.

Why it’s the smart choice:

  • In stock in NZ with fast nationwide delivery

  • High UV protection, suited to NZ conditions

  • Tear-inspired comfort that works with your natural tear film

  • Easier handling than ultra-thin lenses like Dailies Total 1

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Every pair of eyes is different, and your optometrist’s advice should always come first — especially if you’re changing lens types or brands.

That said:

  • Choose Dailies Total 1 if your top priority is ultra-light, “barely there” comfort, and you don’t mind more delicate, slippery handling.
  • Choose Acuvue Oasys 1-Day with HydraLuxe (alternative to Oasys Max) if you want a premium daily lens with high UV protection, easier handling, and reliable availability — particularly well suited to office work and long days.

Comfort is personal, fit matters, and the best lens is the one your eyes tolerate best under professional guidance.

Medical Disclaimer

We are not a medical provider. Under New Zealand law, you must have a valid contact lens prescription from a registered New Zealand optometrist to purchase contact lenses. This article is for general information only. If you experience redness, pain, or vision changes, remove your lenses immediately and see an eye care professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Acuvue Oasys Max better than Dailies Total 1? Not necessarily—it depends on your biggest struggle. Dailies Total 1 is the winner for pure, "invisible" comfort and is ideal for those with very sensitive eyes. Acuvue Oasys Max is a "specialist" lens designed specifically for heavy digital use and light sensitivity. However, because the Max is often in short supply, many Kiwis find it to be the best all-around daily for both comfort and availability.

Do Dailies Total 1 have UV protection? No. Dailies Total 1 does not provide UV protection. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you should opt for the Acuvue Oasys family (both the Max and the HydraLuxe), which offer Class 1 UV blocking—the highest level available in a contact lens.

Is the Acuvue Oasys 1-Day HydraLuxe good for screen use? Yes. While it doesn't have the specific blue-light filter of the "Max" version, the HydraLuxe technology was clinically designed for people who use digital devices for 8+ hours a day. It works by mimicking your natural tears to prevent dryness caused by reduced blinking while looking at screens.

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