ULTRA One Day vs Alcon Precision1: Daily Contact Lenses Compared

Comparing Bausch + Lomb ULTRA One Day and Alcon Precision1? Both are premium daily disposable lenses available in New Zealand, but they're not the same thing.

They differ in comfort technology, fit profile, UV protection and how they feel on your eyes. The best choice isn't simply the most popular lens or the one with the flashiest features; it's the lens your optometrist has prescribed or approved for your eyes.

This guide explains the key differences so you know what to ask your optometrist — and when you're ready, you can order your exact prescribed lenses directly from LensesOnline.

Quick answer: What's the main difference?

Both are daily disposable silicone hydrogel lenses, but they have different materials, comfort technologies and fit profiles. Don't switch between them unless your optometrist has given you the go-ahead.

ULTRA One Day vs Precision1 at a glance

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Daily disposables are worn once and thrown away at the end of the day, with no cleaning solution, no lens case, and less deposit build-up compared with monthly or fortnightly lenses.

Are ULTRA One Day and Precision1 the same lens?

No. They're both daily disposables, but they're made by different manufacturers and use different comfort technologies.

They also fit differently. Precision1 has an 8.3 mm base curve, while ULTRA One Day has an 8.6 mm base curve. That gap matters as contact lenses need to sit, move and centre properly on your eye to work well.

Which is more comfortable?

Honestly, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Comfort depends on your eye shape, tear film, prescription, screen time, allergies, dry environments, wearing schedule and how well the lens fits your eye.

ULTRA One Day is designed to retain moisture and support your natural tear film, with ComfortFeel Technology aimed at keeping things comfortable during wear. Our customers tend to agree — Victoria from Christchurch put it simply:

"The most comfortable lenses I've ever worn."

Brian, one of our regular customers, also noted they're competitively priced, picking up a 90-pack for $119 and finding them comparable to his usual lens.

Precision1 takes a slightly different approach with SMARTSURFACE Technology — a moisture-rich outer layer designed to feel smooth with every blink. Precision1 customers have been similarly positive. Lance found them reliable and comfortable for up to 12 hours, calling them

"a great high mid-range option"

and well worth trying — though he noted they sit just below the premium tier of lenses like Dailies Total 1. Janette stumbled onto Precision1 by accident after ordering the wrong lens, and ended up converted:

"As soon as I put the lens in my eyes I could tell they were super easy and clearer and the comfort is amazing."

Sarah kept it short and sweet:

"Comfortable and large coverage of iris."

If end-of-day dryness or screen-heavy days are a concern, it's worth asking your optometrist which option better suits your eyes.

Can I switch from Precision1 to ULTRA One Day?

Not without checking with your optometrist first.

Even if the prescription power looks identical, lenses aren't interchangeable. Different brands can have different materials, base curves, diameters, edge designs and fit profiles.

A contact lens check confirms whether the new lens sits correctly, moves properly and gives you stable vision, which all matter for both comfort and eye health.

Always order the exact brand, lens type, base curve, diameter and prescription shown on your contact lens prescription.

30-pack or 90-pack?

A 30-pack suits you well if you wear lenses occasionally for sport, travel, weekends or events when you'd rather go glasses-free.

A 90-pack makes more sense if you wear lenses most days. It gives you a longer supply and means fewer reorders.

For New Zealand wearers, 30-packs can be a practical starting point if you're trying a newly prescribed lens for the first time, while 90-packs suit regular daily wearers who want fewer reorders and a longer supply on hand.

Worth remembering: you need one lens per eye per day. A 90-pack is roughly a three-month supply for one eye, or about six weeks if you're buying for both eyes.

Which is better value?

That depends on your prescription, pack size, current pricing and how often you actually wear your lenses.

For regular daily wearers, a 90-pack usually works out better. If you're trying a new prescribed lens for the first time, or only wear contacts now and then, a 30-pack is more practical. Check LensesOnline for the latest prices before ordering.

What about astigmatism?

If you have astigmatism, you may need a toric lens rather than a standard spherical one.

Precision1 is available in a toric (astigmatism) version. Only order it if it matches your contact lens prescription, including sphere, cylinder, axis and any other required details. If you're unsure, check with your optometrist before ordering.

Which lens should you choose?

Ask about Precision1 when you visit the optometrist if you're interested in SMARTSURFACE Technology, a moisture-rich surface feel and strong UV protection.

Ask about ULTRA One Day when you visit the optometrist if you're keen on Bausch + Lomb's moisture-retention approach and ComfortFeel Technology.

The best lens is simply the one that matches your prescription, fits properly, gives clear vision and stays comfortable for however you actually wear your contacts.

This guide is general information only and isn't a substitute for advice from your optometrist or eye care professional. Always follow your prescribed lens brand, wearing schedule and replacement schedule.