Bausch + Lomb INFUSE vs. ULTRA ONE DAY: Same Lens, Different Name
By Julie Sennett
·7 min read
One of the most common points of confusion I hear from patients and readers traveling between the United States and Canada is the "name game" manufacturers play with their products. If you've been prescribed Bausch + Lomb INFUSE in the US but can only find Bausch + Lomb ULTRA ONE DAY across the border, don't worry — you aren't looking at two different lenses.
The Brand Name Identity Crisis
The short answer is: Bausch + Lomb INFUSE and Bausch + Lomb ULTRA ONE DAY are the exact same contact lens. They are identical in material, design, performance, and even their respective box designs. They are just marketed under different names depending on the region.
- In the United States: The lens is marketed as INFUSE.
- In Canada (and the UK): It is marketed as ULTRA ONE DAY.
This regional branding often happens due to legal considerations, trademark availability in different countries, or marketing strategies aimed at aligning with existing successful product lines in a specific territory. In Canada, Bausch + Lomb chose to leverage the established "ULTRA" brand name for this premium daily disposable.
The Branding Strategy: Why "INFUSE"?
When Bausch + Lomb launched its flagship silicone hydrogel daily disposable in the United States, they chose the name INFUSE to highlight the lens's unique "ProBalance Technology." The INFUSE material is literally infused with a proprietary blend of ingredients — specifically erythritol, glycerin, and potassium — designed to help maintain the ocular surface's homeostasis. The name was a calculated marketing move to differentiate this premium product from the existing "ULTRA" monthly brand in the US, positioning it as a fresh, high-tech solution specifically for the daily disposable market.
In Canada and the UK, the strategy was slightly different. Bausch + Lomb opted to leverage the existing high brand equity of the "ULTRA" name, which was already associated with their successful monthly lenses. By naming the daily version ULTRA ONE DAY, they provided a clear "upgrade path" for existing ULTRA monthly wearers who wanted the convenience and hygiene of a daily lens without switching to an entirely unfamiliar brand name.
Which Came First?
The United States saw the release of this technology first. Bausch + Lomb INFUSE was officially launched in the US in 2020. Following its successful debut and the positive reception of its Dk/t of 134 and MoistureSeal technology, the lens was rolled out to international markets — including Canada and Europe — under the ULTRA ONE DAY moniker starting in 2021 and 2022.
Technical Specifications: What's Inside?
Because they are identical products, the technical specs remain constant regardless of the box art. Both lenses utilize the following:
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Kalifilcon A (Silicone Hydrogel) |
| Water Content | 55% |
| Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t) | 134 |
| Core Technologies | ProBalance Technology & MoistureSeal |
| UV Protection | Class 2 UVA/UVB blocking |
Key Technologies
ProBalance Technology: A proprietary blend of ingredients (moisturizers, electrolytes, and osmoprotectants) infused into the lens material to help maintain a healthy ocular surface environment.
MoistureSeal: Designed to help the lens maintain 96% of its moisture for a full 16 hours, making it an excellent choice for heavy computer users or those in dry environments.
The Premium Performance Without the Premium Price Tag
For wearers unfamiliar with Bausch + Lomb INFUSE, it is important to know that these lenses are a top-tier "premium" option, sitting on the same technological level as industry giants like Dailies TOTAL1, CooperVision MyDay, and Acuvue Oasys MAX 1-Day. Like its high-end counterparts, INFUSE is a silicone hydrogel lens designed for maximum breathability (with a Dk/t of 134) and all-day comfort.
However, the most compelling reason to consider INFUSE is the cost. Across multiple price tracking data points for 2026, INFUSE consistently ranks as the most affordable among these four premium brands. The price difference can be significant when looking at the total yearly cost for a daily disposable habit:
| Contact Lens Brand | Estimated Yearly Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Acuvue Oasys MAX 1-Day | $1,003 |
| CooperVision MyDay | $931 (Energys) / $664 (Standard) |
| Dailies TOTAL1 | $917 |
| Bausch + Lomb INFUSE | $830 |
While brands like Acuvue Oasys MAX 1-Day can be 10% to 15% more expensive, INFUSE offers comparable — and in some cases superior — technical specs, such as a higher water content (55%) and slightly better oxygen transmissibility than the Oasys MAX. For patients who want a high-performance lens that helps with digital eye strain without paying the "name brand premium" of Alcon or Johnson & Johnson, INFUSE is currently the smartest value in the premium daily category.
The Bottom Line
If your eye doctor in the US wrote a prescription for INFUSE, it is legally and technically the same as ULTRA ONE DAY in Canada. However, always ensure your official prescription matches the name on the box when ordering from online retailers, as some automated verification systems may require the specific regional name to process your order.
One final tip: if you are shopping for these lenses online, prices can vary wildly between retailers. While Bausch + Lomb occasionally offers mail-in rebates, I always recommend looking for the instant discount at checkout to save yourself the hassle of waiting months for a prepaid card.
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