You've probably seen them sitting on the shelf or listed in your prescription portal: Biomedics 55 Premier. They’re a staple. A classic. But in a world obsessed with the "latest and greatest" silicone hydrogel tech, this hydrogel workhorse often gets simplified into being just "the cheap option."
That's a mistake. Honestly, if you're looking for a lens that balances cost with a very specific kind of visual clarity, these deserve more than a passing glance. They aren't perfect for everyone, but for a huge chunk of the population, they're the "Goldilocks" of vision correction.
The Aspheric Secret Sauce
Most people think all contact lenses are just little curved bowls that sit on your eye. Basic, right? Not really. Standard spherical lenses often struggle with something called spherical aberration. This is basically a fancy way of saying the lens can't focus light perfectly on a single point. It’s why you might see "halos" around streetlights at night or feel like your vision is just a tiny bit fuzzy at the edges.
CooperVision built the Biomedics 55 Premier with an aspheric design.
Instead of a uniform curve, the lens surface is slightly flattened. This change in geometry is designed to neutralize the eye's natural aberrations. It forces light to converge more precisely on the retina. The result? Sharper, crisper images. If you've ever felt like your vision was "good but not great" in other lenses, the aspheric design here might be the missing link.
It's particularly noticeable for people with low levels of astigmatism who don't quite need a full-blown toric lens but still want that extra "pop" of clarity.
Comfort vs. Durability: The Trade-off
Let's talk about the material: ocufilcon D.
This is a traditional hydrogel with a 55% water content. Because it's a hydrogel, it's incredibly soft. It conforms to the eye almost instantly. If you have sensitive eyes, that "velvet" feel is a massive win.
But there’s a catch. Always is.
Hydrogels rely on water to transport oxygen to your cornea. The oxygen permeability (Dk/t) of Biomedics 55 Premier sits at about 28.1. Compare that to modern silicone hydrogels that can hit 100 or even 150.
- You can't sleep in these.
- You shouldn't wear them for 18 hours straight.
- If you push the wear time, your eyes will get red.
I’ve talked to users who swear by these for an 8-hour workday but switch to glasses as soon as they get home. That’s the smart way to use them. These are "daily wear" lenses in the truest sense—put them in, go to work, take them out.
The Confusion Around the Names
If you go searching for these online, you're going to get confused. Fast.
CooperVision is famous for "private labeling." You might see the exact same lens sold under names like Biomedics 55 Evolution, Aqualens, or even store brands like Equate 2-week Aspheric.
✨ Don't miss: Is Propylene Glycol Safe? What You’re Actually Putting on Your Skin and in Your Body
Basically, it's the same lens in a different box. If your prescription says Biomedics 55 Premier and you see Evolution, don't panic. They are functionally identical. This is a common industry practice to help different retailers have their "own" brand while selling a proven product.
Quick Specs for the Nerds
- Material: 45% Polymer (ocufilcon D), 55% Water
- Base Curve: 8.6mm, 8.8mm, 8.9mm (depends on power)
- Diameter: 14.2mm
- Powers: +8.00D to -10.00D
- UV Protection: Included (Class 2)
Why Do Doctors Still Prescribe a "Legacy" Lens?
You’d think with all the fancy new materials, these would be obsolete. They aren't.
One reason is lipid resistance. Some people have "oily" tears. Modern silicone hydrogels are like magnets for lipids (fats), which can lead to foggy vision and discomfort halfway through the day. Traditional hydrogels like the 55 Premier don't have this problem to the same degree. They stay cleaner for people with specific tear chemistry.
Then there's the tapered edge. CooperVision uses a patented edge design that is incredibly thin. It reduces the "lid sensation"—that feeling of your eyelid bumping over the edge of the lens every time you blink. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference in long-term comfort.
The Reality Check: Who Should Skip These?
They aren't a "one size fits all" miracle.
If you work in a dry office with AC blowing directly in your face, or if you stare at a computer screen without blinking for 10 hours, you might find these drying out. High water content lenses can sometimes act like a sponge; as the water evaporates from the lens, it tries to "suck" moisture from your eye to stay hydrated.
Also, if you have severe dry eye or neovascularization (when your eye grows new blood vessels because it’s starving for oxygen), your optometrist will likely steer you toward a silicone hydrogel or a daily disposable instead.
Actionable Tips for New Wearers
If you’re moving to Biomedics 55 Premier, or if you’ve just been prescribed them, here is the "pro" way to handle them:
- Stick to the 2-Week Schedule: Don't try to stretch these to a month. Because it's an ionic material, it attracts protein deposits faster than some newer lenses. After 14 days, toss them.
- Use a High-Quality Solution: Since these are hydrogels, they play well with most multi-purpose solutions, but a "no-rub" protocol is still a bad idea. Give them a gentle 5-second rub to clear those proteins.
- The "8-to-8" Rule: Try to limit wear to about 12 hours. If you're going out for drinks after work, give your eyes a 30-minute "breather" with glasses in between if you can.
- Watch the Inversion: They are very floppy because of the 55% water. If the edges flare out slightly like a soup bowl, they’re right-side out. If they look like a pasta plate, flip 'em.
The Biomedics 55 Premier remains a top-tier choice for those who want sharp, aspheric vision without the premium price tag of silicone hydrogels. They are the "reliable sedan" of the contact lens world—not flashy, but they'll get you where you're going with crystal clear clarity.
🔗 Read more: Imposter Syndrome: Why You Feel Like a Fraud When Things Go Well
Check your current supply. If you've been stretching your 2-week lenses to 3 weeks, you’re likely losing the very visual benefits that make these lenses special. Replace them on time to keep that aspheric precision sharp.