You are falling for a piece of "slight of hand" marketing speak. Here's exactly what the marketing material says, and it's the only place where CIBAVISION states as a difference between O2 Optix and Air Optix:

"AIR OPTIX® AQUA contact lenses were introduced in 2008 as an upgrade to O2OPTIX® contact lenses.

With the AQUA Moisture System, AIR OPTIX® AQUA lenses provide moisture for comfort on contact, all day, every day. They’re so comfortable that from the moment you put them in you may hardly notice them."

Read that outloud. Does it ever tell you that the "AQUA moisture system is unique to the Air Optix? Nope. I agree, it sure makes you THINK they are improved, but it never says that. It's brilliant marketing, and I love that kind of thing. However, understand that if the Air's had a coating that was unique and exclusive to the more expensive lens, that would be spelled out in spades. Furthermore, in every other piece of instructions or documentation, Air Optix and O2 Optix are used interchangeably or are connected with an "and" or an "or." They are the exact same lens, period.

Bottom line is that there is no evidence anywhere to indicate that these lenses are different in any way. Quite the opposite. Right? If there is any statement that indicates the Air Optix Aqua are different from the O2's, post it in this thread. I don't want to steer anyone wrong.

Oh, and part about my eye doc confirming my suspicions? That was no joke. I invite anyone to print out the package insert and take it to your eye doc.