The Best Safety Glasses: The Best Protection for Your Eyes

Before starting any type of work where you compromise your safety, it is crucial to put a high priority on offering protection to your eyes. This is why the best safety glasses are always part of the most important personal protective equipment that a worker should invest in.

Regardless of what you are doing, whether you are just finishing a vital task either at work or at home, it is advisable to wear the most comfortable safety glasses, especially if your tasks involve liquids or materials that fly around.

With a good pair of safety glasses, you can protect your eyes from debris, minor irritants, including sawdust, as well as really harmful materials, such as acids. Keep in mind that you really need to wear one because not doing so might cause you to encounter dangers affecting your eyes, including permanent or temporary loss of vision.

The high quality safety glasses for work are also helpful in protecting your eyes safe from influence and liquid splashes. It is not that easy to find a good pair of safety glasses, though, as you might be greeted with numerous choices that might only confuse you. It would be a great help to read reviews and understand what each safety glasses can do.

That way, you will have a clear idea about their capabilities and features, promoting ease in making a wise and sound buying decision. If you are still confused, here are some products that I would like to recommend so you can figure out which one is right for your specific requirements and needs.

List of 15 Top-Rated Safety Glasses Reviews

1. NoCry Clear Scratch-resistant, Anti-fog Safety Glasses

I can also say that the NoCry safety glasses are among those products that are worthwhile to recommend. One remarkable thing about this pair is that it is manufactured to offer eye protection while lasting long. In fact, the glasses is capable of protecting your eyes safe from peripheral, debris and direct threats.

I think these safety glasses offer such kinds of protection with the help of its durable and solid polycarbonate lenses wraparound construction. I also find it amazing because of its effectiveness UV protection in blocking your eyes safe from around 90 to 100 percent of UV radiation. Wearing it also ensures that falling debris can’t penetrate your eyes.

Besides UV protection feature, I am also totally impressed with its double-coated lenses as these work favorably in making the product fog, impact resistance and scratch resistance. It can also provide you with a clear picture without any form of distortion.

I can also say that this glasses is one of the most comfortable safety goggles I have worn so far. I think this comfort can be attributed to its adjustable soft rubber nose pad and earpieces. The fact that it is lightweight also guarantees your comfort even when wearing it for several hours.

It is a versatile pair, which you will find useful in a wide range of applications, including carpentry, woodworking, construction and metal work, cycling, shooting, and dental and lab work.

2. Gateway Safety 6980 Safety Glasses

I would also like to suggest checking out the Safety 6980 Safety Glasses offered by Gateway. It is the perfect choice for you, especially if you often wear prescription glasses. It is mainly because this safety glasses is built in a way so that these safety glasses offer the ultimate protection not only for your eyes but also for your prescription glasses.

In other words, the glasses does not require you to use another pair of prescription glasses. What I find so remarkable about these safety glasses is that they are built to fit in comfort over all pairs of prescription glasses. I also like their flexible tips as having these means there is a lower risk of pinching behind your ears.

You do not also need to worry about discomfort when wearing the Gateway Safety Glasses for a long period as they boast of a lightweight design. Furthermore, the safety glasses are constructed in a way that they meet the standards and regulations of the ANSI. I am also pleased that this glasses functions well without distorting your vision clarity.

Another great thing about the safety glasses is that they promote a more customized fit for different head size and face shape. Such is made possible with its temples that have an adjustable length. One more benefit is its versatility, which makes this glasses good for both general purpose and indoor applications.

It offers more than enough protection regardless of where you decide to wear the glasses.

3. Dewalt DPG55-11C Clear Anti-Fog Safety Glasses

Another clear and anti-fog safety glasses that captured my attention is the Dewalt DPG55-11C. I am sure that getting this pair is a wise decision because of the many positive things that it can offer. The fact that this glasses exceeds the standards set by ANSI as well as the ballistic testing standards, so it definitely prioritizes your eye safety.

I am also happy that it puts the comfort of users on top of its priority. This is imminent in its adjustable temples as well as the dual-injected rubber utilized in the frame designed to offer dual comfort. I am pretty sure that this glasses does an excellent job in offering superior eye protection with its telescoping temple and adjustable ratcheting.

One more plus about this pair of safety glasses is that it guarantees a comfortable and secure fit for proper protection. It is due to the use of rubber-tipped temples. The glasses can resist hit with the help of its tough and sturdy lenses constructed from a polycarbonate lens material. Aside from that, the lenses are known for being clear and distortion free.

They can also prevent the development of fog. Furthermore, you can expect additional eye protection and comfort from the cushioned brow of these safety goggles. This safety goggles functions flawlessly and allows you to see clearly with good vision, even if your whole body and face are already covered in sweat due to your job tasks.

4. Ergodyne DAGR Skullerz Dagr Safety Glasses

Sporting a blade-style design, these Skullerz Dagr safety glasses are great for on and off duty. I know that many of you would agree that it is stylish but let me highlight some of its functions that will come in handy at work.

First of all, this pair’s features meet the safety standards for both work and military applications. These glasses fit perfectly when I wear a hard hat and respirator and does not slip from my nose. More importantly, they can shield my eyes from a projectile.

Working under the sun, the safety glasses can filter out UVA, UVB, and UVC rays so that my eyes are not harmed. Even better, I get to choose from a wide range of lenses. Personally, I like the polarized ones as they put my eyes at ease during the day when the light tends to be harsh.

5. Carhartt CHB218D Carbondale Safety Sunglasses

Coming from a named brand that makes the coolest safety glasses and other kinds of workwear, it is no surprise that Carbondale is a popular choice. But for this review, let me offer my unbiased take so you can decide if it’s the right one for your needs.

What attracted me to this pair is its shatterproof and scratch-resistant polycarbonate lenses that feature UV protection. Whether construction or yardwork, my eyes are fully protected against the impact of flying objects or particles and solar radiation. During the daytime, I don’t even have to squint.

Because this model meets high-impact requirements, I can also use it for outdoor activities. Just so you know, it is recommended for use at shooting ranges. That said, no matter how long I have them on, they feel comfortable to wear. Aside from being lightweight, the frames and the arms are highly flexible so they can fit most users’ heads.

6. Oakley OO9213 Ballistic M Frame 2.0 Shield Sunglasses

Making functional yet stylish safety glasses is one of the things that Oakley is very good at. This is why I’m including this ballistic eyewear on the list of recommendations. Don’t be fooled by its simple design because it has a lot to offer!

These innovative glasses exceed ANSI and ballistic fragmentation impact standards. Without a doubt, the Plutonite lenses provide clear and distortion-free vision. Since I’m constantly in an environment where flying projectiles can potentially land on my face, these two features alone are very helpful.

This specific model comes in a choice of clear and grey lenses. The clear lens is great for low light to no light conditions. Meanwhile, the grey lens is best used for bright light. All I have to do is pick one that suits my work requirements! Either way, they offer the same anti-fog coating and are compatible with helmet-mounted night vision devices.

7. DEWALT DPG82-11CTR Clear Anti-Fog Safety Goggle

Are you looking for a clear safety goggle with an clear anti-fog lens coating feature? Then I highly suggest the DEWALT DPG82-11/DPG82-11CTR safety goggle. Upon examining the overall features and benefits of this pair, I find out that it fits those who are looking for great eye protection.

This is a high-quality product provided by a trusted brand, which can offer a reasonable value for your money. It has thousands of satisfied users, which is proof of how it is doing well in terms of eye protection. The glasses has lenses that perform well in offering high level of protection both in front and on the side.

I also find this safety glasses beneficial in the sense that it has the proper fit. It is because you can easily adjust it to fit with your head size and face shape. This Dewalt safety goggle also has a cloth band, which makes it more comfortable to wear compared to any form of rubber. This is an anti-fog goggle, too, which makes the glasses more favorable to use.

It features a ventilation channel designed to lessen the risk of fogging, especially when worn for a long periods of time. The lens is hard-coated, offering adequate protection from scratches. It also boasts of its dual-injected and soft rubber, which naturally conforms to your face, offering excellent eye protection from flying debris and dust.

8. NoCry Over-Glasses Safety Glasses

Another pair of affordable yet fully functional safety glasses is the NoCry Over-Glasses with Anti-scratch and Clear Wraparound Lenses. I think one highlight of this product is that it lets anyone wear it even those who are also wearing prescription glasses. With this product, you no longer have to invest in costly prescription glasses.

I also find the glasses effective in keeping your eyes and your prescription eyewear from harm. I noticed that these safety goggles easily and comfortably fit the majority of prescription readers and safety glasses in the market today.

It is also useful in protecting your eyes safe from debris, peripheral and direct harm because this safety goggles uses a scratch resistance polycarbonate lenses material for its wraparound lenses. The lens used here is clear and distortion free, which means that you do not have to worry about your vision getting distorted when wearing the safety glasses.

You can still have a clearly vision to see colors, lines, and anything that is in front of you. Another thing I love is its adjustable padded arms that you can adjust to fit various head sizes and face shape in comfort. The glasses does not add pressure behind your ears because of its soft tips.

In addition, its versatility is imminent in its ability to handle a number of possible applications and industries such as construction.

9. Magid Classic Safety Glasses

If you want a stylish pair of safety glasses then I am pretty sure that this product, the Magid Classic Safety Glasses, will not disappoint. It perfectly fits the needs of workers who prefer to have protective yet stylish eyewear. It is protective in the sense that it can protect your eye while delivering an excellent peripheral vision.

In terms of style, I can say that just like me, you will also surely love its stylish, iconic, and classic style. The glasses can provide additional level of protection with the help of its clear side shields as well as its low-base curve frame. This is also one of those safety glasses that can resist scratches – that is all thanks to its lenses made from hard-coated polycarbonate.

The lenses come in grey and clear coating, which I also find effective in terms of providing long-lasting protection. I also find it truly comfortable with the help of its black nylon frame, which also features soft grey temple pads. Another remarkable benefit of this product is that it is easy to clean and keep it free from smudges.

It is mainly because it also comes with a wiper case. It has a sturdy and durable build and constructed in a way that it does not pinch the sides of your nose.

10. JORESTECH Protective Safety Glasses

I also find it necessary to include the JORESTECH Protective Safety Glasses in the reviews as it is one of the most impressive pairs of protective eyewear I encountered in the market. It is one of the most versatile safety glasses I discovered, as it has numerous uses.

In fact, I find it useful in the dental industry, arts and crafts, industrial safety, landscaping, boating, sports, laboratory, construction, carpentry, painting, and a lot more. It definitely covers a lot of work environments and conditions. One incredible benefit I discovered in this product is its high level of resiliency and its scratch-resistant nature.

It is because it is constructed from a polycarbonate lens material. The use of polycarbonate lens is also a big advantage because aside from being lightweight design, it also has a lower risk of fogging up. In addition, it does not seem to shatter that easily because of crash.

This makes the safety glasses impact resistance, which is a good thing, especially if you are constantly exposed to chemical splatters and flying particles. Another positive thing that these safety glasses features with UV protection to protect your eyes safe from the dangerous UV radiation.

Along with UV protection, I also love the fact that there are various lens tints that I can use for these safety goggles. These include smoke, yellow, and clear tints. It is a fashionable piece of eyewear, too, characterized by its minimalist and rimless design and a lightweight and sporty construction.

You can also wear it all day without worries because it is comfortable.

11. Dewalt DPG59-120C Reinforcer Rx-Bifocal Safety Glasses

Dewalt is also another brand, which continues to impress me because of its protective and safety glasses. One of its safety glasses that caught my attention is the Dewalt DPG59-120C. One thing that I really like the most about it is that it works as a combined reading and safety glasses.

It also maximizes its ability to offer comfort the entire day because of its non-slip nosepiece constructed out of soft rubber material. It is made to give wearers the ultimate answer and solution to high level of protection as aside from being impact resistance, it also provides UV protection for your eyes.

The anti UV rays just make up a small portion on the best features of this safety eyewear, I also love the secure grip guaranteed by these safety glasses, too. I discovered that this grip can be attributed to the ergonomically-positioned hand grip pattern that I find on the temple. Another positive benefit I wish to highlight is that it promotes less fatigue when worn. It is mainly because of its lenses that do not have any distortion.

This pair of safety glasses is also one that you can use and wear every day because it is very comfortable. It also features a protective cover sleeve, which is constructed from a thick and stretchy fabric. This material does not only protect its lenses but also securely holds the safety goggles for better protection.

Furthermore, this pair of safety goggles does not get scratches easily. It has a bifocal, which you can find at the lower portion of the lenses, making it perfect for close-up work.

12. Pyramex Fortress Safety Glasses

Another pair of safety glasses that leaves a good impression on me is the Pyramex Fortress. I find it impressive because for one, it boasts of a lightweight and sporty design, which, in my opinion, is one of the coolest styles in the market today. The design also naturally contours the user’s face, which makes it even more protective.

I also figured out that this safety glasses is the ultimate solution as far as comfort is concerned and regardless of the size of your face. It is mainly because of its adjustable rubber nose pad, which you can adjust based on what you think is comfortable for you.

Besides the rubber nose pad and earpieces, I am glad that this goggles is built with a vented lens, too. It is because I find these lenses effective in allowing air to circulate and move out, thereby preventing the safety glasses from fogging up. The lenses are not prone to scratches while having the ability to supply up to 99% UV protection against UV rays.

I am quite sure that you will also love the flexible earpieces of these safety glasses. Such flexibility gives this pair the chance to comfortable fit a wide range of face shape and head sizes. Another remarkable benefit I noticed in this piece is that it has distortion-free and clear lenses.

13. 3M Virtua CCS Protective Eyewear

Your need for a fully functioning pair of protective glasses can also be answered by investing in the 3M Virtua CCS Protective Eyewear. I find this glasses ideal for light work that needs eye protection. It is one of the most affordable eyewear you can access in the market today.

The good news is that even at a low cost, its quality and features are still top-notch. It is also great for those who are prone to dropping or damaging their safety glasses in the workshop. I can also prove how comfortable this eyewear is. It is primarily because it has contoured frames designed to fit the size of your head well.

The wide lenses of this eyewear are also enough to provide complete eye coverage and protection. In addition, it meets the standards and regulations set by ANSI in terms of safety. The fact that this glasses is constructed with an anti-fog coating lens is also a big advantage, especially if you are working in an environment, which conditions tend to cause the safety glasses to fog.

I am happy with the unique temple design of this eyewear as it works in controlling and holding the earplug’s cord effectively. This can ensure that the earplug will be secured in place.

I find the wraparound design a big advantage, too, because it promotes clear and unhindered viewing as well as an extended coverage as far as to protect your eyes is concerned. Furthermore, the goggles is lightweight design, thereby promoting ease when wearing it.

14. Crews OG110AF Law Polycarbonate Safety Glasses

Lastly, I would like to review the Crews OG110AF Law Polycarbonate Clear Safety Glasses. I am so impressed with its oversized frame design because I think it is what a worker needs to receive the highest level of protection, especially when it comes to side impacts.

Constructed out of clear polycarbonate lens material, I am pretty sure that this protective eyewear is solid and durable while still remaining lightweight. It is not vulnerable to scratches because this glasses is made to be anti-scratch coating. You can also enjoy its excellent orbital seal made possible with its lenses that have a 5-position ratchet action.

With such action or setting, you can enjoy a wider angle adjustment for the lenses. The rugged design of this safety eyewear also works in filtering out up to 99% of the harmful UV radiation, giving you as much eye protection as possible.

In terms of comfort and grip, this pair will never cause disappointment because this goggles makes use of the soft TPR material. Aside from being non-slip and comfortable, the TPR temples can also give a good grip option.

Another strength of this product is its wraparound design, which is effective in boosting peripheral vision and angular coverage.

15. Uvex Stealth OTG Safety Glasses

I would also like to suggest wearing the Uvex Stealth OTG Safety Glasses. I fell in love with the stealth over-the-glass (OTG) style of this safety eyewear. It is because this design means that the glasses can comfortably fit all prescription glasses. In terms of protection, I also noticed that this eyewear has wide coverage.

In fact, these safety glasses offer high level of protection from chemical splashes, airborne particles, dust, debris and crash. It is also versatile and flexible in the sense that you will find it useful in various work environments and conditions. It has an anti-scratch and anti-fog coating, which can give you some sort of assurance that you will have a clear vision regardless of where you work.

The clear lens used in this pair also means that this goggles is suitable for the majority of indoor work applications. Another positive point about this product is that it promotes a gap-free, secure, and comfortable fit for good protection option. It is because of its soft elastomer body, which conforms to your face naturally and flexes based on your comfort.

You can also easily and quickly adjust the headband, which is a good thing if you want to further enjoy a more customized and snug fit to your head size and face shape. I am also pleased to say that you can use it together with several choices for tints.

What are Safety Glasses or Goggles

Safety glasses or safety goggles refer to types of protective eyewear that often protect or enclose the specific part, which surrounds your eyes. It does so as a means of preventing water, chemicals, or any particles from penetrating your eyes and harming them.

In most cases and standards, you can find these safety glasses being used for metal work, woodworking, and in laboratories. Some people are also in the need to lookout for the best safety glasses for construction considering the fact that their job task is a bit hazardous.

The best safety goggles or safety glasses are also considered as major components of the personal protective equipment (PPE) that people wear around their eyes as a means of protecting them. Wearing this can shield their eyes safe from all kinds of foreign flying debris that might lead to injuries or irritation.

Anyone can actually use a pair of safety glasses, not just workers. Based on the user’s requirement, it can feature varied lenses, like anti-fog lens, bifocal, outdoor or indoor lenses, tinted, shooting, polarized lens, clear, changeable, low-light or filtered.

Regardless of what lenses your chosen product has, it only has one primary purpose, and that is shielding your eyes safe from hazards. Among the hazards that your glasses can protect your eyes from are liquid chemical splashes, flying debris, intense lights, sparks, and heat when you are cutting metal or welding, and influence from moving equipment.

How Does It Work

Personal protective equipment for the eyes will always include safety glasses or safety goggles. Your chosen product in this category should perfectly match the application as well as their linked risks. For your safety glasses to work, they need to fit tightly around your eyes and should have a protective seal.

In most cases and standards, they come with side shields that work in lessening the risk of foreign particles and objects entering around the safety glasses’ lenses. You can also expect this protective equipment to work effectively in protecting your eyes from hazards with the help of its seal.

The way a pair of safety glasses works will actually depend on the type and material range that you have chosen. This is why you need to look for a kind of eye protection that corresponds to the hazards and dangers in your workplace.

For instance, if you often work in a place with lots of dust, flying objects, and harmful particles then you should consider investing in safety glasses feature that have side shields or side protection. If your job task requires you to work with chemicals then wearing safety goggles is a must.

Types of Safety Glasses

Keeping your eyes safe is essential especially if you constantly expose yourself to mechanical parts that are prone to breaking, chemicals, flying debris, glass, and any other harmful stuff at work. A pair of safety glasses for woodworking, dust, construction, or any other purpose can prevent several eye injuries.

In fact, wearing the right protective eyewear can help ensure that keep your eyes from getting injured while you are in the workplace. This is something that a simple prescription glasses or sunglasses can’t do considering the fact that it is not primarily meant to protect your eyes safe from debris, crash or splashes.

If you are still on the stage of shopping for a pair of safety glasses then it helps to get familiar with its different types, including the following:

Tinted or clear safety glasses – These safety glasses can be used for general protection for the eyes as well as against all forms of flying debris or objects. It is important to note that your choice among the many types of tinted or clear safety glasses feature should mainly depend on your comfort level as well as the color option of the lenses.

If you want standard protection then it helps to look for a pair with clear lenses. You can also go for amber, which is designed for environments that have low light because it is capable of removing blue light. It is also advisable to choose the brown and the grey safety glasses if your goal is to protect your eyes safe from debris, UV rays, outdoor influence, and sun glare.

Also, remember that safety glasses can have either plastic or metal sides. If possible, choose one with side protection if you want to protect your eyes and vision from influences. In case you are looking for a safety glasses that you can use regularly in a laboratory then it would be best to look for one with eye shields standards.

One more thing that you have to keep in mind is that each safety glasses has some sort of safety rating. This safety rating can mean that its lenses underwent testing to determine their ability to withstand influence. In terms of users, expect a pair of high-quality safety glasses feature to be compatible with industries that require low-impact protection.

Goggles – Another of the safety glasses that you can choose is one that falls under the category safety goggles. This is perfect for those who are in industries that require protection to their entire eye, especially against chemicals and influences. One important thing about safety goggles that you have to be aware of is that they encase the part surrounding your eyes.

They also work well as the right safety glasses for dust as well as any airborne debris. You can also find goggles with safety features, like adjustable straps, anti-scratch lenses, and anti-mist lenses. Your choice of safety goggles should be based on which one can offer you the highest level of influence or eye protection.

In most cases, the safety goggles only have clear lenses. You can also find them in flexible or rigid types. In addition, you can find non-ventilated, direct, and indirect types of safety goggles on the market.

You should also know that the different kinds of safety glasses can be categorized based on the actual materials used for their lenses. Among your choices, in this case, are:

Glass – Safety glasses with lenses made of glass are beneficial because they are not prone to scratches. The problem is that some complained about this material range being heavy and causing some sort of discomfort. Glass is also prone to fogging, which is why you should consider looking for one with anti-fog coating features for better protection.

Plastic – You can also look for a safety glasses with lenses made of plastic. One benefit of this material is that it is more lightweight when compared to glass. It is also less prone to fogging. The problem is that it is not that effective in dealing with scratches.

Polycarbonate – Another choice for the lens is that made of polycarbonate material, which, although not as effective as glass in preventing scratches, is more lightweight and less likely to develop fogs. Another advantage of the polycarbonate lens is that it is stronger compared to plastic or glass. The polycarbonate lens is also more effective in resisting impact.

Why Do You Need to Wear Safety Glasses

Regardless of the specific industry where you decided to work, you need high-quality safety glasses to ensure that your eyes receive complete protection from anything that can harm them. These safety glasses always form part of the personal protective equipment of employees as several workplace injuries affect the eyes and your vision.

Keep in mind that around 3 out of every 5 workers who incurred injuries experienced the problem because they did not wear proper eye protection during the accident. Also, take note that eye injuries, on their own, are already enough to cost over $300 million annually due to worker compensation, medical expenses, and loss production time.

Here are just some reasons why wearing safety glasses with the highest level of eye protection is a must for workers:

Prevents the damage of your vision due to floating foreign objects – With a pair of stylish and protective glasses, you do not have to worry about foreign pieces penetrating your eyes or vision, causing damage to your clear vision, or worse, the loss of vision. Remember that harmful chemicals or particles might float around at your place of work.

Among the high-risk jobs are in maintenance, construction, mining, plumbing, and welding departments. You might also need good pairs of safety glasses choice for auto mechanics if you are part of this industry as there are also hazards in this industry.

You have to keep your eyes safe and protected from irritation and the potential long-lasting damage brought on by dust, wood, pollen, dirt, and any other floating elements.

Lowers your risk of dealing with major accidents – This benefit is made possible by wearing the right safety glasses that can completely shield to keep your eyes safe against splashes and sun glare caused by UV rays, chemicals, as well as flying debris, wood chips, burns, oil or grease, and fumes.

Note that you are also at risk of wiping harmful substances to your eyes without you noticing it. This might scratch your eyes, causing damage to your vision. Moreover, keep in mind that long-term and recurring issues, like blindness, might arise just because of minor injuries, so it would be best to have protection in the form of safety glasses.

Offers protection from UV light – Another crucial reason for using a safety glasses is that it serves the ultimate UV protection to keep your eyes safe against UV light and sun glare. Note that working for long times while being exposed to UV light can harm your eyes’ fragile tissues. Hence, UV protection is an important criterion to check on.

Together with the safety glasses, workers who are constantly exposed to UV rays should also visit their eye doctor regularly. A regular eye exam is a key to detecting whether you have certain diseases, like cancer or multiple sclerosis.

Helps in preventing computer vision syndrome – If you are worried about developing computer vision syndrome or CVS then it might also help to wear safety glasses. CVS refers to a condition, which results from looking at your computer screen for prolonged periods of time.

Exposing your eyes to the screen for long periods of time regularly without any form of protection might cause you to experience strain, dryness, glare, headaches and blurriness. It is due to the glare and poor lighting of the screen. With the help of safety glasses, particularly those that have coated lenses, you can prevent blurred vision and eye discomfort.

Aside from the above-mentioned benefits, the coolest safety glasses can also serve as your fashion statement. It is actually easy to find the best-looking safety glasses nowadays that still serve their purpose of protecting your eyes. The numerous stylish safety glasses that you can find today allow you to feel comfortable wearing them.

Most of these high-end and fashionable safety glasses pieces are also designed in a way that they can specifically meet your needs based on your work environment standards. Among your choices are those with tinted lenses, removable foam, and colored frames.

It is even possible for you to find wrap-around safety glasses. There are also those give you the opportunity of inserting prescription lenses.

Safety Glasses Buying Guide

Looking into top-rated safety glasses should be one of the things that you ought to do if you truly want to look for a pair, which can provide you with maximum benefits, especially in terms of eye protection. Aside from that, it also helps to keep these key factors in mind during the selection process:

Fit – One vital thing you have to look into about safety glasses is their fit. It needs to fit correctly if you want this protective eyewear to work the way it is supposed to. If possible, look for pairs with parts that you can easily adjust based on your comfort level. You should also wear the glasses correctly.

When studying the fit, remember that the length of the temples, the size of your eyes and the size of the bridge differs. This is why you have to fit the safety glasses individually and if possible, personally. One sign that the glasses fit you well is if its temples fit over your ears comfortably and stay firm on your face and nose even when moving.

The glasses’ frame should also be near your face while having enough support on your nose bridge. It is also crucial to ensure that this safety glasses fits close to your face to ensure that there are minimal gaps. Aside from the fit, you also have to choose a style such as sport style, classic style or whatever you are in love with and find comfortable to wear.

Where will you be using it – It is also advisable to pick depending on the exact purpose you plan to use the safety glasses. Note that determining exactly where you will be using the glasses can also help you figure out the right lenses to use.

If it is for work then the safety officer in your company should be the one to figure out the level of protection required for your jobs responsibilities. The protection can either be basic or high impact.

Some of the jobs that require the use of protective eyewear or safety glasses with high impact protection are pipe fitters, plumbers, carpenters, millwrights, machinists, and laborers.

Furthermore, keep in mind that there are certain activities that require full-face protection, goggles, or side shields. That said, your employer together with the safety officer should check out with the OSHA to figure out the most appropriate safety eyewear for you depending on your jobs task.

In case you are working as an independent or freelance contractor then a wise tip is to go for safety eyewear with a rating that falls within the high impact standard. It is advisable to choose that regardless of your activities just to guarantee your safety.

If you intend to use the eyewear at home then just like for freelance or independent contractors, it is necessary to pick frames and lenses with a high impact rating to maximize their ability to protect your eyes. Find out if you need prescription lenses, too.

If not or if you are not wearing any contact lenses, then buying non-prescription safety glasses from the majority of sporting goods and building supply stores as well as hardware is a wise move. Something good about these safety glasses are that they are often constructed from lightweight polycarbonate to give you comfort and convenience features.

You can also find those that have attractive wrap style frames. If you want the highest value in terms of protection then go for models with a high impact rating. You can just check the marking on the safety goggles’ frame. It should have a Z87+ mark. You can even find models with bifocal reading segments at the bottom.

If prescription safety eyewear is what you need then buying it from your eye doctor or from a legitimate optical store is advisable. Buying from a store requires a valid eyeglasses prescription from a licensed eye doctor.

Lens material – Assess the material range used in the lens, too. The most commonly used material, in this case, is polycarbonate, which is leading in used quantity as well as quality vision. What is good about this material option is that it is comfortable to wear considering the fact that its weight is only half of that of one glasses. Another benefit of polycarbonate is that it is more resistant to impact compared to glass lenses.

However, take note that polycarbonate is also a soft lens, much softer than glass. This means that even if you choose the best scratch resistance safety glasses made of polycarbonate, it is still possible for them to get more scratches in the long run times than when the lens is made of glass.

Maintenance and replacement rates – Regardless of the condition, it is advisable to have your safety glasses replace every 3 years or so. Make sure to replace broken, pitted, ill-fitting, bent, scratched, and damaged glasses, too, as you can’t expect these broken glasses pieces offer the protection you need.

For damaged parts, it is a must to replace them with the original parts from the manufacturer. This is important in ensuring that the glasses continue to have a similar safety rating. Knowing how to maintain your safety glasses is also necessary so you can at least enjoy using the item based on the manufacturer’s proclaimed period.

Common safety hazards you are exposed to – Hazards refer to all potential risks and dangers existing around you. Among these are high-velocity and low-velocity impacts, optical radiation, chemical dust, and heat.

Ensure that your chosen protective or safety eyewear contains features that can protect your eyes from the common hazards surrounding you. Spend time analyzing and assessing the activities that you are constantly involved in. Check common safety hazards then invest in protective eyewear, which features is specifically designed to give you protection from such dangers.

Some prefer the choice of more than one pair or convertible eyewear so they can work in various settings. Others, on the other hand, such as laser technicians and welders require specific protection. The good news, though, is that the standard safety glasses can already adequately suit the needs of the majority of users.

Lens tint and coating – You can also pick pairs of safety glasses based on the tints and coatings used on their lenses. The coatings used in the lens can actually make your eyewear more long-lasting times and versatile. Among the coatings option are anti-fog and anti-scratch.

It would be a great idea to choose the a pair of anti-fog coating safety glasses if you are regularly concerned about high humidity and varying temperatures. As for the tints of the lens, take note that each one serves a specific purpose.

Your top option, in this case, include the clear lenses designed for normal or regular working conditions and the gray lenses suitable for partial sunlight exposure designed for a few indoor applications.

It is also possible for you to pick the photochromic lenses designed in a way that they will darken when exposed to outdoor light. One more thing that you can choose is protective eyewear, which comes with interchangeable lens tint.

Design and comfort – Analyzing the overall design and comfort level of different safety glasses should also among your major priorities. Remember that two huge factors can greatly influence how you will accept the glasses, especially once you are already in your workplace.

If possible, go for lightweight design pairs so you will not experience discomfort when wearing it while doing your jobs and activities. It should also have an ergonomic design. This design plays a huge role in your comfort, especially when you are planning to wear it for an extended period.

Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance contribute a lot in ensuring that your safety glasses will serve their intended purpose and function for quite a periods of time. One advice in terms of caring and maintaining the glasses is to clean them every day following the instructions of the manufacturer.

Cleaning your safety sunglasses often involve removing any loose debris and dirt from their lenses by blowing them up. Use running water together with or without any detergent to rinse the lenses. Alternatively, you can use cleaning sprays or wipes designed for the lenses.

Avoid handling the glasses roughly, too, as doing such activities might only weaken their lenses or hamper their clear vision. In terms of storage, it would be best to do so in a case or any other dry and clean place. This is essential in preventing the safety sunglasses from falling or getting scratches. Dry them up with a soft and clean cloth.

You might also want to use a cleaner specifically designed for the lenses. True, you can use water to clean your glasses safely but lens cleaners are more effective in removing all residues that cannot be removed by water. Avoid using soap as it might only leave residues on the protective eyewear.

Do not forget to clean the earpieces and the sides of the safety sunglasses, too. This will prevent both pieces from accumulating a lot of grime that might just migrate into the lens. One more thing you should do is to avoid using a rough cloth or an abrasive cleaner as this might scratch the lenses.

In terms of proper maintenance, inspecting your eyewear daily is a must so you can immediately see if there are cracks or broken pieces. Keep in mind that even tiny cracks might cause the malfunction of the eyewear in terms of offering protection and vision. Storing the glasses in a microfiber pouch or a hard case is also necessary.

The microfiber pouch is better because many people also see it working as a cleaning cloth. By doing the mentioned care activities and maintenance tips, you have a hundred percent guarantee that your safety glasses will work as planned and guarantee their effectiveness and longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top safety glasses brands?

Safety sunglasses are now available from different reliable brands and manufacturers. It would be nice to get yours from a reputable brand, which has been serving potential users by prioritizing the safety of their eyes and vision clarity.

Some of the high-quality brands offering safety glasses guaranteed to shield and keep your eyes safe are Pyramex, Dewalt, Gateway, Econ, MSA, Peltor, and NoCry. These reliable brands are engineered to tackle a wide range of tasks.

Safety is also the priority of these brands, which is why they feature an unbeatable and safe design that keeps your eyes fully protected while making the glasses wearable in both the workplace and offsite.

What are safety glasses made of?

Safety glasses are constructed using a wide range of materials. Some of them make use of high-tech plastic for their construction. What is good about these materials option is that they are lighter while having the lower risk of breaking easily compared to glass.

You can also treat this plastic with a filter, so you can protect your eyes and vision from the harmful UV rays. Aside from plastic, another popular material used in protective eyewear lens or glasses is polycarbonate. One advantage of this material is that it can resist impact, making it ideal for work such as construction and when playing sports. These pieces also features UV protection.

You can also choose Trivex, which is a newer plastic that is quite the same as polycarbonate. This one is thin, capable of resisting impact and is lightweight design. It even has the ability to correct vision better for a lot of people.

It is also a good idea to check out pairs of polarized lenses option today. What is good about this polarized lenses type is that it is capable of minimizing glare coming from a surface, such as water or sun, making it effective if you are driving or when playing your favorite sport.

The problem is that it also makes it difficult to view the liquid crystal display that is supposed to be on the dashboard of your vehicle.

What safety glasses does the military use?

Generally, the military use what is called “ballistic eyewear.” This term refers to a category of eyewear made to withstand harsh conditions related to military applications.

You have most likely seen “MCEP” on the label, tag, or on the glasses as you window-shopped a couple of military-grade eyewear or browsed through Reddit.

Essentially, the U.S. Military Combat Eye Protection Program (MCEPP) is part of the Program Executive Officer Soldier (PEO Soldier). Note that European-made safety glasses follow the standards set in their region.

To quote its website, the PEO Soldier “designs, develops, procures, and fields the hundreds of pieces of equipment used to enhance Soldier’s performance and safety.”

In other words, soldiers must wear safety glasses and goggles that pass the standards of the MCEP. That’s what sets it apart from regular protective eyewear.

What is the difference between safety glasses and safety goggles?

By design, safety goggles provide full protection around the eyes. They are held onto the face with adjustable elastic straps. Most of them tend to be bulkier than safety glasses.

On the other hand, safety glasses are lighter. However, they can only shield your eyes at the front and from the sides since the top part is open. Moreover, they are held on to the face by arms on either side and by a nose bridge or pads.

As per the National Safety Council, the key difference between the two is that glasses do not seal against the face. Hence, they do not offer sufficient protection against particles, chemical mist, or splashes.

When are safety glasses required?

According to safety rules and regulations, the use of face and eye protection is required when workers, like you, are constantly exposed to face or eye hazards. These include flying objects, acids, liquid chemicals, chemical vapors or gases, caustic liquids, harmful light radiation, and molten metal.

If your jobs require you to work in a place with dust, flying objects, or particles then wearing safety glasses that have side shields or side protection is also necessary. Safety goggles, on the other hand, may be necessary when you need to deal with chemicals.

Can safety glasses damage your eyesight?

No, it can’t harm your vision clarity or eyesight in any way. However, there are instances when your protective eyewear can trigger discomforts, like eye fatigue and headaches. These discomforts might contribute to your safety and compliance. You can avoid these vision or eyesight damage, however, by ensuring that you get the correct fit and the most comfortable to wear glasses.

What are yellow safety glasses for?

Yellow safety glasses are perfect for golfers, hunters, cyclists, and baseball players who prefer such lens colors choice because of its benefits. Remember that in hazy and overcast conditions, the additional water vapor present in the air might increase the risk of blue light to scatter.

This can cause a reduced depth perception, sun glare and visual acuity. This might also cause your eyes to work extra harder, leading to headaches and eye fatigue. With the help of yellow safety glasses, you can significantly minimize the impact on the vision clarity caused by blue light in the mentioned conditions.

You will also find yellow safety sunglasses beneficial for anyone those who spend too much time in front of a PC or other devices. Remember that smartphones, game consoles, and computers, among many others, can produce excessive blue lights. By wearing yellow safety glasses, you can block the blue light, thereby minimizing eye strain, glare, headaches and fatigue.

What are safety certifications to look for?

It would be a great idea to look for safety glasses certified by ANSI, which is short for the American National Standards Institute for qualified protection. This ANSI non-profit organization is the one responsible for the development of standard guidelines as well as the minimum capabilities required for various products and equipment, such as safety sunglasses.

You need to make sure, therefore, that your safety glasses have a Z87.1 rating, which serves as a reference to ANSI standard requirements as far as occupational and educational face and eye protection devices are concerned.

With this ANSI rating, you have an assurance that your safety glasses option meet the standards and can give you complete protection from numerous safety hazards that can have a negative impact on your vision clarity.

How much are safety glasses?

When searching for safety glasses, one important thing to check out is the cost. This does not mean, however, that you should shop for the most expensive safety glasses. Still, it helps to have an idea about what its usual price range is. If you do not have health insurance, expect your safety glasses to cost around $10 to $50.

This usually covers basic pairs with or without bifocals. The safety sunglasses can also go over $150 if you choose those that have anti-fog lens, interchangeable, or polarized lenses and designer frames.

How to wear safety glasses?

When it comes to wearing safety glasses correctly and securely, the key is to ensure that it is completely comfortable. The safety glasses should fit well, too. You know that you are wearing the safety sunglasses correctly if you do not feel any discomfort on the side of your head’s pressure points as well as the part behind your ears.

Make sure that the nose piece is comfortable to wear. This nose piece should be in contact with your nose with a zero risk of pinching. Another sign that you are wearing safety glasses properly is if these pieces let you view all directions without disturbances or obstructions. The weight should be distributed evenly in between your nose and ears. Hence, it suggested that you should pay enough attention to this nose piece design and structure in order to purchase a good pair of best safety goggles choice.

This nose piece will allow its frames to sit in comfort on your face while ensuring that it does not distract you from doing your tasks and activities. As for the frames, they need to fit properly close to your face and firmly on your nose (that should be possible without causing your eyelashes to get hit by the frames).

Wear the glasses in a way that their lenses cover your eyebrow as well as the soft tissues surrounding it. Lastly, the glasses should stay securely in place each time you move your head from one side to another and from the front to the back, or when your nose is slip and sweaty, firm and secure enough to protect your eyes and vision at best.

How to keep safety glasses from fogging up?

If you want to make the most out of your safety glasses, especially in terms of eye protection, then you have to do something to prevent them from fogging up. Fortunately, there are several ways for you to achieve that.

One thing that you can do is to wipe the products using anti-fog wipes. It is also advisable to use a bit of shaving foam in cleaning them up. Another tip is buffing off the lenses by rubbing some pure white bar soap.

Other things that you can do include use an anti-fog spray or paste, use a rain repellent on the glasses, or choosing to invest in a pair of safety glasses, which allows air circulation by sitting away from the parts surrounding your face. By doing these activities, the advantages of wearing safety goggles to protect your eyes and keep your eyes vision safe can be fully deployed.

Where to buy safety glasses?

The best places to buy safety glasses include those that continue to receive great reviews from the public due to their trustworthiness. Among them are Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowes. Make sure to do diligent research about online shops so you can get a pair of safety glasses that can genuinely and effectively protect your eyes.

Conclusion

The best safety glasses are truly the ultimate solution for eye protection. However, you have to be careful when picking this safety gear. Your goal is to figure out which one can really give you the type of protection and features range you need based on your present work environment and the hazards it entails for your vision.

Andrew Carnegie

Having worked in the field of personal protective equipment for over two decades, Andrew Carnegie is a specialist in the field.

At EDC, he strives to improve performance efficiency and promote workplace safety for EDC’s readers and customers. He also researches the most up-to-date equipment that has earned relevant accreditation for use in a wide range of industries and specialties.