Looking for the right pair of safety glasses can be an intimidating task, but it doesn’t have to be! Protecting your eyes is essential, so we’ve compiled a list of things to consider when selecting safety eyewear for maximum protection and comfort.
First and foremost; and make sure your eyewear is ANSI Z87.1 certified, which is essential for ensuring adequate protection from potential dangers and threats. It’s not just a workplace standard; it’s essential for home and recreational wear as well.
Next, comfort. Nobody wants to wear safety glasses that pinch or slip off during the workday. Comfortability is achieved with the right fitting frame that doesn’t have pressure points on your nose, head, or ears. Look for frames that combine hard and soft components for all-day wear.
But a good fit goes beyond comfort. When it comes to safety, it also means getting a close-to-face fit without gaps and securely held in place when you move your head. Don’t forget to keep your peripheral vision unobstructed too. Learn how to properly fit eyewear here.
Performance is equally important. Look for wide-angle lenses with sleek optical quality to minimize blind spots, eye fatigue, and headaches. Lens coating and tints play a role in performance capabilities:
Lens coatings can make your eyewear more versatile and last longer. For anyone dealing with varying temperatures and high humidity, choose lenses with anti-fog treatments. And for anyone dealing with indoor and outdoor conditions, clear lenses with a thin mirror coating may be the perfect solution. UV ray protection is needed outdoors as the sun’s ultraviolet radiation can cause a range of conditions, from mild irritation to cataracts and cancer of the conjunctiva. Choose eyewear that provides at least 99% UV protection.
When it comes to lens tints, options vary, from clear lenses to gray for partial sunlight exposure in some indoor/outdoor applications. Amber lenses are best for low-light conditions as they enhance contrast, while smoke lenses filter out some harmful UV rays. Polarized lenses are perfect for filtering glare and enhancing contrast.
If you have visual needs like rX prescription or bi-focals, most eyewear can accommodate. There are also “stick-on” bifocals and prescription inserts that can be purchased separately.
Be sure to select the proper eyewear for the hazards in your workplace. Overprotection is just as dangerous as underprotection. Overprotection can cause you to remove the eyewear or skew vision in certain environments; leaving you susceptible to hazards and injury.
There you go, folks, our guide for selecting the right safety eyewear for you. Fit, Fashion, and Function should be your guide. Choose eyewear that fits properly and functions seamlessly and looks fashionable. You’ll be more likely to wear them when they tick all the boxes!
Click here to read about the difference between safety glasses, safety goggles and faceshields.
Learn more about ANSI and OSHA regulations on eyewear HERE.
Learn how to properly fit eyewear here.
- https://prochoicesafetygear.com/ppe/blog/personal-protective-equipment/choosing-safety-glasses-vs-goggles-vs-face-shields/#:~:text=Markedly%2C%20safety%20glasses%20allow%20air,worn%20over%20spectacles%20or%20goggles
- https://www.hexarmor.com/posts/four-things-to-consider-before-purchasing-safety-eyewear
