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Eye Protection: How to Choose the Right Safety Eyewear

by with No Comment Eye Protection

Selecting the right eye protection is critical for workplace safety. Ill-fitting or improper eyewear can lead to discomfort, distractions, and increased injury risks. In addition to the OSHA laws and ANSI standards, here’s what to consider when choosing safety glasses or goggles.

Key Factors to Consider

Proper Fit

A secure fit prevents accidents and enhances comfort. Look for features like:

  • Adjustable temples
  • Rubberized nose pieces
  • Brow padding
  • Correct sizing for a snug, secure feel

Coverage

Standard plano safety glasses (without foam lining or magnification) suit most workers. However, some environments demand enhanced protection. Overprotection can lead to workers removing eyewear, increasing their risk of injury.

Vision Impairment & Prescription Lenses

With over 150 million Americans needing corrective lenses, safety eyewear should accommodate vision needs:

  • OTG (Over-the-Glass) Glasses: Fit over prescription eyewear; cost-effective but may be uncomfortable
  • Rx Safety Glasses: Custom prescription lenses for better fit and protection
  • Bifocals/Magnifiers: Built-in magnification for close-up tasks

Light Conditions & Lens Tint

Matching the lens tint to the work environment is essential:

  • Some tints affect color perception
  • Polarized lenses reduce glare
  • Clear lenses for low-light conditions

Scratch Resistance

A hard coating extends lens life and durability.

Anti-Fog Solutions

Fogging occurs in humid environments or temperature shifts. Solutions include:

  • Anti-Fog Coating
  • Ventilation Features
  • Anti-Fog Sprays or Wipes

Material Considerations

  • Polycarbonate: Lightweight, high-impact resistance, and naturally filters 99.9% of UVA, UVB & UVC rays
  • PETG: Economical but not impact-rated
  • Acetate: Best for chemical resistance
  • Wire Mesh: Maximum ventilation but not rated for impact, splash, or dust protection

Types of Eye Protection & Ratings

Protection LevelGeneral UseMajor ImpactExtreme Impact
Z87+ Impact RatedYesYesYes
Liquid Splash (D3)NoNoYes
Dust & Debris (D4)NoSome ModelsYes
Anti-FogTreated ModelsTreated ModelsTreated Models

Additional Features & Options

  • Comfort Enhancements: Rubber temples, neck cords, and lightweight frames
  • Goggles & Sealed Eyewear: Maximum liquid and dust protection with indirect venting
  • One-Piece Designs: Streamlined fit for better protection

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right eye protection ensures safety, comfort, and productivity. Prioritize fit, coverage, lens compatibility, and environmental conditions to select the best option for your team.

Browse our eye protection HERE.

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Eye Protection: Quick Facts ANSI/OSHA

by with No Comment Eye ProtectionOSHA / ANSI

Every day, 2,000 work-related eye injuries require medical attention in the U.S.* Even more concerning, 16,000 of these injuries result in lost workdays.** The good news? 90% of these injuries could have been prevented with proper eye protection.

How Do Injuries Happen?

Eye injuries occur in various ways, often due to lack of proper protection or non-compliance with safety standards. Common causes include:

Light Exposure – Harmful UV or infrared radiation, as well as excessive glare

Projectiles – Small particles from tools, wind-blown debris, or falling materials.

Liquids & Sprays – Chemicals, bacteria, or other harmful substances.

Dust & Fine Particles – A major risk in construction, demolition, and manufacturing.

Fog – Reduces visibility, increasing overall workplace hazards.

Eye Protection Standards: What You Need to Know

OSHA requires that all eye and face protection comply with ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 standards, ensuring adequate protection in hazardous environments. Relevant regulations include:

  • OSHA General Industry Standard – 29 CFR 1910.133
  • OSHA Construction Standard – 29 CFR 1926.102

These standards ensure protective eyewear meets strict impact resistance, coverage, and material requirements.

Minimum Requirements for Safety Eyewear

Optical Clarity: Unobstructed, clear vision without blurriness.

Physical Durability:

  • Must not ignite or corrode.
  • Provides sufficient frontal coverage and impact resistance.

Markings & Labels:

  • Proper ratings, placement, and packaging must be clearly identified.

ANSI Z87.1+ IMPACT TESTS

TYPETESTPASS CRITERIA
HIGH VELOCITYShall resist impact from a 0.25″ steel ball traveling:
Glasses: 150′ /sec
Goggles: 250 / sec
Face shield 300′ / sec		No contact with eye, no piece shall detach from spectacle and lens shall not fracture
HIGH MASSShall resist impact from 17.6 oz projectile dropped from a height of 50″No piece shall detach from spectacle and lens shall not fracture
PENETRATIONShall resist penetration from low mass weighted needle dropped from a heigh of 50″Lens shall not be penetrated
LATERAL COVERAGEImpact rated protectors must offer min amount of coverageExtend ≥ 10mm behind corneal plane ≥ 10mm in heigh above and below horizontal plane no openings > 1.5mm in diameter

Additional ANSI Z87.1+ Ratings

For specialized protection, eyewear may include:

  • D3 Liquid Splash Protection – Shields against liquid splash and droplets.
  • D4 Dust Protection – Prevents dust and debris penetration.
  • Anti-Fog (X) Rating – Reduces fogging for clear visibility.

Protect Your Vision – Choose the Right Eye Protection

Workplace eye injuries are preventable. Ensure compliance with ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 standards and invest in the right protective eyewear to maintain safety on the job. To learn more about the specifics of selecting eye protection, read our blog post here.

Browse our eye protection HERE.

*Source: CDC | **2020 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

safetyglasses, safety goggles, faceshield

Safety Glasses vs. Safety Goggles vs. Face Shields: Understanding Eye Protection Options 

by with No Comment Eye Protection

When it comes to eye protection, there are a variety of options available. Safety glasses, safety goggles, and face shields all play a crucial role in safeguarding your eyes from potential hazards. Understanding the key differences and benefits of each option will help you make an informed decision for your specific needs. 

Safety Glasses: 

Safety glasses are the foundation of eye protection. They provide defense for the eyes against head-on and side impacts. They do not seal onto the face, allowing air in and around the eye area. Factors such as lens size and shape play a significant role in their effectiveness. Safety glasses are commonly worn by executives, visitors, as well as workers in factory, warehouse, and construction environments where hazards may not be in direct proximity. Some models feature flex-fit temples, soft grip side arms, and adjustable temples for enhanced comfort and versatility. Anti-fog performance, scratch-resistance, and UV protection are essential features to look for. Prescription models are often available.  

Safety Goggles: 

Safety goggles offer an added level of protection by forming a seal between the lenses, frame, and your face. This seal prevents contaminants from reaching your eyes. While some workers may find them less comfortable due to the tight face seal, newer models with soft frame gaskets offer a more comfortable fit even during extended wearing periods. Anti-fog technology is crucial for goggles with sealed designs. Vented and non-vented frame options are available, depending on your specific needs. Impact protection, scratch-resistance, and UV protection should not be compromised. Some models even accommodate prescription safety glasses and can be secured with elastic or neoprene straps. 

Face Shields: 

For the broadest eye and face protection, face shields are the ultimate choice. Acting as a shield, they provide maximum coverage from the forehead to below the chin, extending from cheekbone to cheekbone. Face shields excel in shielding against flying debris, chemical splashes, molten metal, explosive power tools, UV radiation, and biohazardous fluids. It’s important to note that face shields lack the seal provided by goggles and is more vulnerable to airborne particulate hazards and dust. Many face shields are designed for integration with hard hats, offering added protection above the shoulders. Mesh face shields are an option that will not fog up but still provide protection and greater comfort in hotter environments.  

Across all options, secure fit, antifog capabilities and prescription needs must be considered. By understanding the differences between safety glasses, safety goggles, and face shields, you can confidently choose the appropriate eye protection for your specific situation.  

Browse our Protective Eyewear

Click here to read about what to consider when selecting eyewear.

Learn how to properly fit eyewear here.

Click here to learn more about OSHA and ANSI standards regarding eyewear.

  1. 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.
  2. https://www.ergodyne.com/blogs/what-should-i-wear-safety-glasses-vs-safety-goggles-vs-face-shields