Safety glasses that do more than protect
eye protection glasses and goggles can help protect your eyes in the lab, at the construction site, even at the range. And thanks to substantial design improvements, modern safety glasses look pretty sharp. But how do you choose the right ones? It all depends on what you need them to do.
If we had to get specific, safety glasses & goggles have one main job: to protect the eyes from debris, splashes, sparks and everything else that has no business being near your eyes. But a really great pair of safety specs goes beyond the basics.
- Anti fog coating. This prevents your glasses from steaming up from temperature changes so you can see clearly indoors and outdoors.
- Anti-scratch coating. This adds a protective layer that keeps your glasses from getting scratched up. It doesn’t make them invincible but it does help them last longer.
- UV protection coating. This protects the eyes from harmful radiation. You can get it on both tinted and clear eye protection glasses.
- And don’t forget the ANSI and OSHA safety rating. ANSI (The American National Standards Institute) and (The American National Standards Institute) help create the safety standards that make protective gear better. Any safety equipment you use should meet those.
Battle of the protectors: prescription safety glasses versus over the glasses safety glasses
If you wear glasses, at some point you have to make a choice: should you get fancy, expensive eye protection glasses or get ones that fit over your specs?
- Prescription safety specs. Expensive. Custom. If they get lost, replacing them will take time and it will cost more. However, they do fit you perfectly because they were made for you.
- Over the glasses safety goggles. Affordable. Protect your eyes and your glasses at the same time. If you lose them or scratch them, it’s n
Choosing the right glasses for the right occasion
Not all safety glasses are created equal. They’re not used for the same things either. Choose the ones that work for what you’re doing.
- Lightweight safety glasses. Made with thin, light plastic. Great for all day wear. Protect you from splashes but don’t protect against impact. Use them as lab glasses or dental safety glasses.
- Safety sunglasses. Stylish, with tinted lenses that give you better protection than traditional sunglasses. Can be lightweight or heavier and durable. If you work outdoors, tinted lenses can make it easier to see.
- Protective safety glasses with side shields. These protect you from the front and the side, keeping your peripherals covered too.
- Over the glasses safety glasses. Lifesavers if you wear prescription glasses. Fit over most standard frames. You can find models for the lab or the construction site.
- Protective safety goggles. For full protection, where very little gets in. These work well with other PPE. Wear them for splash and dust protection.
