Selecting the Right Safety Eyewear

Know the Basics

While knowing Why You Should Wear Safety Eyewear and When You Should Wear Safety Eyewear is essential, they may not matter much if you don’t know how to select the proper eyewear. That process includes three basic but essential steps.

1. Look for ANSI Z87.1 certification.

   This certification indicates eyewear provides protection from impact, non-ionizing radiation, and liquid splash exposure. While it is a workplace standard, making ANSI Z87.1 a minimum standard for safety eyewear at home and during recreation makes sense.

2. Know common safety hazards.

   Hazards involve any potential danger or risk, which exists just about everywhere. The most common risks are low and high-velocity impacts, heat, chemicals, dust, and optical radiation. Safety eyewear with various features protects against these, so take the time to learn the hazards near you.

3. Assess the activity.

   Now take some time to analyze the specific activities you’re involved in. First, look for the common hazards. Then, buy eyewear specifically meant to protect against those dangers. For some, purchasing multiple pairs of safety eyewear or convertible eyewear is necessary. Others, like welders and laser technicians, need very specific protection. However, standard safety eyewear suits most people’s needs adequately.

ANSI Z87.1-2015 product markings on a pair of Bolle Safety Glasses.

Consider Your Options

Choosing the right options ensures you’ll select the proper safety eyewear for your particular situation. The right combination of options also makes consistently wearing safety eyewear more likely. After completing the assessment above, consider the following options available in safety eyewear.

• Lens Coatings

  Lens coatings make eyewear more versatile and last longer. Some of the most common are Anti-scratch and Anti-fog. Be sure to choose anti-fog eyewear if varying temperatures and high humidity are common concerns.

• Lens Tints

  Every lens tint serves a particular purpose. Options range from clear lenses for normal working conditions to gray for partial sunlight in some indoor applications to photochromic lenses that darken in outdoor light. You can even get eyewear with interchangeable lens tints.

• Fit, Fashion & Function

  You’re more likely to wear safety eyewear that fits properly, looks fashionable, and functions seamlessly. Achieving fit, fashion, and function involves choosing among options like wraparound or traditional frame styles and almost unlimited colors. Also, ensure you’re comfortable with the eyewear you want since you’ll have to wear them for extended periods.

• Reading Glasses

  Many people over 40 need reading glasses while wearing safety eyewear. Bifocal Safety Glasses are perfect for those who need safety glasses and reading magnification. Another option, Stick-On Bifocals, applies quickly to any pair of glasses or goggles using only water and are replaceable.

• RX options

  People requiring prescription eyewear have 3 solid options. First, prescription eyewear is purchased from an optometrist. Second, Over-Prescription Safety Glasses that fit over regular prescription glasses. Over-Rx glasses even offer various lens tints and coatings. Third, Safety Glasses with Rx Inserts. These are filled with your prescription and then installed behind the primary lens of your chosen safety glasses.

3M SmartLens Photochromic lenses are shown in light and darkened states.

Ask for Help

Since there are so many options available for safety glasses, choosing the right ones might seem overwhelming. Fortunately, Safety Glasses USA makes the process easy by listing their protective eyewear by feature, activity type, and everyday hazards. They also list them by style and brand. That means you can go through the recommendations above to decide your needs and preferences and quickly browse their selection to select the proper safety eyewear.

Prefer to have someone tell you what eyewear might work best?

Safety Glasses USA is happy to do that too. Just Contact Us, and we’ll help you select the proper protective eyewear to meet your needs and preferences.