There is a lot more to safety eyewear than just some plastic that shields the wearer from debris. To be able to be sold as safety glasses, a product must meet certain ANSI standards such as thresholds for impact and heat resistance. There are many things to consider when purchasing a pair of safety glasses, with application and eye protection being generally the most overarching concerns.
For a very basic product, look no further than the Encon Wraparound Veratti 307 Safety Glasses. This is an extremely affordable set of safety eyewear. Despite its low cost it includes a scratch and UV resistant coating to give the wearer extra basic protection in many working scenarios, both indoor and outdoor. The semi-rimless lens design cuts down on the weight and potential for fogging while the wraparound frame ensures comfort and stability. For basic or bulk use, this product is perfect.
Since over half the population requires some form of corrective lenses, it stands to reason that many potential safety glasses or safety goggles wearers are also corrective lens wearers. Though prescription safety glasses can be made, for those who might need safety glasses on an irregular basis, an over-the-glasses option might be best. The Gateway Safety 6980 Cover2 Safety Glasses are a great option for wearers who fit in to this category. The polycarbonate design is lightweight enough to not add any noticeable burden to the wearer, and the temple tips are adjustable to help ensure a comfortable fit. These also come in three lens shades so you can customize to your preferred use.
For heavy duty applications such as machining or any situation where there is a high risk of shrapnel or other debris, safety goggles would be the best choice. The DeWALT DPG82-11 Concealer Clear Anti-Fog Dual Mold Safety Goggle is perfect in these situations. It uses an elastic headband for security so it is ideal for physical situations where traditional glasses might get knocked around. DeWALT is a trusted brand in tough situations, so it should come as no surprise that these goggles come with a coating that provides extra protection against scratches. Though goggles generally have less airflow than traditional safety glasses, these are built with anti-fog lens coating and include ventilation channels so there is breathability and additional fog prevention. Though they are not specifically marketed as such, these also fit well over most glasses.
Though not necessarily a functional benefit, style is a concern for many people who wear glasses. Since one should not be penalized on utility simply because they would like to look good, manufacturers like Ergodyne have developed lines of products which use a basic style but come with many lens customizations. The basic Ergodyne Skullerz Odin Anti-Fog Safety Glasses come 40+ options. You can customize your frame style and your lens depending on both aesthetics and utility. Though the predominant frame color is black, there are also white, grey, and camo options. The lenses come in various colors which are more functional than aesthetic. Depending on the usage, certain color lenses can cut down on specific color wavelengths and thus reduce eyestrain. For example, yellow lenses reduce blue light and therefore are ideal in situations where one may be looking at a screen for an extended period of time. Other lens colors have similarly targeted uses, so it is important to research the intended effects of each lens color before committing to one. Depending on your budget, you may even be able to afford multiple pairs of Ergodyne glasses to suit multiple purposes.
For the wearer who needs to use their glasses in a wide variety of environments, it might make more sense to purchase a bundle of a single frame and multiple interchangeable lenses. The Titus Premium G Series Multi-Lens Safety Glasses Bundle is perfect for this type of user. The lenses are easily swapped out within the frame and all provide UV and shatterproof protection. Though on the pricier end, this bundle is great for a frequent user who needs protection in varied environments. Lens colors include HiDef Yellow, Clear, Blue, Orange, Vermillion, and Mirror Coated Grey.
For the prescription glasses wearers who would prefer to have their safety glasses specifically tailored to them, there is the ArmouRx 6009 Safety Glasses option. This crystal frame is stylish and able to take prescription lenses from any lens seller. If you are a prescription glasses wearer who also has frequent need for safety glasses this could be a perfect option. ArmouRx is known for specifically crafting their frames with future prescription lenses in mind, so you should have no trouble finding lenses that fit both the frames and your budget.
A frequent user of safety glasses who requires prescription lenses and also tends to go through pairs due to high risk of impact or damage should consider a pair of glasses that uses prescription inserts rather than making the main lenses prescription. The Pyramex SB6310STRX PMXTREME with RX inserts is a perfect example of what this setup has to offer. Prescription lenses can be loaded into the insert and kept safe behind the initial protective layer of the safety glasses. If the glasses ever get damaged enough to require replacement, they can be replaced and the lens insert put on the new glasses without having to purchase new prescription lenses. This particular frame and insert pair comes with a rubber nose piece and temple tips so it is much more comfortable than many over-the-glasses options on the market. Pyramex also makes several options that do not have the ability to use prescription inserts but do include some magnification up to +2.5, so those who only need minor corrective magnetization can use these without getting a prescription or paying for expensive lenses.
The eyes are one of the most sensitive and useful parts of the body. Though we do not necessarily think about protecting them, losing one’s eyesight could be devastating. Since protective eyewear is so affordable, there is really no reason to not use it and make that easy preventative step.