Understand the basics
Although it will be useful to know Why You Should Wear Safety Eyewear and When You Should Wear Safety Eyewear, that advice is likely useless if you do not know how to choose the appropriate eyewear. Doing so requires the following three steps.
- Look for ANSI Z87.1 certification.
This certification denotes a workplace standard requiring safe eyewear to prevent hazardous impact, non-ionizing radiation, and liquid splash exposure. Following on the job, this regulation seems sensible, although the ANSI Z87.1 standard is acceptable in the home too.
- Know common safety hazards.
Dangers come in many different forms, wherever you might be. There are a number of risks associated with various locations, such as high and low-speed impacts, heat, toxic chemicals, dust, and ultraviolet radiation. Protective eyewear features prevent many of these elements, so take the time to learn about the dangers near you.
- Assess the activity.
If you take some time to carefully examine your activities, you’ll find those that you must prioritize. First of all, identify the critical dangers. Next, purchase eyewear specially designed to prevent those hazards. It goes without saying that, for those engaged in welding or laser work, appropriate safety eyewear is vital. However, for others, it may be sufficient to max out the frequency of use before disposal.
Options for you

Identifying the right options ensures that you’ll have the right safety eyewear for your particular scenario. The right mixture of options also helps you keep up with the habit of wearing safety eyewear. After providing a thorough assessment earlier, consider these options in safety eyewear.
- Lens Coatings
Lens coatings make eyewear more versatile and last longer. Among the most typical are Anti-scratch and Anti-fog. Be sure to choose the appropriate eyewear if high humidity and varying temperatures are common exposures.
- Lens Tints
Just about every type of lens tint has its own distinctive objective. Options range from crystal clear to dark-tinted lenses, depending on what kind of lighting you’re exposed to. You can also get eyewear with interchangeable lens tints.
- Reading Glasses
People often need reading glasses with safety eyewear when they’re over 40. Bifocal Safety Glasses allow those over 40 who need safety glasses to jump in with both feet and read easily. Another option, Stick-On Bifocals, uses water to stick onto glasses and is nearly invisible.
- RX options
Those in need of prescription eyeglasses have 3 viable options. First, eyeglasses are purchased from an optometrist. Second, Over-Prescription Safety Glasses that fit over regular prescription glasses. Over-RX glasses even offer a variety of lens tints and coatings. Third, Safety Glasses with RX Inserts. These have your existing prescription placed inside and then installed behind the normal glasses.
Summary
Safety eyewear is a must for all workers. By wearing these products, you can help protect your eyes from potential injuries and keep your workplace safe. As always, be sure to consult with your employer or safety expert to find the right eyewear for your specific needs.