Eye injuries are common on the job in many workplaces such as construction sites, hospitals, factories, or even at home. Many of them can be avoided, though, if you wear safety glasses. These glasses protect your eyes from chemical splashes, metal particles, and radiation, all of which can hurt your eyes. But it's not as easy as it might seem to choose the right pair of safety glasses. Because there are so many kinds of frames and lenses and so much information online, it can be hard to choose the right pair that will keep your eyes safe and look great.

Importance of wearing safety glasses

Safety glasses are an important part of safety programs on a large number of job sites all over the country and in many cases required on the job. More than 100 eye injuries happen to American workers every day, causing them to miss days of work. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers spend about $300 million a year on related costs. This doesn't include legal fees, lost productivity, and other indirect costs.

That’s why, it's important to choose the right safety glasses and coating for the lenses. It will keep you safe on the job and your vision protected. Plus, the right pair of frames and lenses can make wearing the glasses more comfortable and keep your focus on the task at hand.

Tips on Getting the Right Safety Glasses

  • ANSI Z87.1: The first thing you want to look for is eyewear that is marked with "Z87" stamp on the frame. These markings indicate that the eyewear complies with the American National Standards Institute or ANSI standard Z87.1. If you are a medical professional and a first responder, keeping your vision clear and safe is critical and necessary to protect yourself from many elements like overspray, small particles, airborne contaminants, and liquids as well as UV exposure if you are working outdoors. On a construction site – this is key as well to protect your eyes from potential debris or other hazards.
  • Lens Color & Material: There is a wide range of lenses available in a variety of tints and colors. The material of the lens is also important for maximum protection. It is recommended that you chose a polycarbonate shatterproof lens to keep the lens from breaking if there was an impact.
  • Fog Recovery: The lenses on safety glasses frequently fog up, which can be annoying and distracting. When you're working hard, you don't want to have to fight against foggy lenses or glare. Clear vision is important to keep your focus on the job. A majority of typical off the shelf safety glasses are a standard size so they don’t fit very well and tend to fog up. Plus, if you need glasses with a prescription, you may have to wear safety glasses on top of your regular frames. You will be more comfortable, able to see more clearly, and able to concentrate on your task if you get a pair of safety glasses that has fog recovery capabilities in both the frame and with the coatings on the lenses. The PPE 2.0 safety glasses from Rec Specs are a great example of a pair of PPE that comes ready-to-wear with fast fog recovery coating, and you can get them in you prescription. They are made by a brand trusted for vision performance and protection by amateur and pro athletes for decades.

Check out the Rec Specs PPE fast fog recovery demo!

  • Fit: Most importantly, it needs to fit your face and eyes comfortably. You can’t focus on your job clearly if it’s always loose or gets away with your face. Jobs like first responders, medical professional, or even tradesmen need a clear and safe vision while they do their tasks.

Want to find out more about Rec Specs Safety Glasses? Check out our full Rec Specs Safety Glasses Collection.

Safeguard your vision with high-quality, reusable prescription safety glasses and goggles from Rec specs. Made especially for adult workers and frontline healthcare and medical professionals. Check out our store locator if you want to find Rec Specs in the eye care professional location closest to you.

Have you tried these glasses on? If so, tell us in the section below for comments.