Before starting a new project, I make a conscious decision that has become second nature—putting on my safety glasses. Every day, over 2,000 eye injuries occur on the job, with 40% of incidents happening in construction and manufacturing settings. Yes, I realize that some of these injuries are minor. But let’s be honest with ourselves; the risk just isn’t worth it. So if you’re looking to stay better protected on the job site, then you’ve come to the right place. Here's three factors you need to consider before buying your next pair of safety glasses: 

Different jobs require different levels of protection. Take metalworking and woodworking, for example. Metalwork poses a few distinct threats to your eyesight, primarily in the form of flying debris, sparks, and metal shavings. To mitigate this, you not only want safety glasses with side shields but also tinted lenses. Woodwork, on the other hand, involves its own set of hazards. Whether it be high-velocity fragments or fine wood dust, you’ll want to find a pair of safety glasses with durable lenses, coupled with a snug fit to protect against airborne particles.

Did you know glasses can only be classified as “protective eyewear” if they adhere to both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) requirements?

Chances are you’re already familiar with, OSHA, the regulatory authority enforcing jobsite health and safety precautions. ANSI, however, is a bit different. They set the manufacturing standards for a range of products, including prescription safety glasses. In compliance with ANSI Z87.1 standards, all safety glasses must bear permanent markings on either the frame or lens indicating the level of protection they offer.

Here's what each of the markings mean:  

• Lens Durability: “Basic Impact” is marked as Z-87, while “High Impact” is indicated by Z-87+ or Z98-2+.
• Droplet and Splash Protection: D3 for splash, D4 for dust, and D5 for fine dust.
• Infrared Light Protection: Denoted by 'R' and a scale number.
• UV Protection: Represented by 'U' and a scale number for ultraviolet light.
• Welding Shades: Marked with 'W' and a specific shade number for welding protection.
• Variable Tint Photochromic Lens: Indicated by 'V,' denoting a lens with variable tint or transition capabilities.
• Special Purpose Lens Designation: 'S' signifies lenses with special purposes, providing additional information about their protective features. 

Lens Type

Protective lenses come in different materials, including glass, plastic, and polycarbonate. For the best performance, opt for polycarbonate lenses, which excel in impact resistance while still keeping that lightweight feel.

Impact Resistance

Sure, bells and whistles are nice. But above all else, your first focus when choosing eyewear should be protection. The same safety glasses that work in industrial settings won't be the best choice for Active-Duty Military, as they require an entirely different degree of impact resistance. 

Coatings

Not all lens coatings are created equal, and choosing the right one makes all the difference. Look for coatings that offer additional protection against fog, scratches, and harmful UV rays, to truly get the most out of your safety glasses.

Lens Technology

The lens is the frontline of defense for your eyes, so choose safety eyewear that's not only protective but includes extra features like fog-proof technology, or UVA/UVB shields.

Prescription-Ready

Do you already wear corrective lenses? If so, consider prescription safety glasses. Speaking for myself, the combo of vision correction and eye protection is hard to beat, as it eliminates the need to wear multiple pairs.

Your vision deserves uncompromised protection, and if you're in the market for a new pair of safety glasses, look no further than Edge Eyewear. They were the first to introduce polarized lenses, coupled with fog-proof technology and, of course, stylish designs. Crafted from lightweight, shatter-resistant polycarbonate, these glasses not only meet but exceed ANSI standards. Check out some top picks below, or shop Edge's full selection of safety glasses. .