What You Need to Know About Safety Eyewear

Posted By Tracy Schafer on June 2024

Safety eyewear comes in many forms. Upon first impression, you may think of the large protective goggles that tradespeople wear or shooting glasses — and while these are certainly safety glasses, you should know that the term encompasses a much wider range of eyeglasses than this. For example, you could consider computer glasses a type of safety glasses because they protect your eyes from the long-term effects of blue light monitor exposure. We’ll learn in this article that the term “safety glasses” is at once situational and that, in fact, it encompasses a broader range of glasses than we imagine at first glance. From Rochester Optical, here’s our comprehensive guide to safety eyewear.

What Is Industrial Safety Eyewear?

f you’re looking for eyewear, it’s important to know that safety eyewear finds most use cases in protecting your eyes in hazardous work environments. Safety eyewear is made to meet specific standards for impact resistance and optical clarity, ensuring that it can withstand potential hazards such as flying debris, chemical splashes, or other hazardous material.

There are different types of safety eyewear available, including goggles, safety glasses, face shields, or full-face respirators, each designed to provide varying levels of protection. When shopping for safety eyewear, it’s essential to consider the type of protection required for the task being performed and ensure that it fits securely and comfortably. Employers are often responsible for providing appropriate safety eyewear, but if you work in a hazardous environment, investing in your own safety eyewear can provide additional protection and peace of mind.

Computer glasses are a specific type of safety eyewear designed to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of digital screens. Extended use of digital screens can lead to eye strain, dry eyes, headaches, and other eye-related problems. Computer glasses utilize special lenses that filter out blue light, which is emitted by computer screens, to reduce eye strain and improve visual clarity. They can also provide increased magnification for people who need help seeing small fonts or graphics on a computer screen. Choosing the right lens type and magnification level is important to ensure maximum protection and benefit. When shopping for computer glasses, consider consulting with an eye care professional to find the right fit and lens type for your individual needs. With the increasing amount of time spent in front of computer screens, wearing computer glasses as safety eyewear can help protect your eyes and prevent eye strain and other related problems.

Computer Glasses

Man wearing bike helmet and clear lens safety glasses

Sports & Recreation

Whether you’re playing sports recreationally or professionally, safety glasses are a crucial component of eye protection gear. In sports, there’s a high possibility of getting hit by a ball or getting poked in the eye, which can lead to serious eye injuries. For people who wear prescription glasses, it’s important to know that safety glasses can be custom-made to meet your vision needs. Sports safety glasses typically come with shatterproof lenses, sports frames that are durable and comfortable, and soft nose pads and temple arms for a secure fit during movement. Prescription safety glasses for sports can provide the same level of protection and comfort as traditional sports glasses but with the added benefit of improved vision correction. With the right safety glasses for sports, you can play confidently and safely without worrying about eye injuries or vision impairments.

Maintaining safety glasses is essential to ensure their effectiveness and longevity. This involves cleaning them regularly with mild soap or a cleaning solution specifically designed for glasses and drying them with a soft, lint-free cloth to prevent water spots or streaks. It’s also important to inspect the glasses for scratches, cracks, or any signs of damage on the lenses or glasses frames. If there are any damages, replace the glasses right away to ensure your eyes are fully protected.

Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure that the glasses fit properly by adjusting the nose pads and temple arms as needed. Avoid leaving them in hot temperatures or direct sunlight as this could cause the lenses to warp or become damaged. Regular inspection of the glasses for signs of wear and tear is also important since lenses can become scratched over time, which can impair your vision and reduce the effectiveness of the glasses. To prevent this, it’s advisable to store the glasses in a protective case when they are not in use. By taking care of your safety glasses, you can prolong their lifespan and ensure that they provide optimal eye protection in work environments or during recreational activities.

Safety glasses are an essential aspect of personal protective equipment in many work environments and recreational activities. They are designed to protect the eyes from various hazards, including debris, chemicals, and harmful light. It’s important to choose the right type of safety glasses for the task at hand, whether it’s sports safety glasses or computer glasses that filter out blue light. Maintaining safety glasses is crucial to ensure their effectiveness and longevity, including cleaning them regularly, inspecting them for damages, ensuring that they fit properly, and replacing them when necessary. With the right safety glasses and proper maintenance, you can protect your eyes from injuries, illnesses, and long-term damage, ensuring that you can perform your tasks and activities with confidence and safety. If you’re interested in inquiring about prescription safety glasses, schedule an appointment with us today to discuss how we can assist you in meeting your goals.