Eyes On Safety| Best Prescription Safety Glasses For Welding.

After 23 years in the industry, I am always on the lookout for the best prescription safety glasses for welding. I will break down several factors that make a comfortable, and long-lasting pair of specs that you might not have thought of.

Remember, the best safety glasses for you are the ones that meet your specific needs and budget. Take your time, weigh your options, and make an informed choice. Your eyes will thank you.

How To Buy Prescription Safety Eyeglasses Online?

When buying glasses online, the process starts with obtaining a current prescription from your optometrist, which includes your pupillary distance (PD) – the space between your pupils.

I decided it was time for me to order new pair of prescription safety glasses online. I now had my current prescription, given by my optometrist. I started searching for frames that would not only suit my style but also stand up to the demands of my job. With the online platform’s virtual try-on tool, I found a durable and stylish pair that fit my face perfectly. I decided on a pair of Oakley Det Cord glasses. They are my favorite pair I have ever had over the years.

Once I receive my prescription safety glasses from RX Safety, I will also be provided with a certificate of compliance. This certificate is an assurance that my glasses adhere to the national safety standards of my country. These glasses not only correct my vision but also ensure my safety. This certificate verifies their quality, proving that they have been subjected to stringent tests to guarantee compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations.

I selected lenses that were meant for harsh conditions, considering the nature of my work. Opting for a scratch-resistant and anti-glare coating seemed like a wise decision, given the amount of time I spend welding. After carefully entering my prescription details and confirming the order, all I had to do was wait for my new glasses to be delivered. Upon arrival, they were a perfect fit – robust enough for my work and stylish enough for my off-work hours. The online process made this typically tedious task incredibly straightforward and convenient. I saved a bunch of money doing so as well.

Cheap Prescription Safety Glasses Our Top 5

What Makes A Good Pair Of Prescription Safety Glasses

As an experienced welder who’s relied on glasses for years, I can tell you that choosing the right pair is crucial. Let’s break it down.

Firstly, lens material. Polycarbonate, Trivex, and glass are your main options.

1. Polycarbonate is lightweight, impact-resistant, and affordable – a solid choice for most.
2. Trivex lenses, while slightly more expensive, offer similar benefits but with better optical clarity.
3. Glass lenses, though less common due to their weight and fragility, provide superior scratch resistance and clarity.

Lens Coating Considerations

Next, consider lens coatings. Anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings are a godsend in a hot, gritty environment like a welding shop. UV protection is a must, too. Prolonged exposure to UV light can harm your eyes, and these coatings can help mitigate that risk.

Lastly, don’t overlook the frame. A comfortable, well-fitting frame can make a world of difference during a long shift. Look for durable materials that can withstand the rigors of the job. The design should allow for good peripheral vision and fit snugly without pinching. Weight is another factor you don’t want a pair so heavy you will need nose reconstruction surgery after a long shift of wearing them.

Eyewear with an adjustable strap is ideal for welders to keep in their toolboxes. Eliminating the risk of falling off during welding in some stupid position we find ourselves in sometimes.

What are Prescription Safety Glasses?

Sure, I’ve tried using my regular prescription glasses and even contact lenses while welding, but honestly, it’s not the best idea. They just don’t give you the protection you need. Welding throws off a lot of intense UV and infrared light, and that can really do a number on your eyes if they’re not properly shielded. Plus, there’s always the risk of sparks or bits of metal flying around. Trust me, you don’t want any of that getting in your eyes. So, while it’s possible to weld with regular glasses or contacts, it’s not something I’d recommend. Safety first, always.

Prescription safety glasses are specialized eyewear designed to protect the eyes of workers from various hazards. Unlike regular glasses, prescription safety glasses are constructed with durable materials and meet safety standards to protect the wearer’s eyes from physical impact and optical radiation. They are essential for workers, particularly welders or those working in similar industries where safety is a top priority.

The primary purpose of prescription safety glasses is to provide workers with all-around protection for their eyes. They are specifically designed to protect the user’s eyes from potential hazards such as flying debris, sparks, dust, and chemicals that pose a threat to the eyesight of workers. In addition, these glasses offer protection from optical radiation, such as ultraviolet and infrared radiation that may harm the eyes.

One of the key features of prescription safety glasses is their side protection while having the ability to provide clear vision for those who require vision correction. With prescription safety glasses, workers no longer have to sacrifice their vision to stay safe on the job. The glasses are customized to the wearer’s individual prescription, ensuring that they have clear vision while they work.

In summary, prescription safety glasses are essential for individuals who require vision correction yet work in a hazardous environment. They provide both physical impact protection and protection from optical radiation, ensuring the user’s eyes remain safe from harm. By wearing prescription safety glasses, workers can focus on their jobs and tasks without having to worry about the safety of their eyes.

Advantages of Prescription Safety Eyewear for Welders

Prescription safety glasses provide all-around protection for the eyes. Traditional prescription glasses may not offer the level of protection needed by welders. Safety eyewear, on the other hand, is designed to protect the eyes from exposure to harmful UV and infrared radiation. It also provides impact protection that can prevent severe damage to the eyes.

There are several types of prescription safety eyewear available in the market that offer different levels of protection. These include glasses with varying lens shade, polarized lenses, and shatterproof lenses. The eyewear also comes in different styles and frames, such as wraparound and metal frames, and different head sizes. This allows welders to choose eyewear that is most comfortable for them while still providing the necessary protection.

An Overview Of Safety Glasses Used In Welding.

Welding is a high-risk occupation that requires maximum protection measures to prevent eye injury. As a welder, investing in the right pair of prescription safety glasses for welding is crucial for your safety. With different types of safety glasses in the market, finding the best can be overwhelming. This article highlights the different types of safety glasses for welding and what you need to consider when choosing the best pair for your welding job.

Single Vision Lenses

The use of single vision lenses in the context of prescription safety glasses for welding is crucial in ensuring the welder’s safety and accuracy.

Single vision lenses are standard prescription lenses that provide correction for a single field of vision. They offer clear and consistent vision, which is important in welding jobs where visual impairment could result in welding defects like an undercut on a fillet weld or a missed edge on a root run.

In welding, optical radiation is a major concern, and single vision lenses can help prevent visual impairment caused by it. For instance, the lenses can filter out the ultraviolet and infrared radiation that is generated during welding. This is important because prolonged exposure to these forms of radiation could cause cataracts or other eye conditions.

Single vision lenses also reduce visual stress and fatigue, which is important in welding jobs that require prolonged use of safety glasses. The consistent vision provided by single vision lenses reduces the eye’s effort to adjust and focus, reducing the risk of visual fatigue and discomfort.

In summary, single vision lenses are critical in prescription safety glasses for welding. They provide clear and consistent vision, protect the eyes from optical radiation, and reduce visual stress and fatigue. When considering prescription safety glasses for welding, it is important to choose glasses that have single vision lenses to ensure optimal vision and safety.

Bifocal and Progressive Lenses

Prescription safety glasses are an important part of protecting a welder’s eyes from exposure to optical radiation and physical impact. When it comes to choosing the right type of lens for welding jobs, welders who need a prescription face an additional challenge.

Bifocal and progressive lenses are two commonly chosen options for prescription safety glasses. Bifocal lenses provide dual prescriptions in a single lens, catering to both near and far vision. The near vision prescription is typically located in the lower portion of the lens, while the distance vision prescription covers the rest of the lens.

Progressive lenses, on the other hand, gradually change from near to distant vision without a visible line. This allows for a seamless transition between the two prescriptions and eliminates the visible line that is present with bifocal lenses.

The right type of lens will ensure that welders have a clear view of their work at all times. The nature of welding jobs requires precision and accuracy, so it is essential to be able to focus on objects at various distances without having to take off protective eyewear.

Bifocal lenses may be the better option for welders who need to frequently shift their focus from up-close work to far away. The line on the lens can help them quickly locate the right area of the lens to use for the specific task at hand.

Progressive lenses may be the better option for welders who need a smooth transition between near and far vision. This is especially true for welding jobs that require precision, as it can be difficult to find the exact location on a bifocal lens.

In summary, both bifocal and progressive lenses are great options for prescription safety glasses for welding jobs. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on the specific needs of the welder and the nature of the welding job. It is best to consult with an eye care professional to determine the type of lens that would work best for individual needs.

Wrap-Around Design

When it comes to prescription safety glasses for welding, one important feature to consider is the wrap-around design. A wrap-around design is key for ensuring that the lens and frame provide a snug fit to the user’s face, which helps to prevent any potential hazardous sparks, welders flash or debris from entering their eyes. As a result, workers can perform their welding jobs with peace of mind, knowing that their eyes are fully protected.

Another benefit of a wrap-around design is that it helps to minimize any light entering the peripheral vision of the user, which can cause visual impairment during welding jobs. By reducing the amount of light entering from the sides, workers can forget about arc eye.

When selecting a pair of prescription safety glasses with a wrap-around design, it’s important to consider the frame’s coverage around the sides of the face and temples. The wrap-around design should provide enough coverage to fully protect the eyes from all angles while still being comfortable to wear for long periods.

Nose Bridge Comfortability

When it comes to purchasing prescription safety glasses for welding, it’s important to consider several features that can greatly impact their overall effectiveness in protecting your eyes from exposure and impact. One crucial feature that often gets overlooked is nose bridge comfortability.

A poorly-fitting nose bridge can lead to discomfort and ultimately impact the effectiveness of the glasses in protecting your eyes. A nose bridge that is too tight can cause unwanted pressure and pain, while a nose bridge that is too loose can cause the glasses to slip down your face, leading to continuous readjustmentUsually when you are halfway through a weld.

To ensure maximum comfort for the wearer, look for nose bridge designs that offer adjustable and padded temples. Adjustable temples allow you to customize the glasses’ fit to your unique facial structure, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit. Meanwhile, padded temples provide extra cushioning, helping to mitigate pressure and reduce discomfort.

Lens Types (Tinted, Mirrored, etc.)

Prescription safety glasses for welding come in different lens types to provide all-around protection for your eyes. In this article, I will explain my experience with each to help you choose the best safety glasses that suit your needs.

Tinted Lenses

Tinted lenses are perfect for outdoors but when you go inside a dark shop or inside a tank or pressure vessel they are too dark. But if you are a Welder who works in bright outdoor environments they offer additional protection against harmful UV radiation. Tinted lenses come in various shades, with the most common colors being gray, brown, and green.

Mirrored Lenses

Mirrored lenses function similarly to tinted lenses but possess an added reflective coating. I found these lenses aren’t ideal for welding applications they reflect a lot of light, acting as a mirror that bounces out some of the light that is reflected off the modern type auto-darkening welding filters if the sun is behind your hood.

Clear Lenses

Clear lenses are what the boss will supply 🤣. For indoor welding jobs offer protection against flying debris and other physical impacts, like any other safety glasses. If you are on a budget these are the most cost-effective.

Photochromic Lenses

For my first pair of prescription safety glasses, I wanted these but I was worried they wouldn’t last in our line of work. But ever since that pair, I am running them.

Photochromic lenses are the best option in my opinion. I have used them for years. You cruze out from the dark workshop to the yard on a bright summer’s day to grab some steel stock and they adjust really quickly. Going back inside they shift back to clear really fast too. Providing versatility for welders who work both indoors and outdoors. Photochromic lenses are available in different colors and tints, and they are ideal for welders who prefer lenses that change automatically.

Polarized lenses

Polarized lenses are excellent for reducing glare that can interfere with a welder’s visibility. They work by blocking horizontal light waves that cause glare, providing a clearer view of your work area. This would be an option I would recommend if the budget allows it.

Prescription safety glasses for welding come in different lens types, each with its advantages. Tinted lenses, mirrored lenses, clear lenses, photochromic lenses, and polarized lenses each offer unique features that cater to a particular type of welding job. When choosing the best prescription safety glasses for welding, it’s essential to consider the type of welding job and the working environment to select the most suitable lens type.

Wide Range of Frames 

When it comes to selecting the best prescription safety glasses for welding, one of the key components to consider is the frame. There are various options available to workers in the welding industry, including metal, plastic, and nylon frames. Out of these options, lightweight nylon temples are a popular choice for prescription safety eyewear suitable for welding.

Nylon frames are lightweight, durable and provide users with all-around protection for their eyes from exposure and impact. Their robust and flexible nature makes them ideal for welding jobs that require workers to move around and make adjustments frequently. Moreover, they are resistant to corrosion, which is a common occurrence during the welding process.

Prescription safety glasses with lightweight nylon temples are an excellent choice since they are comfortable, adjustable, and can withstand wear and tear. They also come in various styles and can be customized according to the worker’s specific needs, such as their head size, which ensures a perfect fit, thus enhancing their effectiveness.

Apart from nylon frames, there are other materials available for prescription safety glasses suitable for welding, such as metal and plastic frames. However, it is essential to consider the worker’s specific job requirements and environment before deciding on the frame material needed for their prescription safety eyewear.

Impact Protection

Prescription safety glasses are vital protective gear for welders. The nature of welding jobs exposes workers to physical impact risks such as flying debris and sparks. As a result, selecting eyewear that provides maximum protection against such hazards is crucial.

One critical feature in prescription safety glasses for welding jobs is impact protection. The glasses must be built to withstand the impact of flying debris or sparks that welders can encounter during their work. Shatterproof lenses are an essential feature to consider when choosing welding safety glasses. The lenses should be tough enough to resist shattering or breaking when exposed to impact.

In addition to shatterproof lenses, eyewear with a wraparound frame is ideal for welding jobs. A wraparound frame improves coverage, offering better protection to the eyes from radiation and flying debris. A durable frame is also necessary to provide an extra layer of protection to the eyewear. Metal frames or flexible temples provide more durability against physical impact.

Safety Ratings & Regulations

Another essential feature to look out for when selecting prescription safety glasses for welding is meeting the standards for impact resistance for your country. This rating system sets a standard for the impact resistance level that safety eyewear should meet. It is critical to choose eyewear that meets or exceeds this standard to ensure maximum protection for the eyes during welding jobs.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards

The ANSI Z87.1-2010 standards set criteria for the design, construction, testing, and use of eye protection devices. They ensure safety glasses provide comprehensive protection from harmful ultraviolet light, intense visible light, infrared radiation, and physical hazards.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces workplace safety regulations, including the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) like prescription safety glasses for welding.

This standard aims to protect workers from hazards such as ultraviolet radiation, infrared radiation, and physical impact, which can cause serious eye injuries or vision loss. To ensure maximum protection, OSHA requires all welding safety glasses to meet the ANSI Z87.1-2010 standards.

European Standard EN 169:2002+A1:2004

The European Standard EN 169:2002+A1:2004 provides guidelines for selecting appropriate filters for various welding processes. Its goal is to minimize the risk of visual impairment due to exposure to optical radiation.

The standard categorizes lenses based on their transmittance and filtration capacity, offering options for different welding processes. It also sets requirements for the design and materials of protective eyewear.

By following the EN 169:2002+A1:2004 standard, welders can confidently choose the right lenses for their jobs, protecting their eyes from optical radiation and physical impact, and ensuring safe and effective work.

Australian and New Zealand Standards For Prescription Safety Glasses

Prescription safety glasses for welding in Australia and New Zealand adhere to the AS/NZS 1337.6:2012 standard. This standard ensures robust design and construction, capable of withstanding harsh welding conditions. It also mandates protection against optical and infrared radiation and physical impact.

The standard’s criteria cover design, construction, performance, and testing. Design and construction ensure durability and fit-for-purpose glasses. Performance criteria focus on protection against radiation and physical impact. Rigorous testing confirms these glasses meet all criteria, including durability, impact resistance, and radiation protection.

In industrial situations, including welding, the AS/NZS 1337.6:2012 standard is a requirement. It guarantees workers’ eyes are protected, allowing them to concentrate on their tasks. The standard is a testament to Australia and New Zealand’s commitment to worker safety.

How To Care For Your New Safety Glasses

As someone who’s been using safety prescription eyewear in the welding industry for years, I can’t stress enough the importance of taking care of your glasses. It will save you a bucket load of cash.

Cleaning your safety glasses is a must. Dust, sweat, and grime can build up and impair your vision. I recommend using mild soap and warm running water, then drying them with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could scratch the lenses or damage the coatings.

If you don’t have access to that I use my drinking water out of my water bottle and then blow the water off gently with the air duster, or my microfiber towelette that came with my glasses.

I only use lens cleaning wipes when the glasses are clean and trying to get them to stop fogging up on a stinking hot humid day in the Australian outback.

Proper storage is equally important. When not in use, keep your glasses in a protective case to prevent scratches or other damage. Don’t just toss them in your toolbox or leave them lying around. Treat them with the same care you’d give a few hundred dollars😎 .

Lastly, knowing when to replace your safety glasses is crucial. If the lenses are scratched, the frame is damaged, or they no longer fit properly, it’s time for a new pair. Remember, these glasses are your first line of defense against potential eye injuries. Don’t compromise on safety.

Taking care of your safety glasses is about more than prolonging their life. It’s about ensuring they can do their job effectively – protecting your eyes.

How Much Does Prescription Safety Glasses Cost?

1. Your Prescription: If your eyesight isn’t too bad, your glasses will be cheaper. But if you need a strong prescription or special lenses like bifocals or progressives, you’ll have to pay more.
2. Lens Material: There are different types of lens materials, and some cost more than others. For instance, polycarbonate lenses are tough and resist breaking, but they’re pricier than regular plastic lenses.
3. The Frame: The price of the frame can change a lot. Some safety glasses have really strong, high-quality frames, and those will cost you more.
4. Extra Features: If you want cool extras like a coating that reduces glare, protection from UV rays, or lenses that darken when you’re in the sun, you’ll have to pay a bit more.
5. Where You Buy: Different stores charge different prices. I have found it cheaper to buy prescription safety glasses online instead of in a store.