The 10 Best Safety Glasses of 2024

Whether you are planning to work in a construction site or any other hazardous environment, you will have to include safety glasses in your arsenal. People who participate in hobbies or outdoor activities that put their eyes at a big risk need safety glasses.

The best safety glasses are made to ensure that you do not suffer any injuries and to prevent life-changing disasters. You have to use them whether you are a construction worker, a lab worker or a person who enjoys hobbies that put the eyes in danger. Safety glasses ensure that no airborne particles, dust or chemical splashes can reach your eyes.

Purchasing the best protective eyewear that the market offers can be time-consuming and challenging. For that reason, we have done a lot of research to come up with this buying guide along with a list of the best safety glasses of 2020. We know that you would want something that looks beautiful, but you should not focus on beauty alone when purchasing a protective pair of glasses. Think about the safety of your eyes first.

Best Overall: Sellstrom Odyssey II Industrial Glasses

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The Sellstrom Odyssey II Industrial Glasses will never miss in the list of the best protective eyeglasses. It is made of super soft flexible plastic, which conforms to the user’s face for all-day comfort and snug seal. The lenses are made of clear polycarbonate material to provide 99 percent UV protection. Again, the producer coats the glasses with anti-scratch material on the outside and anti-fog material on the inside. For that reason, you will continue working regardless of the weather conditions, and you will never worry about scratches.

On their bottom and topside, the safety glasses feature indirect vents that allow smooth airflow to eliminate chances of fogging and to protect the user against dust, liquids and flying debris. Because they are multipurpose protective glasses, the Sellstrom Odyssey II Industrial glasses are ideal for DIY and industrial projects. They can fit over most prescription glasses and they come with a frame resistant headband. Speaking of the OSHA compliance, they meet ANSI Z87.1+ standards.

Best for Dust Protection: DEWALT DPG82-11 Dual Mold Safety Goggle

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Finding a great pair of protective eyeglasses can be hard. Our list of best safety glasses of 2020 is long. The DEWALT DPG82-11 Dual Mold Safety Goggles are made to protect your eyes from dust and debris when working. The producer designs them for better ventilation and fog control. Their lenses are impact-resistant and they will never break while the dual-injection rubber is soft and the seal around the eyes is comfortable.

The product’s cloth head strap is adjustable and that makes it suitable for heads of all sizes. Its ventilation channels prevent fog build-up on the inside of the protective eyewear. The clip attachment allows easier replacement of lenses, when necessary. You are unlikely to replace the lenses for a lifetime because they are made to last for many years.

The producer uses tough polycarbonate material to make the lenses so that they can withstand tough blows. These multipurpose goggles are ideal for multipurpose use and they will provide enough protection and comfort during those long days on the job or when completing DIY projects in your home.

Best Chemical Splashes Protection: Uvex Stealth Safety Glasses

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The Uvex Stealth Safety Glasses differ from the regular anti-fog safety glasses in that they are made for use over your prescription glasses. When safety eyewear is necessary, some workers prefer wearing contact lenses to their bulky prescription glasses. Do not do that anymore. It is time to start trusting this protective eyewear. The glasses will protect your eyes from chemical splashes that can be deadly to your bare body parts. They will also protect your eyes from airborne particles and dust.

The Dura-Xtreme dual coating is fog-resistant and scratch-proof while the lenses are transparent. In other words, the Uvex Stealth Safety Glasses will adapt well to your working conditions, particularly if you are working in pharmaceutical, mining or manufacturing plants.

Moreover, the elastic body flexes are expandable, something that allows them to conform to the face, and does not leave any gaps. The protection glasses also contain stretch headband for the convenience of the user. You can adjust them to match the shape of your head. If you do not want to lose them, wear them around your neck after you are through with your work. The snap-on lens feature allows for easier replacement. It will save you a lot of money and time.

Best Airborne Particles Protection: 3M 91252-8002S Safety Glasses

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Next on our list of the best safety glasses of 2020, are the 3M 91252-8002S Safety Glasses. The safety from 3M Personal Protective Equipment brand is made from stable polycarbonate material that withstands all the conditions expected in job sites. They can absorb the noxious UV rays up to nearly 99.9 percent to protect your eyes from the hot sun. No one wants to experience sweaty eyes that can affect the completion of your DIY or professional projects.

The Scotchgard Anti Fog Coating feature lasts for a long time, compared to that on many other protective glasses. Because 3M technology allows the lens to combat the steamy and wet weather, you will never remove them from your eyes to wipe out fog. Doing that would be unsafe because your eyes would undergo hazardous debris and fog.

These glasses will retain their anti-fog coating for a long time. That means you will use them for a long time and save a lot of money. The producer offers many accessories such as a foam gasket and elastic trap, which you can buy according to your preferences. Unfortunately, the product does not come with a neck strap. You have to place them in the safest place after use.

Best Value: 3M Safety Glasses with Corded Ear Plug Control System

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3M Safety Glasses with Corded Ear Plug Control System provide a comfortable seal to limit your exposure to dust, airborne particles and chemical splashes while offering additional cushioning. The removable foam-lined gasket and anti-fog lens coating make the protective eyewear ideal for humid work environments.

The versatile design helps keep the safety glasses and earplugs remain attached, ready to use and untangled so that you can have the comfortable and convenient protection you need to complete the job at hand. The anti-fog polycarbonate lenses will absorb around 99.9 percent of UV rays.

This protective eyewear features vents that minimize fogging and its chemical-resistant headband meets all the requirements of ANSI Z87.1-2003. With the vents feature, you will not worry about fogging when working. They are a good choice for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. They will protect you from high-energy particulate radiation, bloodborne pathogens, x-rays, microwaves, lasers, high-frequency radiations and lasers.

Best Debris Protection: Gateway Safety 4589P Wheelz Foam-Lined Safety Glasses

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The Gateway Safety 4589P Wheelz Foam-Lined Safety Glasses are also worth consideration. It is a great choice for all workers, including those who wear prescription glasses. The safety glasses are made uniquely so that they can provide the ultimate protection for both your eyes and your prescription glasses. The build them to fit properly over other pairs. The flexibility reduces the risks of pinching behind your ears.

You do not have to worry about wearing the Gateway Safety glasses for extended periods because the adopted a lightweight design. Moreover, the safety glasses are made in a way that they fit all the ANSI safety standards and regulations. They will function without distorting your clarity regardless of the weather conditions.

The other unique thing you will love about the Gateway Safety 4589P Wheelz Foam-Lined Safety Glasses is that they are adjustable for a customized fit. They will fit you safely and snugly regardless of the size and shape of your face. The elastic head strap makes that possible. The pair will protect you from dirt, debris and liquid splashes while the whirlwind ventilation system will minimize fogging by enhancing the flow of air through the optical chamber.

Best for Woodworking: hand2mind 6 Inch Clear Safety Glasses

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The hand2mind 6 Inch Clear Safety Glasses are affordable and fully functional safety glasses. After buying this pair, you will rarely invest in the expensive bulky protective eyewear again. The uses highly durable clear plastic to make it, meaning that it offers excellent eye protection and visibility. Apart from protecting your eyes from harm, the protective eyewear will protect your prescription glasses effectively. They are designed to fit over most of the prescription safety glasses and readers in the market today.

The product also protects the eyes from peripheral, debris and direct harm. That is because the uses scratch-resistant polycarbonate material to make the lenses. Both lenses are distortion-free and clear, meaning that you will never worry about distorted vision when proceeding with your work.

The clear vision allows you to see the lines, colors and anything before you. The attached strap is flexible for maximum comfort, regardless of your head shape and size. What’s more, the wide-vision adjustable protective eyewear is ideal for mechanics, woodworkers, chemists and lab workers. Anti-mist or anti-fog feature will help keep your vision clear in the humid conditions. That makes it a good choice for people who move between indoor and outdoor environments.

Best Impact Protection: Uvex Stealth Safety Glasses with Uvextreme Anti-Fog Coating (S3960C)

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The Uvex Stealth Safety Glasses with Uvextreme Anti-Fog Coating is designed for better eye protection. The glasses prevent around 90 percent of the injuries associated with eyes. They are a good choice for people who work in areas with dust and airborne pollutants that can injure the eyes.

The stealth eyeglasses come with a rubber body that fits snuggly on the user’s face, while the headband pivots to allow adjustment for a more comfortable fit. Its lenses offer an extra-wide field of view and the anti-clog property makes them usable in moist environments. The goggles are not only durable but they are made of clear plastic for excellent eye protection and visibility. The single-lens design offers unobstructed clear views. You can wear the goggles over your prescription glasses without any worries.

The strap attached to the protective goggles is more flexible for adequate comfort. Due to their adjustability, the glasses are ideal for chemistry, woodworking, lab work, mechanics and DIY projects. Hand2mind has been encouraging discovery and hands-on learning and driving deep understanding to help students unlock their potential.

Best Multipurpose: SolidWork Safety Glasses

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The SolidWork Safety Glasses are designed to fit virtually all users, thanks to the universal fit strap. Their soft nosepiece along with the adjustable strap prevents falling of glasses when moving or working on your job site. With that, the safety glasses will not feel tight and they will not leave any marks on your face, including after prolonged use. Again, the strap will not hamper the protection abilities of the glasses.

Apart from protecting the eyes from sand, dust, debris and airborne particles, the protective glasses feature UV coating to make them ideal for small-scale welders. Another big benefit of these goggles is their panoramic design. Due to this feature, it is usable in chemistry labs where extra attention is needed. The panoramic design offers an excellent field of view, allowing you to see things in detail.

The protection eyewear is a well-rounded solution for individuals looking for sturdy and more reliable working goggles. The strapping part is easy. You can adjust the eyewear for a more comfortable personalized fit. In fact, with the goggles, you will forget that you are wearing safety equipment. Keep in mind they will also offer good visibility.

Best Budget: Pyramex Capstone Shield Safety Glasses and Face Shield for Full-Face Protection

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One of the things that will impress you about the Pyramex Capstone Shield Safety Glasses and Face Shield for Full-Face Protection is the classic design. The glasses also come with a face shield to offer adequate protection on the entire face. The feature ensures worker compliance with the need for old-fashioned models because you will still look good as you complete your work. In addition to being fog resistant, the product is unlikely to be exposed to scratching. The used material is long-lasting, meaning that you will use the product for many years.

It is worth stating that not many safety glasses will come with side and face shield features. On the contrary, safety glasses are better with the two features. Apart from protecting you from unexpected incidents, the glasses will also keep themselves secured.

Whenever you need more ventilation, you just need to remove the vent caps. When working with harsh chemicals, leave the vent caps in place to protect yourself from splashes. For easy put on and off, the protective eyewear comes with a quick-release elastic band that is simple to use. You can wear it over your prescription glasses too.

What are safety goggles or glasses?

Made of high-tech plastic materials, safety glasses or goggles are protective eyewear designed to enclose specific parts on your face and protect your eyes and vision when working in hazardous environments or engaging in various outdoor activities. Quality safety glasses will protect your eyes from dust particles, water, or any other type of particles that can enter your eyes or harm them.

In most standards and cases, safety glasses are used for woodworking, metalworking and in laboratories. Some individuals also use them in construction sites because most of their tasks are hazardous. The reason behind that is safety glasses or goggles stand as the most effective shield from foreign flying debris that can cause irritation or injuries.

Safety glasses are made for everyone – not the workers alone. Depending on your needs, you will find safety glasses that can be bifocal, anti-fog, indoor lenses, outdoor lenses and featuring varied lenses. They can also be tinted, clear, filtered or lowlight or featuring polarized lenses. But regardless of the type of lens, you should know that its primary purpose is to protect your eyes from various hazards. They will protect your eyes from intense lights, flying debris, liquid chemical splashes, sparks and heat when welding or cutting metal and impacts from moving equipment.

How do safety glasses work?

Protective eyewear includes safety goggles and safety glasses. The protective product you select in this category should match your application perfectly and the linked risks. For safety glasses to work properly, they have to fit around your eyes tightly and feature a protective seal. In most standards and cases, they feature side shields that reduce the risk for foreign objects and particles that could reach the eyes through areas around the lenses. The seals are the other important features on safety glasses. They enhance the safety of the user.

Choose a pair of safety glasses that correspond to the dangers and hazards within your workplace. A quick example, if you work in an area with a lot of dust, harmful particles and flying objects, invest in safety glasses featuring side protection and shields. If you regularly work with chemicals, safety goggles are necessary.

Some of the factors to consider when buying safety glasses

When searching for the best safety glasses, the first thing that you should consider is the user rating. Most of the top-rated products will provide maximum benefits, particularly in regards to eye protection. And if the products you come across are highly rated, here are the other key features to consider.

The fit

One of the first things you will need to consider when purchasing safety glasses is the fit. The glasses should fit properly for them to work exactly how they should. When possible, search for the customizable pairs. They will allow you to adjust the fit depending on the level of comfort you need. Glasses will protect your eyes, but they will be more effective if you wear them correctly.

Moreover, when shopping for a pair of safety glasses, consider the size of your bridge and eyes in addition to your temple’s length. That is the key reason you will have to fit glasses individually and personally. If the temples are fitting over your ears comfortably and staying firm when your nose and face are moving, then the pair of glasses is fitting you properly. The gaps should be minimal. Remember to select a good style depending on what you love or find comfortable to wear. You can choose the classic style, sport style or anything else you need.

Where to use it

When buying safety glasses, consider how you are planning to use them. By basing your selection on your work environment, you can choose safety glasses that match your needs. If you are selecting them for work, your company’s safety officers should figure out the protection level of your job demands. The protection can be high or basic depending on the job you do. Some of the jobs that demand the use of safety glasses and eyewear with higher impact protection include plumbing, pipefitting and carpentry. Mechanics and laboratory workers also require that level of protection.

Again, you should remember that some activities require full-face protection, side shields and goggles. Employers should first checkout with OSHA. OSHA will help you figure out the best safety eyewear to use depending on your work. But when working as a freelance or independent contractor, go for the safety eyewear with a safety rating within the high impact standards. Do that to guarantee your safety when continuing with your day-to-day work.

When buying safety glasses for home use, do as freelance and independent contractors do. Pick the lenses and frames with higher impact rating as a way of maximizing your eye protection. Remember to check whether you require prescription lenses too. As we have already stated, s use lightweight polycarbonate material to provide more convenience and comfort features for the users. Some will feature an attractive wrap style frame.If your goal is to purchase the goggles offering high protection, then go for the models with the highest impact rating. Check the markings on the frame and ensure that it is Z87+. Some models feature bifocal reading segments near their bottom part. When shopping for prescription safety eyewear, it is always good for you to buy them from your doctor. Most stores will demand a valid doctor’s prescription.The lens material

The next thing you should check during your purchase is the material range of the lens. Polycarbonate is the highly used material in the production of safety glasses because it provides quality vision. The other great thing about the material is that it is more comfortable to wear due to its lightweight – it is half the weight of glass. Polycarbonate material is more resistant to impacts compared to glass.

However, keep in mind that polycarbonate material is very soft – softer than glass. Safety glasses made of polycarbonate material are more likely to get scratches in the long term. That is also the case for the highest quality polycarbonate safety glasses.

Maintenance and the replacement rate

Regardless of your work conditions, you have to replace your work glasses after every 3 years. Do not use the bent, ill-fitting, pitted, broken scratched or damaged glasses because they will not offer the protection you need. It is always important you stick to the period the recommendations.

The safety hazards you face each day

Hazards include all potential dangers and risks existing in your environment. The hazards expected in workplaces include low-velocity and high-velocity impacts, chemical dust, heat and optical radiations. So, when buying your safety or protective eyewear, ensure that it contains all the features you need to protect your eyes from the hazards surrounding you. Spend enough time to analyze and assess your daily activities to identify the hazards.

Some individuals prefer buying more than one pair of safety glasses or convertible eyewear so that they can try various settings. Others, including welders and laser technicians, require specific safety glasses for adequate protection. The great news is that standardized protective glasses match the needs of most users.

The lens coating and tint

You can also base your safety glasses selection on the coatings and tints used on the lenses. The lens coatings can make your safety eyewear last longer. Coating options include anti-fog and anti-scratch. If you are more concerned about varying temperatures and high humidity, go for those with the two coatings.

Speaking of the tints, keep in mind that each type serves a particular purpose. Clear lenses designed for regular or normal working conditions and the grey lenses designed for partial sunlight exposure are a good choice. Photochromic lenses are designed to darken whenever you expose them to outdoor light. Protective eyewear with interchangeable lens tints will match most environments.

The design and user comfort

Next, consider the overall design and the comfort level of the glasses you are about to purchase. The two factors can affect how you accept the glasses, particularly after you arrive at your workplace. When possible, go for the lightweight eyeglasses to avoid discomfort when doing your job. Ensure that they feature an ergonomic design because it plays a crucial role in comfort, particularly if you plan to wear them for an extended period.

Which are the benefits of using safety glasses?

Safety glasses offer many benefits. First, they are designed to protect the eyes from the impacts of flying objects, including metal shards and wood chips. They also protect them against glare, whether in the natural outdoor light or the bright light associated with welding. They are available in many designs, meaning that you will always find a pair to match your needs.

Due to technological advancements, safety goggles are more comfortable than they were a few years back. You can wear yours for several hours without experiencing any discomfort. And according to Prevent Blindness America, a safety and health organization, safety glasses can prevent nearly 90 percent of eye injuries that happen in the United States each year.

Care and maintenance of safety eyeglasses

For your safety glasses to last for many years and serve the intended purpose, they need adequate care and maintenance. One of the things you should do to care for your safety glasses and maintain them in the right shape for a long time is to clean them each day. Remember to follow the ’s instructions during the cleaning process. Mostly, the cleaning will involve removal of loose dirt and debris from the glasses. For effective cleaning, use cleaning wipes and sprays designed for the purpose.

Avoid handling your safety glasses roughly because you will weaken the lenses and hamper the clarity by doing that. When it comes to the storage part, place them in a clean and dry place. That will eliminate any chances of the glasses falling or getting scratches. Use a clean soft cloth to dry them after cleaning and before storing.

Use cleaners designed purposely for your protective lenses. You might use water for the cleaning task but lens cleaners are designed to remove the residues that water cannot reach. Avoid using soap because it will leave more residues on the safety glasses.

Remember to clean the earpieces and the sides of the safety glasses too. That will prevent the accumulation of grime on both pieces that can migrate into your lens. Again, avoid using abrasive cleaners or rough cloths because they can scratch the glasses.

Still, on the cleaning and maintenance part, eyewear inspection is necessary. Inspection allows you to identify all the broken pieces or cracks. Keep in mind that cracks, including the tiniest, will cause malfunctioning of your eyewear. Cracked safety glasses will not protect your vision and eyes, as they should. Remember to store the glasses in a hard case or a microfiber pouch. Microfiber pouches are better because they also function as the cleaning cloth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the market provide mirrored safety glasses?
A: Yes, Jackson Safety V30 Nemesis Safety Glasses is among the mirrored lenses in the market. Most individuals prefer mirrored lenses because of their aesthetic value and the many other benefits they provide. Mirrored safety glasses reflect the light – they do not absorb it. For that reason, they provide a brighter view, which you are unlikely to get with the tinted lenses.

Moreover, their ability to reflect light makes them a good choice for people who spend more time outdoors. Mirror coatings are also among the toughest lens you will come across. They provide durable products.

Q: Will the safety glasses fit my prescription glasses?
A: Yes, Gateway Safety 6980 Cover2 Safety Glasses are designed to fit over prescription glasses comfortably. They feature soft-tipped arms that the designs to fit alongside the prescription glasses arms comfortably and the lenses protrude slightly so that they can bump into the existing glasses. But when possible, go for the specially designed pairs because they offer enough eye protection.

Q: How comfortable are the safety glasses?
A: The comfort of your safety glasses will highly depend on the pair you buy and the shape of your head and face. However, high-quality safety glasses are designed with comfort in mind. Here are the key features to look for if you need a pair that will fit you comfortably.

• A lightweight design that will not feel heavy when worn
• An ergonomic design
• Arms and nose pieces coated in rubber or other soft and flexible materials
• Adjustable straps or arms
• Money-back guarantee – it shows that the supplier is willing to refund you so that you can try a different pair that matches your needs.

Q: Do the protective eyewear come with a case?
A: Most safety glasses do not come with their cases. s design them to be scratch-proof and durable, meaning that cases are not necessary. But if you must use keep your glasses in a case, a quality one will cost you below $10. Start by checking the measurements of your glasses so that you can buy a case matching them.

Q: What are the materials used to make protective glasses?
A: Frames of protective eyewear are made from a durable plastic material. Plastic materials are lightweight, versatile and tough. They, therefore, hold the lenses in place securely and you will never worry about them dropping as you proceed with your daily work. Most s use acetate plastic material to make safety glasses frames. That is because acetate has high impact strength, it is hypoallergenic and it is unreactive to protect you against various chemicals.

Q: Will the safety goggles protect me from glare?
A: Yes, most of the safety glasses in the market will protect you from glare. Some of the effective ones include G&F EyePro, Trust Optics Impact and Ballistic Resistant Safety Protective Glasses and Bolle Safety Rush + Safety Glasses. All the products in our list offer UV protection but additional glare protection will prevent eye strain when working under artificial light or when moving from properly lighted to dark places repeatedly. A quick example: if you are a driver, protective glasses with glare protection are a good choice.

Many websites provide tools that allow people to test frames virtually by simply uploading the photo of their face. That is not a good way to select frames. Trying protective eyewear in the real world is the best way to tell whether they will fit you comfortably. You will also know whether the glasses are poorly made. Before you purchase any glasses online, search for services of online retailers who allow you to try them at home or visit the local store. Most of the glasses on our list come with a money-back guarantee. You will get your money back if you receive something different from what you expected. The best safety glasses should protect you from chemicals, dust, radiation, wind, and lasers.

Conclusion

Did you know that the safety eyewear made of polycarbonate plastic material resists chemical corrosion more effectively? They are therefore a great choice for individuals who work with hazardous chemicals regularly. When completing DIY projects, use a pair of clear safety glasses to protect your eyes from dirt, dust and debris. The glasses will not shade your vision. Safety glasses are lightweight and therefore you can wear them comfortably throughout the day. You can use them outdoors because they absorb nearly 90-100 percent of UV rays. Invest in one of the products in our reviews for the best experience.