Safe Safety Glasses

Safety glasses are made with shatter-resistant plastic lenses. The main difference between safety glasses and regular glasses is their resistance to impact. Safety glasses are high quality glasses which are light and comfortable with very little or no optical distortion. Contact lenses may be worn with safety glasses.

They are no longer made with thick “geeky-looking” lenses. They are lighter weight and more stylish than they were years ago, not to mention safer and more comfortable. They can also be made with the logo of your favorite college or professional sports team. Safety-glasses are generally made from one of these three materials: Crown Glass, CR (Columbia Resin) “plastic lenses,” and Polycarbonate (also known as “PC”). Polycarbonate lenses offer the best protection from both UVA and UVA radiation.

Unlike polycarbonate lenses, the plastic lenses cannot be molded or bent when heated. Nearly all lenses are now made with polycarbonate. Polycarbonate (PC) is a crystal clear and colorless engineering thermoplastic known for its high impact resistance. PC was originally developed for the aerospace industry to be used in windows for airlines, space shuttles and face shields for astronaut helmets. Polycarbonate is the most impact resistant lens material available today. When compared to glass or CR-39 Plastic, polycarbonate offers significantly greater protection and safety for your eyes.

PC is a very soft material and will not crack or break during an impact. In manufacturing PC an enormous amount of pressure is used to compress the raw material. It holds up well under impact because it is flexible and gives slightly under pressure without breaking. PC lenses are constructed out of material that is identical to what is called “bulletproof glass.”

Prescription safety glasses can be customized to fit your face perfectly, utilizing your eyeglasses prescription. They allow you to safely perform work, hobby or athletic activities without wearing two pairs of glasses. They are also great for those people who do not enjoy wearing contacts but need glasses and are required to wear them. Lenses are available in a wide variety of optional coatings/features: Single Vision, Bifocal, Trifocal, Occupational, and Progressive Lenses (No-Line Bifocals).

Frames
Prescription safety frames are sturdier than dress frames and prescription safety glasses are often heat resistant and are stronger than street-wear frames. Prescription safety frames and glasses are not easily bent or broken and are designed to prevent lenses from being pushed into the eyes.

Many styles of prescription safety glasses frames are now fashionable enough to wear outside of the workplace. The frames range from basic plastic frames to the top of the line Titanium frames, which are the most durable, lightweight and do not corrode. They come in many colors, sizes and price ranges. Titanium is a lightweight, strong, gray, corrosion-resistant metallic element used in strong light-weight alloys (such as airplane parts).

Make sure that the prescription frames fit properly. They should be worn so that the temples fit comfortably over the ears. The frame should be as close to the face as possible and adequately supported by the bridge of the nose. Comfort fitting features of safety frames include soft adjustable nose pads, silicone nose pads and uni-fit bridges.

A proper prescription sports frame should be used with the polycarbonate lenses in order to provide adequate eye protection. A regular eyeglass frame will not withstand the impact of a ball or racquet. It is dangerous to play sports while wearing an eyeglass frame that is not rated for sports eyewear.

If polycarbonate lenses are placed in a frame that is not safety rated, the eyeglasses cannot lawfully be considered safety glasses. They may not provide enough protection for the activity for which you need them. An optician can tell you which frames are safety rated.

Prescription safety frames can also come with side shields especially made to fit the frame style. The side shields may be slipped on or removable or can be permanently affixed to the frame with a screw or rivet.