10 Best Safety Glasses Reviewed & Rated in 2024
Safety glasses are an essential tool whether you are a mechanic, a carpenter, or a DIY enthusiast. However, they are not the first item that comes to mind when you think of protective gear. We liken them to vegetables which we all know are healthy, but we are busy scarfing dangerous amounts of Nachos. As an employer, ensuring that your employees have all the protective gear including glasses is paramount. However, the sad truth is that most employees, employers, and DIY enthusiasts don’t understand the importance of safety glasses.
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According to the American Association for the Prevention of Blindness, around 700,000 American suffer severe injuries to their eyes every year. 125,000 of these incur these injuries occur at home. This is alarming given that safety glasses can be purchased for less than $10.
When it comes to purchasing safety glasses though, it can be challenging given the many brands and designs on the market. That’s why we have created a list of the 10 best safety glasses. However, if you don’t find one that suits you, you can always check out the buying guide for tips on how to select the ideal option.
10 Best Safety Glasses
1. DEWALT DPG82-11/DPG82-11C
Protection – With well over 700,000 accidents annually, eyewear is paramount. This unit will offer full protection seeing as the lenses are protected from the front and to the side as well. There will be no injuries from flying pieces of wood and metal nor will there be irritation from dust particles.
Fitting and adjustable – The top reason why people don’t use safety glasses is that they are uncomfortable and awkward to adjust. Well, the DPG82-11 are easy to fit and adjust. Also, the cloth band is more comfortable than the rubber used on most brands.
Another fascinating feature of the Dewalt DPG82-11 is the anti-fog system. Working in hot environments, your sweat will fog the lenses and reduce your vision. To prevent reduced vision, these goggles have a ventilation channel.
Also, you can ear muffs and headphones will work well with these. If you wear prescription glasses, we implore you to get yourself a pair. These will fit well over them, they will not change your vision, and your glasses will not fog up much.
Good ventilation
Anti-scratch
Weight: Xtraclear anti-fog lenses
Weight: 4.8 ounces
Meets ANSI Z87-1+ requirements
Who is it for?
We would recommend the DPG82-11 to any individual working in a hazardous environment. They work well with people who wear prescription glasses and are equally useful in sizzling conditions, thanks to the ventilation. They are also affordable and thus ideal for employers.
These have a tough polycarbonate protects against impact
It works well with headphones and prescription glasses
If you plan to work for extended hours, you will appreciate the soft injected rubber that also protects you from dust and particles
Adjustable so that they can comfortably fit any individual
Affordable
Despite having a tough coat to protect against scratches, these still scratch relatively easily
2. NoCry Safety Glasses with Clear Anti Fog
Fog and glare resistant – Persons working in sizzling conditions will appreciate the anti-fog features on these glasses. First, they are double-coated and also untinted reducing the likelihood of fogging or optical distortion. They are also anti-scratch and will protect you against glare.
Protection – Of what good will glasses be if they did not protect the user. The NoCry eyewear will keep you safe from 90% to 100% of UV light while also protecting you from debris and dust. These glasses feature a lip on the upper rim to keep debris from getting in at the top. As for peripheral threats, you will appreciate the sturdy polycarbonate wraparound construction.
This option is ideal for work or play or anywhere where PPE wear is required. You will also appreciate the NoCry guarantee that backs these glasses.
Side and nose pieces for a better fit
Polycarbonate wraparound construction
Anti-fog lenses
Who is it for?
We recommend the NoCry eyewear for persons who work in labs or areas where anti-fog is paramount. Nurses, cyclists, woodworkers and metal workers will appreciate this unit.
The no-slip construction ensures the glasses stay in place despite the working conditions
Anti-fog
They don’t inhibit peripheral vision, and there is no distortion
Cleaning is thus a breeze
Peripheral protection thanks to the wraparound construction and protection from above owing to the lip on the upper rim
The logo can be distracting
Unless you built your prescription lenses into this unit, it isn’t ideal for persons who wear a pair
3. Gateway Safety 6980
Comfort – The Gateway Safety Cover2 are designed with comfort in mind. First, they are lightweight, and thus you can wear them for extended periods of time. Also, the temple length is adjustable for different head sizes, and the tips are flexible such that they won’t pinch. Also, they sit perfectly above all glasses, and you will not feel them. Finally, they are crystal clear ensuring your vision is never interrupted.
Affordable – If you are looking for units you can buy in bulk, we recommend you get the 6980. The low price point would not be much of a talking point, but it had to be given the quality of these glasses.
You will also appreciate that these meet the ANSI Z87.1+ regulations.
Meets ANSI Z87-1+ standards
Lightweight
Flexible temple tips
Who is it for?
The 6980 can be used for indoor and outdoor purposes. However, we recommend them for persons wearing prescription glasses as they can fit over any size. Also, they are crystal clear and will not alter your vision.
he anti-fog design ensures that the lenses don’t fog up, and your view is uninterrupted
They are anti-scratch
Comfortable with adjustable temple lengths and flexible temple tips
Best for people who wear prescription glasses
Some of these don’t sit well on the bridge of the nose
4. 3M Virtua Protective Eyewear
Comfortable – First, these units weigh less than 1 oz. Ideally, you can wear them for extended periods of time. Also, they have contoured frames to ensure that they fit you comfortably.
Affordable – For people who have worked on great projects, you will identify with how easily protective gear wears out. Safety gear especially is dropped, stepped on, and easily damaged. As such, you require a unit that cannot only withstand the abuse but one that is easy to replace. The 3M Virtua is an inexpensive unit, and there will be little to no pinch should you damage or lose them. You can also purchase them in packs of 2 to 20, with the more you buy, the cheaper they become.
These units are perfect for light work and also meet ANSI Z87.1 regulations.
Weight: 0.32 ounces
UV resistant and anti-fog finish
Meets ANSI Z87.1 requirements
Who is it for?
Given the price point for this unit, there is a lot of compromise to the quality. We recommend it for light work where protection is required.
They have very few crooks and crannies and are thus easy to disinfect and clean
Excellent price point and you don’t have to concern yourself with them getting crushed or lost
Lightweight and thus you can work for extended periods with these
They aren’t sealed for all-around eye protection
5. Dewalt DPG59-115C Reinforcer Rx-Bifocal
Bifocals – If you wear reading glasses, then you require a bit of magnification on your safety glasses. The DPG59 offers four different levels of magnification; 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 for the various users. Also, they provide the best transition from normal to bifocal, with the best balance between far sight and reading magnification. The magnification lens is set at the bottom of the lens where they should be.
Comfortable – The Dewalt DPG-115C are designed with the user in mind. Nothing is as disturbing as glasses that continuously slip whenever you bend. However, these are fitted with rubber inserts near the rubber rear to prevent this. Also, the transition from normal to bifocals is uncomfortable on most units, but the blurred line on these glasses is minimal making the transition much smoother. The nose bridge pads are also quite comfortable as they are rubber.
Another fascinating feature of the DPG59-115C is the protective sleeve. It is a thick stretchy fabric that not only holds your glasses securely but one that also protects the lenses.
Meets ANSI Z87.1+ standards
Bifocals with four different magnifications
Scratch resistant finish
Weight: 0.8 ounces
Who is it for?
The Dewalt DPG59-115C are for people who wear reading glasses. If you need a combination of bifocals and regular safety glasses, these are the best.
• What we loved most with these bifocals is the smooth transition from reading lenses to the regular safety glasses
Comfortable thanks to the rubber nose pads
Thanks to the ergonomically positioned temples these are ever secure
Distortion free lenses
These aren’t anti-fog and thus working in sweltering conditions might be difficult
6. JORESTECH Eyewear Protective
Affordable – As pointed earlier, these are a pack of twelve glasses. However, the box costs the same or much less than a pair of other premium products. Therefore, if you are working on a project that requires eyewear or you are looking for units that you will not worry about should they sustain damage or get lost, we recommend you get a set.
Comfort – The rule of thumb when purchasing safety glasses is that they should be comfortable. The highly flexible frame reduces fatigue while improving the hold on the nose and ears.
You will also appreciate that these are anti-scratch and the highly transparent polycarbonate build. It can withstand blunt impact without sustaining any damage.
Polycarbonate build
UV 400 protection
ANSI Z87+ certified
Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Anti-scratch finish
Who is it for?
Given the low price point, there are a ton of compromises to this item. As a result, we only recommend it for light work. Avoid it for tasks that require complete eye cover.
Feature both UVA and UVB protection with various tints available to ensure that you have a pair for every need
They are comfortable, and discomfort should not be a reason for not wearing eye protection
Affordable
Some of the glasses have blurry lenses
7. Safety Works 817691
Comfortable – The comfort this unit offers is the reason why they should be the top consideration. Let’s face it. Wearing two sets of glasses is awkward. However, the MSA safety works look classy and sit perfectly over any unit. Also, your vision is quite clear seeing as you are seeing through two layers of glasses.
Ventilation – These have ventilation to prevent fogging and ensure that you have clear vision.
Clear glasses
Weight: 2.56 ounces
Who is it for?
We recommend the MSA Safety Works for persons who wear prescription glasses.
They are quite clear
They are also affordable, given the premium quality
ANSI Z87+ certified
These have a significant curve to glasses and thus don’t fit snuggly over prescription glasses
8. Rugged Blue Diablo
If that’s the case, we recommend you get the 12 box gray Rugged Blue Diablo option.
UV Protection – The thing that caught our eye with these is the 99% UV protection. When working outdoors, you need glasses that will protect your eyes from harmful light, and these are perfect at that.
All-around protection – When purchasing safety glasses, you should ensure that they also provide peripheral protection. Thanks to the full temples, there is enough side protection.
Another fascinating aspect of these glasses is despite the low price point, they meet ANSI Z87.1 standards and are also anti-scratch thanks to the polycarbonate build.
99% UV protection
ANSI Z87.1 compliant
Wide temples
Who is it for?
We recommend the SC-260 for outdoors tradespeople as they will benefit the most from the 99% UV protection. Also, we recommend it for light work as there are a lot of compromises that have gone into the design to achieve the low cost.
Lightweight
99% UV protection makes this ideal for outdoor work.
They have all-around protection, thanks to the full temples, and wraparound construction
They don’t sit well on the bridge of the nose and thus will slip often
9. NoCry Over-Spec
Comfort – Discomfort and ill-fitting glasses shouldn’t be an excuse anymore. These are designed such that the lenses are clear and will not distort your vision. Also, the padded arms are adjustable such that they fit both small and large head sizes. Finally, the tips are padded to reduce the pressure behind the ears. With such features, you can work for more extended hours with virtually no discomfort.
Sit well over prescription glasses – Take the hassle of finding appropriate glasses by getting a pair of this NoCry Over-Spec. First, your vision will be uninterrupted and will sit well over any prescription glasses.
Another remarkable feature of these NoCry Over-Spec is the wraparound lens. The wraparound construction ensures that you have enough direct and peripheral protection without interfering with your field of sight.
UV 400 protection
Color: Black and Orange
Weight: 1.28 ounces
Who is it for?
The Over-Spec option are best for people who wear prescription glasses.
Even though you will be wearing two sets of glasses, you will have a clear vision, with no distortion
Meets ANSI Z87.1 requirements, and offers UV 400 protection
They don’t sit well over large frames, and some users have reported that they scratch prescription glasses over time
10. Pyramex Avante Safety Eyewear
Stylish – Most safety glasses have a bland look which is quite the buzz kill. However, the Avante by Pyramex is designed with style in mind. You will appreciate the many frame colors and lenses.
UV protection – Other than being stylish, the Avante also excel at protecting you from harmful ultraviolet rays. They will keep 99% of harmful rays out of your eyes.
Should you purchase this unit, you will also appreciate how comfortable they are thanks in part to the rubberized nose pad. The frames too are vented to increase the air flow that prevents fogging up of your glasses. For max protection against flying objects and splashing liquids, these are contoured for max protection.
UV Protection
Contoured frame with straight back temples
Who is it for?
We recommend these for light tasks. Also, you can use them where safety glasses have to be coupled with ear muffs.
The multiple frame colors and lens make these some of the best units
The contoured frame and the rubberized nose pad make these comfortable
They adjust well to various head sizes thanks to the contoured frame
Despite being anti-scratch, they end up scratching easily
Factors to Consider when Purchasing Safety Glasses
Safety Features & Rating
Safety glasses can only be useful with the appropriate safety features. These are the aspects of the gear that will keep your eyes safe no matter what. However, the safety features will depend on the task. For example, if you are welding or working with acids or any other dangerous liquid, always ensure that your glasses are reinforced to protect you from flying sparks and fluids. Also, ensure that the glasses have an ANSI Z87.1 rating. It is the minimum safety standard and will protect you from blunt impact, splashing liquids, and dust.
However, some with higher scores will protect you from different light hazards. The “W” rating will protect you from welding light while “UV” will protect you from ultraviolet rays. “R” rated glasses protect you from infrared, and “L” rated units from visible light. Should you come across “V” rated units, these are photochromatic, and can change from darker to lighter lenses.
Anti-fog design
Most tasks involving safety glasses are strenuous. Also, if you know you will be working in sweltering conditions, it’s best you get units with the anti-fog. When working in scorching conditions, you are bound to sweat, and it can fog up your lenses.
This poor vision can lead to accidents in the workplace. To reduce the likelihood of accidents, anti-fog design such as side ventilation or built-in anti-fog components ensure that your view is never affected.
Personal Requirements
People have different needs. As a result, ensure you buy units that meet your requirements or those of your workers. One particular need that’s quite common when purchasing safety glasses is prescription glasses. You can have the prescription lenses built into the safety glasses, or you can buy units that will work with bifocals without affecting your vision.
Comfort
The top reason why people avoid safety glasses is the discomfort. However, the design has come a long way, and they are more comfortable than ever. Nevertheless, you will need a unit with bands that frame your face comfortably and will not cut into the side of your head if you intend to use these for extended periods.
Price
The cost of safety glasses is anywhere between a few bucks and $20. While there is ever the desire to buy low-cost items to save money, this benefit is often short-lived as they are rarely quality items. We recommend you invest in more expensive glasses but a pair that will serve you better and longer.
Materials
There are different materials used to make this type glasses, and the task you are looking to handle should determine the material. If you are working with solvents, you can use acrylic lenses. They are affordable, but don’t provide the best visual clarity and aren’t exactly durable. Polyurethane glasses have the best optical clarity but are quite expensive.
Also, they are heavy and will be uncomfortable to wear for long hours. Nevertheless, the visual clarity is unmatched, and so is the impact resistance. The final material and the most common is polycarbonate. It’s lightweight thus easy to use for extended hours and low-cost as well. The impact resistance of this material is incredible, but the visual clarity is wanting.
FAQs
When should I buy anti-fog lenses?
There is a case to be made for anti-fog glasses. Ask people who wear prescription glasses, and they will tell you how often they have to wipe their glasses. Expose them to any humid conditions, and they fog up. Sweat a bit, and they fog up. However, when working in a hazardous environment, you don’t have the freedom to remove and wipe the glasses constantly, and it is equally dangerous to keep them on. Therefore, if you know you work in a hazardous setting, or you sweat a lot, we would recommend you get a pair of anti-fog glasses.
Nevertheless, there is no way to be fog free, but units with anti-fog design are noticeably better.
Should I get polarized glasses?
First, just because glasses are polarized doesn’t mean they are suitable for welding or watching a solar eclipse. However, if you know, you will be working outdoors, or in an environment where there is a lot of glare, we recommend you get a pair.
Polarized lenses have vertically polarized filters that cancel the horizontally polarized rays that are reflected from any shiny surface. Polarized lenses reduce the fatigue and stress on your eyes allowing you to work for more extended hours.
What are the safety glasses types?
There are three significant categories. First, there are directly vented glasses with direct flow of air. These don’t fog up but will not protect you from splash entry. The indirect-vented glasses feature a hooded vent to protect you from splash entry. They are therefore the best to work with solvents. Finally, there are the un-vented glasses. We wouldn’t recommend these as they fog up often.
What are the advantages of safety glasses?
First, they protect employers from any legal action in case one of the employees is injured. They also make the operation legal. For individuals, they keep your eyes safe from hazards like rust and UV light. Also, they will protect your eyes from chlorine sting when swimming in chlorinated water. Another benefit is that they prevent damage to your eyes from computer light and chemicals. Finally, thanks to the reduced strain on your eyes, you will not suffer any headaches.
Conclusion
Working without safety glasses is not an option considering the statistics of people who have suffered injuries annually. Therefore, the question is which are the best safety glasses on the market? The guide above has reduced the number to 10 of the best, but the final decision is yours.
If you don’t find a unit that suits you above, follow our guidelines to get the best products. Finally, if you feel there is something we missed, let us know in the comments below.
