Founded in 1918, the American National Standards Institute is one of the foremost consumer groups regulating product safety and efficacy. ANSI awards ratings a wide range of products, including many industrial tools and safety gear. This includes safety glasses, which are an indispensable piece of PPE for many jobs. If you wear prescription safety glasses, you need to find a pair that’s safe and durable. These are the top-rated brands available, as rated by ANSI. Find the pair that’s best suited to your job and safety needs.
Why Do You Need Safety Glasses?
Too many people underestimate the risks that they face at work and assume they are safe. In reality, almost every job has hazards, and it’s important to wear personal protective equipment, or PPE, in order to minimize those risks. Whether you’re in a factory or on a construction site, one of the most important pieces of PPE you can invest in is a pair of safety glasses. Wraparound frames made from materials such as glass, polycarbonate, or plastic provide protection from injuries that you would otherwise be vulnerable to.
Finding the Right Pair of Prescription Safety Glasses
Investing in a pair of safety glasses is the best thing you can do to protect your eyes and general safety, but you’ll minimize their effectiveness if you choose the wrong type or size. This is especially true if you happen to wear prescription glasses. How do you find the right pair of prescription safety glasses that will preserve your vision and enable you to see better? There are a few criteria to follow when you’re shopping for frames:
- Look for glasses specifically suited to the activity you’ll be performing
- Research the ANSI rating of the glasses you’re considering
- Determine whether you require additional features such as lens tinting
For prescription eyewear wearers, there are a few options available to make safety lenses compatible with their RX glasses. These options include:
- Safety glasses with RX inserts, which are fitted with your prescription
- Over-prescription safety glasses that are worn over the user’s regular frames
- Safety prescription lenses that combine RX customization with safety features
Regardless of which you choose, prioritizing the ANSI rating of your selection is imperative. Safety glasses that are not ANSI-approved are less likely to be effective and provide the protection you need.
Top Selections from Bolle Safety Glasses
One of the top ANSI-rated brands on the market is Bolle. Bolle safety glasses are designed for professionals in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and engineering. Made in France and distributed around the world, this brand boasts a loyal following who appreciates their excellent durability and superior optical clarity. Some of the safety frames that are the most popular include:
- ULTIM8 Safety Glasses: With an ANSI rating of Z87.1-2015, these lenses offer anti-fog and anti-scratch coating as well as waterproof foam
- Baxter Safety Glasses: Featuring a wraparound design and included strap, these glasses are ANSI rated at Z87.1-2010
- Twister Safety Glasses: Superior scratch resistance applied to the lenses’ surface, as well as an ANSI rating of Z87.1-2010, make these an optimal choice
These frames all feature an ANSI rating of Z87.1, the highest possible rating that safety glasses can receive. No matter what kind of work you plan to be doing, any of these lenses are sure to get the job done and keep your eyes protected in the process. Glasses by Bolle, though of the highest quality, are also remarkably affordable, making them an accessible option for nearly anybody.
Titmus Safety Glasses Are Made to Last
Few brands rival the quality and safety assurance that Titmus safety glasses offer. With a variety of sizes and styles to choose from, these glasses are designed to last. Furthermore, all Titmus models are OSHA approved and allow for inclusion of a prescription lens. The most popular Titmus safety glasses include the following:
- SW10 Safety Glasses: These frames are designed to fit perfectly, with padding on temples and a nose piece molded for comfort
- W06E Safety Glasses with Side Shield: An ANSI rating of Z87.1 – 2015 confirms that these are the top of the line, and side shields offer additional protection to wearers
- SW06 Safety Glasses: Rims made of safety plastic and designed to fit ANSI-rated lenses make this pair of frames a great choice for anybody who wants a sporty look
Now a subsidiary of Honeywell, Titmus creates eyewear that’s both fashionable and functional. Browse the brand’s selection of sporty, simple, and sophisticated frames to find the pair that’s perfect for you. Regardless of what style you choose, you can count on Titmus for protection that will last.
Browse Options from Wiley X Safety Glasses
WileyX frames look like they’re straight out of a Bond movie. Sleek designs, darkened lenses, and a sporty style make these glasses some of the coolest you’ll find. The coolest feature, though, is the protection they’ll provide your eyes when you wear them on the job. If you’re in the market for a pair of Wiley X safety glasses, consider the following top options:
- Romer 3 Sunglasses: Smooth edges and a nose bridge that’s grooved for comfort make these frames stand out, but their ANSI Ballistic Rated approval is the real star here
- Saint Sunglasses: Enjoy 100% UV protection and a Z87.1-2010 ANSI rating when you invest in a pair of the Saint safety sunglasses
- Rebel: The Rebel model may look the simplest, but polycarbonate lenses made of Shatterproof Selenite™ and an ANSI Z87.1-2010 rating prove they’re plenty durable
Style and safety meet with WileyX glasses. Enjoy both when you invest in a pair of the brand’s top-rated frames.
Discover the Right 3M Safety Glasses For You
Of all the brands on this list, 3M may be the most recognizable. Known for products such as tape, Post-it notes, pens, and bandages, the company is also a top producer of safety products, including glasses. 3M safety glasses are top quality and OSHA-approved. These are the most popular models:
- ZT200 Safety Glasses: Awarded an ANSI rating of Z87.1-2010, these frames feature a rectangle-shaped plastic design that’s versatile and stylish
- D490 Safety Glasses: Various lens tints and coatings are available to customize the D490 glasses, making them ideal for almost any setting
- BX™ Readers Safety Eyewear: Fully adjustable and temples with soft-tip details make these readers perfect for wearers who need vision support and safety assurance
- OX™ 1000 Safety Eyewear: If you’re looking for the ultimate level of protection, these frames are it. Designed to cover a wearer’s existing prescription glasses, they offer the best of both comfort and protection
3M is great for users seeking safety glasses that are compatible with their prescription glasses. Choose from a wide selection of stylish frames or opt for a pair of glasses that are simpler.
Keep Yourself and Your Eyes Safe from Hazards
Nothing is more important than safety when it comes to your responsibilities on the job. You need to protect yourself, first and foremost, and that includes your eyes. Your eyes, in fact, are one of the most vulnerable parts of your body, which makes a good pair of safety glasses an imperative part of your work uniform. Choose from brands like Bolle, Titmus, WileyX, and 3M to find the best ANSI-rated lenses and frames.
Safety Gear Pro provides professionals with an expansive inventory of PPE, including safety glasses. Call (832) 850-2979 or reach out online to get more information on available products.
