Safety Glasses vs. Regular Glasses: What’s the Difference?

Some situations demand extra protection for your eyes. That’s where safety glasses come in!

When working (or playing) in situations that pose a risk to your eyes, safety glasses are your best bet. Unlike regular glasses, they’re designed to conform to a higher standard of impact resistance. Most safety glasses are made from polycarbonate, a lightweight but strong material.

Although the material is different, safety glasses can have prescription lenses or non-prescription lenses, like regular glasses. Prescription safety glasses are a good choice if you normally wear eyeglasses or contact lenses because they offer protection and clear vision.  

You may think that, because your normal glasses are big and durable, your eyes are safe. That’s not true! Regardless of their size or durability, regular glasses do not offer the same level of protection as safety glasses. Safety glasses can be and should be worn at all times in risky environments whether that’s at work, at home, or at play. 

Safety Glasses at Work

If you work in an environment that poses any sort of risk for your eyes, you should wear safety glasses. Some professionals that regularly wear safety glasses on the job include: 

• Machinists
• Plumbers
• Carpenters
• Laborers

Safety Glasses at Home

You may feel safe at home, but your eyes still need extra protection in some situations. Home improvement projects and yard work have the potential to cause eye injuries. Whether you’re cutting wood or hanging a picture, your eyes should be well protected with a pair of safety glasses, even if you normally wear eyeglasses. 

Safety Glasses at Play

Sports -- such as hunting, sport shooting and paintball -- require safety glasses. When picking out safety glasses for sports, choose protective eyewear that’s comfortable and has a high impact rating. 

A wrap around style with an anti-reflective coating can offer excellent protection and eliminate the distraction of glare. You may also want to look for safety glasses with an elastic band to hold them securely in place. 

If you’re interested in learning more about safety glasses, contact your Vision Source eye care provider today.