Prescription Safety Glasses: Protecting Workers Who Wear Corrective Lenses

Prescription Safety Glasses: Protecting Workers Who Wear Corrective Lenses

Millions of American workers require corrective lenses. For these workers, standard safety glasses present a challenge: regular prescription glasses are not rated for workplace impact protection, and wearing safety glasses over prescription glasses (OTG) can be uncomfortable and reduce optical clarity. Prescription safety glasses solve this problem.

Why Regular Prescription Glasses Are Not Enough

Standard prescription eyeglasses are made from materials and to tolerances that do not meet ANSI Z87.1 impact requirements. In a workplace with flying debris, grinding sparks, or chemical splash hazards, regular glasses provide inadequate protection and can actually shatter, creating additional injury risk.

Options for Workers Who Need Corrective Lenses

• Prescription safety glasses: Custom-made to the worker's prescription with ANSI Z87.1-rated frames and lenses. The gold standard for comfort and protection.
• Over-the-glasses (OTG) safety glasses: Designed to fit over standard prescription glasses. More affordable but can be bulky and may reduce peripheral vision.
• Safety goggles over prescription glasses: Suitable for chemical splash environments. Look for goggles specifically designed for OTG use.
• Contact lenses with safety glasses: Acceptable in most environments, but contacts are not recommended in dusty or chemical environments due to contamination risk.

Employer Responsibilities

Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 and 1926.95, employers are required to provide appropriate PPE at no cost to employees. For workers who require prescription eye protection, employers must either provide prescription safety glasses or ensure that suitable OTG options are available.

Choosing Prescription Safety Frames

Look for frames marked Z87 or Z87+ that are specifically designed to accept prescription lenses. Not all safety frames are prescription-compatible — verify with your optician before ordering.

Conclusion

Every worker deserves clear vision AND eye protection. RANOVA USA carries OTG safety glasses and can guide you to the right solution for workers who require corrective lenses.