Can Prescription Glasses Be Used as Safety Glasses?

When it comes to taking care of your vision, protection is important. For those who require eye protection in the workforce, you may be wondering if you can simply wear your prescription glasses as a form of eye protection. Let us examine some of the common questions asked when using glasses as eye protection.

Are Prescription Glasses and Safety Glasses the Same?

Prescription glasses and safety glasses are not created equal. Safety glasses are designed to provide optimal protection to your eyes on the job or at home. Unlike prescription glasses, safety glasses are generally made out of different material or have a different thickness in order to withstand impact from flying objects or hazardous materials. The requirements to meet safety standards for both lenses and frames are regulated by federal law. Prescription lenses in everyday eyeglasses are primarily made to correct vision and provide little to no protection from hazardous materials such as gases or sharp objects.

Can Prescription Glasses Be Used as Safety Glasses?

Unless prescription glasses have been specially designed to be safety glasses, they cannot be used as protective eye gear. Prescription glasses and safety glasses have different functions and purposes. To be considered safety glasses, they must meet a higher standard of compliance regarding impact resistance than regular prescription eyeglasses. Most prescription glasses will not meet this standard of compliance.

Can Safety Glasses be Worn Over Prescription Glasses?

What many patients may not know is that prescription glasses can be worn with safety glasses. Many workplaces offer safety glasses that are specifically made to go over prescription glasses. These may be found in a lab or in construction sites and often have extra space so your prescription glasses can fit underneath. If you find that your employer does not offer these type safety glasses or you need safety glasses for personal use, please consult our optometrist for protective eyewear options.

Schedule An Appointment With Arena Eye Care Optometry

If you would like to learn more about proper eye safety, please contact Arena Eye Care Optometry today. Dr. Krister L. Holmberg and Dr. Shephali Patel can assess your personal eye safety needs and make recommendations. Call 916-419-8167.