Safest FDA Approved Prescription Eyeglasses

The FDA requires that all prescription, UV-protected eyeglass lenses and frames sold in the United States be safety tested for impact resistance. Non-prescription eyewear such as sunglasses and safety glasses are exempt from this requirement, and manufacturers of these kinds of eyewear may not claim their products are FDA approved. Polycarbonate, glass and plastic prescription lenses can receive the FDA's endorsement of safety, provided they pass the agency's impact resistance testing.

Polycarbonate Lenses

• Polycarbonate lenses are a safe choice for children's glasses.

  Lightweight and shatterproof, polycarbonate lenses lead the list of FDA approved prescription eyewear. Used in space shuttle and aerospace technology, polycarbonate is a thermoplastic made into eyeglasses through injection molding. Because of its resistance to impact, polycarbonate has become the material of choice for children's glasses and prescription sports eyewear.

Glass Laminate Lenses

• Although traditional glass-only lenses can be easily shattered and do not meet the FDA's standard for impact resistance, glass laminate lenses can pass the agency's benchmark. Glass laminate lenses have a thermoplastic coating which binds to the lens, reducing the likelihood of shattering. While not as safe as polycarbonate, glass laminate lenses offer greater impact resistance than unlaminated glass and may be FDA-approved for general prescription use.

Plastic Lenses

• The FDA tests lenses for impact resistance.

  The FDA's guidelines on the regulation of eyeglasses point out that although plastic lenses are not automatically impact resistant simply because they are made of plastic, these lenses can pass impact testing. The quality and strength of plastic materials is highly variable, and good quality plastic lenses can be made impact resistant to meet FDA standards. Reputable eyeglass dealers cite FDA approval in safety claims for these and other prescription lenses.