What Are the Different Types of Safety Glasses?

Safety glasses protect the eyes at the front and the sides from a variety of hazards such as flying objects or chemical splashes. The type of eye protection needed will depends on the work and environment. The styles of safety glasses available can be divided into a few main types. Each type of safety glasses has different pros and cons related to their construction.

Lenses

• Safety glasses typically have one of three types of lenses. Glass lenses are scratch resistant and can be used around harsh chemicals. Glass lenses are also made in prescription strengths so that you can wear them without your glasses beneath. Plastic lenses are lighter than glass and are ideal to protect against welding splatter. This type of lens is fog-resistant, but not as scratch resistant as glass lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are lightweight and not likely to fog. They are stronger than both glass and plastic lenses and impact resistant. However, polycarbonate lenses aren't as scratch resistant as glass lenses.

Clear Safety Glasses

• Clear safety glasses are typically made with glass shatter-proof lenses and are the most common form of eye protection available. They are considered head-on protection because they provide protection from the front only.

Safety Sunglasses

• Very similar to clear safety glasses, safety sunglasses offer the same protection but also have added protection from the sun's rays. When working outdoors, safety sunglasses are recommended for head-on protection.

Safety Overglasses

• Prescription eyeglass wearers might use safety "overglasses" which will fit over most prescription glasses, but this type of safety eye wear can be worn alone. They offer some of the highest protection of all types of safety glasses because typically they offer both eye protection and coverage and also give a wide field of view for the wearer.

Prescription Safety Glasses

• For prescription eyeglass wearers, prescription safety glasses give the option of using safety glasses without their usual glasses beneath. These safety glasses are custom made for the wearer. These safety glasses can also be purchased as bifocals.

Chemical Safety Glasses

• Chemical safety glasses have durable frames that are able to absorb impact and side shields that prevent objects or liquids from hitting the wearer's eyes. Chemical safety glasses will protect against minor chemical splashes, but for complete chemical protection, safety goggles are recommended.

Safety Goggles

• Safety goggles are not the same as safety glasses. Goggles provide complete eye coverage, where safety glasses shield only the front and sides of the eyes. Safety goggles are ideal when your eyes require protection from flying fragments or objects or particles in the air. They are the only protection recommended for your eyes against dust. Safety goggles also protect against chemical mists, splashes and fumes and in extremely high temperatures. Many goggle lenses will be treated with anti-fog coatings and are made out of polycarbonate material.