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Educational content only
This page is general patient education, not medical advice. It does not diagnose conditions, recommend specific treatments for you, or replace a conversation with your eye care provider. Always consult a qualified clinician before making decisions about your eye health.
Safety glasses are eye protection rated for impact, splash, or other hazards. They prevent thousands of eye injuries every day — at work and at home.
How to choose
Choosing the right protection — by hazard.
Standard
Z87+ for general impact
Look for 'Z87+' marked on the lens and frame. The + denotes high-velocity impact tested — the standard for most workshop, construction, and home-improvement uses.
Splash
Goggles or shields for chemicals
Glasses don't seal around the eye. For chemical splash, paint spraying, or grinding with significant debris, choose sealed goggles or face shields.
Prescription
Rx safety glasses
If you wear glasses anyway, prescription safety glasses give you protection plus correction. Many vision plans and some employers cover them.
Activity-specific
Sport eye protection
Racquet sports, lacrosse, paintball, and shooting each have specific protective eyewear. Generic safety glasses may not be sufficient for some sports.
Same-day exam if
Eye injury despite wearing protection — visible damage to the eye, sudden vision change, persistent pain, or anything embedded. Don't try to remove embedded objects yourself.
Common questions
Honest answers to common questions.
Are my regular glasses safety glasses?+
No. Regular glasses aren't rated for impact and can break or shatter when struck. For any task with flying particles or impact risk, you need ANSI Z87.1-rated eyewear over or instead of your regular glasses.
Does my employer have to provide safety glasses?+
Under OSHA, employers must provide eye protection appropriate to identified hazards. Prescription requirements vary by employer; many cover Rx safety glasses fully or partially.
Can I wear safety glasses over my regular glasses?+
Yes — overspecs are a common solution if you only need eye protection occasionally. For frequent use, dedicated Rx safety glasses are more comfortable.
How do I know if a frame is rated?+
Z87.1-rated frames are marked on the temple. Lenses are marked at the edge. Both must be rated for the eyewear to qualify as safety eyewear.
Do I need different glasses for grinding?+
Yes — high-impact grinding work usually needs goggles or a face shield in addition to safety glasses, because of the higher velocity and volume of debris.