Did you know that thousands of people become blind due to work-related eye injuries every year? Going blind can be one of the worst disabilities one can experience, according to victims. Fortunately, most of these eye accidents can actually be prevented by simply wearing proper safety eyewear. When it comes to eye protection, people usually think of these two major options: safety glasses and safety goggles. Which one is the right one for your job? In today’s blog, we will be going over the differences between safety goggles vs. safety glasses so that you can see which one is best for you.

Safety Goggles vs. Safety Glasses

Safety Glasses

While safety glasses are very similar to standard glasses, safety glasses are larger with significantly stronger lenses, designed to provide far more protection to the eye. They generally cover more of the eyes and face than everyday sunglasses and are designed to withstand impact. When determining whether safety glasses are the right choice for you, you need to consider the type of task you will be doing. Safety glasses allow for airflow and tend to be comfier than safety goggles. They are mainly effective at protecting against projectiles and—depending on the lenses—lights and lasers. However, there is a gap between the face and the lenses, meaning that particles and chemicals can still reach the eyes. Depending on the type of work you do, you may need to go with safety goggles instead.

Man wearing safety glasses

Safety Goggles

As opposed to safety glasses, safety goggles seal the space with the face. This helps prevent contaminants from reaching the eye. This is a better option if your job is prone to fine particles and chemical splashes. Safety goggles may be less comfortable than safety glasses, but they provide better protection against liquid and particle hazards. They’re sealed around the eyes and will not even permit air entry.

Safety Goggles

Eye Safety Considerations

Selecting the right eye protection is an important job, and in order to select the proper one, you need to take into account additional challenges you may face while wearing the eye protection, including the following:

• Fogging – Airflow can be an issue when working in hot or humid conditions. You need to consider the possibility of fogged up lenses while on the job. This can be dangerous as it can lead to falls.

• Select the Right Lens – You should consider getting lens features that are tailored to the needs of your job. Consider scratch-proof lenses, coating them to decrease eye strain, or even tinting them for jobs that take place outside or are exposed to glare.

• Comfort – No one wants to wear eyewear that is irritating or painful—especially to something as sensitive as the face. You need to make sure you get the right size to avoid any kind of pressure and irritation.

Sight is crucial for any job. That’s why protecting them with the right eyewear is essential. By wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE), you can prevent terrible eye accidents. From eye scratches to blindness, injuring your eyes on the job is the last thing you want. We hope this blog helps you see whether safety glasses or safety goggles are the best choice for you. For all of your eye protection needs, Extreme Safety has got you covered. Order your eye protection by giving us a call at (310) 856-0166 or clicking here