A Complete Guide to Understanding Safety Glasses

Protecting our vision is top priority, as according to numerous studies it is the sense we value the most. To make sure we are always taking care of our precious vision, standards were developed in safety glasses.

The ANSI Z87.1 standard was developed to protect users from hazards such as projectile impact and chemical exposure. The standard uses high mass and high-velocity impact tests to ensure that the eyewear provides adequate protection against potential hazards. The standard is divided into several categories, each with its own set of requirements and ratings.

• Z87 is the standard impact rating, which requires that the glasses can withstand impacts from objects traveling at lower velocities than those required for Z87+. This rating is often seen on safety glasses used in less hazardous work environments.

• Z87+ is the highest velocity impact rating, meaning that it must pass tests involving high-velocity impacts in order to be certified. This rating is typically used for safety glasses used in hazardous work environments such as construction sites or manufacturing facilities.

• D3 indicates that the lenses protect against splashes and droplets of liquid or other materials. This rating is often seen on safety glasses used in medical settings or laboratories where there may be a risk of exposure to hazardous liquids or chemicals.

• D4 indicates that the lenses protect against dust particles entering the eyes. This rating is often seen on safety glasses used in dusty environments such as workshops or factories.

• D5 indicates that the lenses protect against extremely small particles entering the eyes. This rating is often seen on safety glasses used in mining or industrial cleaning operations.

• W along with a shade number shows the level of welding protection, which means that the lenses are designed to protect against intense light emitted during welding operations. This rating is often seen on safety glasses used by welders and other workers who may be exposed to intense light sources during their work activities.

• U along with a scale number shows the level of UV protection. This rating is often seen on sunglasses and other types of eyewear worn outdoors where there may be an increased risk of exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or other sources.

• R along with a scale number shows the level of infrared light protection, which means that the lenses are designed to block out infrared radiation from entering the eyes. This rating is often seen on goggles and other types of eyewear worn when working with lasers or other sources of intense infrared radiation where there may be an increased risk of exposure to this type of radiation.

• L along with a scale number shows the visible light filter, which means that the lenses are designed to block out certain wavelengths of visible light while allowing others through for improved visibility in certain conditions such as foggy weather or bright sunlight conditions. This rating is often seen on sunglasses and other types of eyewear worn outdoors where there may be an increased need for improved visibility due to changing lighting conditions throughout the day or year.

• Z87-2 on the front of both frames and temples indicates prescription eyewear, meaning that these glasses have been specifically designed for people who require corrective vision correction due to refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). These glasses typically feature special lens designs tailored specifically for correcting refractive errors while also providing adequate levels of eye protection against various hazards encountered in everyday life activities.

• H indicates a product designed with smaller head sizes in mind so they can fit comfortably without slipping off when engaging in physical activities.

• V indicates photochromic lenses which darken when exposed to bright light sources such as direct sunlight.

• S indicates that these lenses have been specially tinted with certain colors so they can provide better visual acuity under certain lighting conditions like low-light situations encountered indoors during night time hours.

• X indicates eyewear has passed the fog test and can resist fogging up when exposed to humid environments.

The ASTM Standard for Eye Protection in Sports

Sports goggles and eye protection are essential for athletes who participate in sports that involve high-speed projectiles, such as baseball, hockey, and lacrosse. Without proper eye protection, athletes risk serious injury or even blindness. That's why it's important to understand the ASTM safety standard for sports goggles and eye protection.

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is an organization that sets standards for materials used in a variety of industries, including sports equipment. The ASTM F803-19 standard is the most recent standard for protective eyewear used in sports. This standard outlines the requirements for impact resistance, optical clarity, fit, comfort, and other factors related to the performance of protective eyewear.

When choosing sports goggles or other protective eyewear, it's important to look for products that meet or exceed the ASTM F803-19 standard. Many manufacturers now offer products specifically designed to meet this standard. These products are often made with lightweight materials that provide superior comfort and fit while still offering maximum protection from impacts and debris.

In addition to meeting the ASTM F803-19 standard, it's also important to choose a product that fits properly and provides adequate coverage of your eyes. Sports goggles should be snug but not too tight; they should stay securely in place during physical activity without causing discomfort or irritation. It's also important to make sure your lenses are scratch-resistant and provide adequate UV protection from the sun's harmful rays.

When looking for safety glasses, choose a retailer with significant industry experience and a global reputation for quality. Ocusafe.com is owned by two eye doctors with over 60 years combined experience. We are dedicated to providing the safest, most fashionable eyewear at the best prices.