Regardless of what work you do or business you run, it is common for your eyes to be exposed to many different risks every day. Eye-related injuries were found to be incredibly prevalent in the workplace–even among workers who are already wearing protective gear! This is likely due to the fact that there are so many safety glasses available that it becomes challenging to choose one. Though it may seem like putting on some glasses can already keep you safe from harm, the truth is that you have to find the right pair to make sure it gives you enough protection.
With so many frames, lenses, and special features being advertised in safety glasses, it can feel overwhelming to choose a pair that suits your needs. For example, Bolle safety glasses offer a variety of glasses that each cater to different applications. While it might seem time-consuming going through your options, it pays to look at every piece of information carefully to ensure you cover all the essential considerations.
If you are unsure of where to start or how to decide on what glasses to get, here are some criteria or selection factors that may help you find the right pair.
Determine the Hazards
First, you have to be aware of what eye hazards you are exposed to in your work setting. Do you work around chemicals or foreign particles, like dust, gas, and some liquids? Are you exposed to UV radiation or other forms of light while operating some devices? These are some questions that you should ask to assess what hazards you need to be wary of while working. Since different glasses cater to specific applications or uses, you have to be aware of these hazards before you can even start your search.
Familiarize Yourself with Safety Glasses
Next, it will help to familiarize yourself with different components of safety glasses, such as the lens, frame, and material, to know which can combat the hazards you have identified. As you search for your options, you might notice two overarching types: safety glasses and safety goggles. Similar to the prescription eye wear that you commonly see people wear, safety glasses allow air to move around the eye area. In contrast, goggles fit more tightly against your face for more protection.
As for lens materials, poly carbonate is one of the most popular kinds that you will find in the market as it is lightweight and provides protection against UV rays. However, it does not give you as much visual clarity as other materials. NXT polyurethane, for instance, offers some of the best optical clarity but is likewise on the more expensive side. With so many materials to choose from, it will be best to research beforehand or ask your eye wear company for some advice. If you look through the selection of Bolle safety glasses, you will see that the pairs are categorized based on their function, so you can easily find one that suits your needs.
Look for Comfort and Fit
Though the technical features of glasses are one to look out for, you also have to think about your preference. Since you will likely be wearing the glasses or goggles daily, you want to find a pair that fits you comfortably, or you may end up not using it! Aside from comfort, you can also look at aspects like lens tint and coating since these can also affect the functionality of your glasses.
