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Safety and sports eyewear
Protective eyewear for work and play.
Everyday glasses are not built for flying debris, balls or chemicals. Protective eyewear is, and it can be made in your prescription.
Regular glasses are not safety glasses.
Work and sports protectors are tested as a whole device, frame and lenses together, to tougher standards than everyday eyewear. Look for markings such as ANSI Z87.1 on work eyewear and the right ASTM standard for your sport.
Where protective eyewear matters.
Job sites
Work glasses marked ANSI Z87.1 guard against debris.
Home projects
Mowing, power tools and chemicals all call for it.
Racket sports
Protectors certified to ASTM F803 are advised.
Field sports
Field hockey and lacrosse have their own rules.
Skiing
Goggles with UV protection shield from glare.
Shooting sports
ANSI Z87.1+ rated eyewear is recommended.
Prescription option
Your prescription can be built in.
Some safety glasses and sports goggles are available with prescription lenses. Others are designed to fit over your regular glasses.
Comfort keeps you safe.
Eyewear that fogs, slips or pinches gets taken off. Anti-fog lenses, a good fit and straps help you keep it on.
Questions to ask before you buy.
Which standard applies?
Your employer or sports league can tell you.
Can I get my Rx?
Ask about prescription safety or sports lenses.
Will it fog?
Ask about anti-fog lenses and vented designs.
Protect your eyes where you need it.
Keep protective eyewear in shape.
Clean, fog-free lenses and a secure fit make it easier to keep eyewear on.
Keep exploring.
Fast answers.
Is polycarbonate the same as safety glasses?
No. Polycarbonate lenses are tough, but true safety eyewear is certified as a full device, frame and lenses together.
Does my employer pay for safety glasses?
Some employers offer prescription safety programs. Ask your safety officer or HR team what your workplace offers.
Should kids wear sports goggles?
For sports with balls, rackets or sticks, eye doctors recommend protectors that meet the sport’s ASTM standard.
Do I need safety glasses at home?
Eye doctors suggest every household keep at least one pair of ANSI-approved protective eyewear for yard work and projects.
Find protective eyewear in your prescription.
An eye doctor can check your vision and help you get certified safety or sports eyewear that fits.
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Sources and notes
- American Academy of Ophthalmology: Protective eyewear
- OSHA: 29 CFR 1910.133, eye and face protection
- ISEA: ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2020 update
- Showroom and exam-room photography are owned Eye Care Advisors assets approved for use by Vision Rescue. Product photos are Vision Rescue catalog images.
- Brand names are trademarks of their owners and are listed for education only, not as endorsements.
This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Only an eye care professional who has examined you can recommend what is right for your eyes.
