Safety Prescription Eyewear
SHOP NOW
Guide to Eye Protection in the Workplace
Why Eye protection matters at work
Eye protection in the workplace is a necessity for protecting the eyes, which are one of the most vulnerable parts of the human body. We are vulnerable to many hazards in the workplace, especially in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. Some of these hazards include flying debris, chemical splashes, radiation, bright light, dust, and infectious materials.
Providing workers with eye protection can greatly improve productivity and safety as it makes it one less risk to worry about. According to the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), thousands of workers suffer from eye-related injuries each year. While not all are life-changing, even minor incidents can lead to days off work, long-term vision issues, or serious health complications. The HSE's PPE at Work Regulations 2022 make it a legal requirement for employers to provide suitable eye protection wherever there is a risk to sight.
Types of Safety Glasses
Basic Safety Glasses
Safety glasses can include features such as anti-fog and scratch resistance.
Prescription Glasses
Instead of having to wear your prescription glasses and safety goggles over the top, certain safety goggles can be fitted with your prescription to avoid the discomfort of wearing two at the same time.
Face Shield
For industries where fluids and airborne particles are present, such as healthcare and laboratories, face shields can provide protection for the full face, including the eyes.
What Type of Eye Protection Should I Wear?
| Characteristic | Construction | Manufacturing | Healthcare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety Glasses | High Impact Lenses | Face Shields |
| Features | Anti Fog Goggles | Side Shields | Disposable Goggles |
| Gear | Face Shields | Welding Helmets | Ani Fog Splash Protection |
Maintaining and Replacing Eye Protection Equipment
Regular cleaning prevents vision impairment and stops the spread of germs, particularly vital in healthcare and laboratory environments where infection control is critical. You should also keep it in an individual protective case or pouch to prevent scratches or contamination.
Eye protection gear should be regularly inspected and replaced at the first sign of damage or degradation. Even small flaws can reduce effectiveness and increase injury risk.
Replace your safety glasses if:
- Lenses are scratched, cracked, warped, or discolored
- Straps are frayed, loose, or missing – compromising fit and stability
- PPE no longer sits securely or doesn’t seal properly
- Anti-fog or UV coatings have deteriorated and no longer perform as intended.
Only if it’s designed for multiple users and is properly cleaned and disinfected between uses. In healthcare and lab settings, disposable or individually assigned eyewear is preferred to prevent cross-contamination.
Yes, but contact lenses do not offer protection themselves. They can also worsen certain injuries (e.g., chemical splashes). Always wear approved safety glasses or goggles over contacts.
EN 166 is the European standard for eye protection. Markings indicate impact resistance, lens strength, optical class, and protection type. Always check for CE + EN 166 markings to ensure compliance.
Choose glasses with anti-fog coatings or ventilation features. In humid environments (e.g., healthcare or manufacturing), anti-fog wipes or sprays can help. Some EN-rated glasses also come with built-in fog resistance.
Only if they are specifically designed for that hazard, look for UV protection ratings or laser-specific eyewear depending on your task (e.g., welding, laser equipment). Standard safety glasses do not block all harmful light.
Yes — under the PPE at Work Regulations 2022 and Health and Safety at Work Act, employers are legally required to provide appropriate eye protection where a risk to eye health exists.
You should wear prescription safety glasses or over-glasses goggles that comply with EN 166 standards.