The Best Prescription Safety Glasses That Don’t Break Your Bank

I completely understand that it is so difficult to conduct online research for each PPE eyewear you find with loads of information to gather. Articles like this will support newbies and even experienced customers to define and decide the best prescription safety glasses being sold at the moment.

This portfolio will give you more than just a regular product review. I will personally guide you through further depths of safety glasses shopping and what you can do to benefit from them as workers, sports participants and book readers. First, let’s get to my top product list and their highlight features.

Best Prescription Safety Glasses Reviews

1. 3M Nuvo Reader Protective Eyewear +1.5 Diopter

The 3M Nuvo Reader safety glasses had been molded in with lens magnification at +1.50 diopter – an average and reasonable rate for zooming. They are considered true eye guardians with an enhancement for reading so you can leave your prescription glasses to the side at the worksite.

Immediately I am impressed by the retro styling design that not many glasses models own. Their durable plastic frame is contoured and lightweight enough to carry around on your face during work or sports activities for daily and extended use.

The black temple arms can be adjusted effortlessly as wish. There is an upper brow bar and additional side shields included to help cover your eyes zone and their surroundings to the fullest. Their soft nosepiece are really comfortable as well to provide you with the best experience in using.

Similar to other 3M prescription safety glasses, their polycarbonate dual lens profile appeals to me. These glasses lenses prevent up to 99.9% UV outdoor radiation and luckily, they have a fog proof layer on the lens coating. I believe you will find them helpful on sunny days or humid weather conditions.

In case you are wondering about which industries that workers can take advantage of this pair of safety glasses from 3M. I would recommend the following fields: food and beverage, mining, construction, general manufacturing, and transportation.

2. PYRAMEX SB7910D15 Pyramex Clear Safety Reader Glasses

This pair of Pyramex prescription safety glasses appears in a classic black full-frame design. The primary material to create their glasses frame is premium nylon to withstand external impacts to the utmost extent.

As usual, their fashionable polycarbonate dual glasses lenses are in clear color being coated witha scratch-proof layer. They also have the ability to shelter your vision from 99.9% of all harmful UV sun rays. This is a great option for readers with a full lens magnification of +1.5 diopter.

I am glad to know that they are legit ANSI Z87.1 prescription safety glasses for surpassing those compulsory PPE eyewear standards of 2010. It is pretty far from the latest of 2015 but still a huge bonus worth mentioning.

I notice that their black temple arms cannot be modified as wish. So it might turn into a downside of limited sizing to certain smaller or larger head shapes. You should not expect better airflow getting inside these glasses because their product description is displayed clearly without any ventilation.

If you are currently concerned about their overall sustainability and comfort due to extended daily use, then the soft rubberized nosepiece would be able to handle your requirements without quick detachment after a long time using.

There are Plano lenses available for your convenience to replace with the regular prescription lenses. I believe that the Pyramex safety reader glasses can adapt easily with diverse occasions such as working environment and sports journeys.

3. Elvex RX-500C 1.5 Diopter Full Lens Magnifier Safety Glasses

Apart from the pair with bifocal magnification as another style choice, Elvex offers us another safety glasses that include full lens magnification.

These RX safety glasses have 1.5 diopters full lens magnifier among their versatile options from 0.5 to 3.0 diopter based on different customer needs. I like how their polycarbonate lenses are designed to safely wrap around your face but still produce adequate comfort for complex daily tasks.

Their soft nose bridge together with temple tips made from rubber, impress me on ensuring maximum relaxation and non-slip experience throughout a long working day.

At only 0.32 ounces, I guess these safety glasses from Elvex must be in the list of top lightweight PPE eyewear on the market. Normally, protective gear tends to come in large weighing. Since they carry a massive amount of features in one model, so it is a relief when we found feather-like prescription glasses like these ones.

In addition, the Elvex RX-500C glasses lenses can provide up to 99.9% UV protection from harmful glare or intense light sources. This is considered a rare function in prescription safety glasses because most users will only wear them to serve their indoor work and sports activities.

What makes me adore this pair far more is that they had exceeded the strict ballistic rating, which means a higher security rate even at dangerous shooting ranges. You can aim for the front sight effortlessly while wearing these safety glasses.

4. GrinderPunch Full Magnification Reading Safety Eyewear

This magnifying reading eyewear from GrinderPunch is the utter choice for book readers even in low light conditions at the reasonable +1.5 diopter full lens magnification. The glasses lenses are made from high-quality polycarbonate that can resist external impacts effortlessly.

They provide up to 100% powerful UV400 protection from toxic UVA and UVB radiation, which will potentially damage your vision in a short amount of time if not being obstructed. As a result, it is alright to put these prescription safety glasses on when you are working outside under the sun or bright artificial light sources.

I must express how proud I am to have reader safety goggles on this list that surpass the typical yet vital PPE eyewear US standards of ANSI Z87, though the product description does not mention which year in specific. These regulations ensure you best experience your glasses with maximum safety.

With their wrap-style frame ideal for sports participants, these GrinderPunch wrap around prescription safety glasses contains caring details. In specific, the rubberized end grips of their temple arms and soft nosepiece bring you a flawless sense of all-day comfort, while securely grip onto your parts without slippage.

I figure out that these glasses certainly improve my visual precision better than bifocals prescription ones as they exclude the need to alter your magnifying lenses. They help increase my eyesight clarity during work and sports games, likewise provide me with enough zooming for comprehensive tasks.

5. Pyramex Safety Emerge Plus Readers Safety Glasses

I see that the Pyramex Emerge Plus safety glasses have a considerable magnification strength of +2.00 diopter for technical professions that require adjacent study, in particular engineer, carpenter or mechanic etc. There are other options from +1.5 to +3.00 diopter based on your demand.

Their clear polycarbonate lenses are in full reader mode while still being able to resist up to 99% hazardous UV sun rays. That way, I understand how these glasses become versatile in both outdoor and indoor environments as they automatically shift themselves to adapt to each different condition.

I did a direct measure of their weight and it was exactly 0.8 ounces as described by the manufacturer. The overall plastic frame is light enough to gain this feather-like weighing. For that, these prescription safety glasses will not feel like a burden on your eyes daily at worksite and sports events.

I love that this pair of goggles from Pyramex can maintain their stability through dual mold temple grips. As made out of soft rubber, it delivers a safe and sound grasp onto your upper ears during high-traffic jobs with close-up tasks.

As usual, these prescription safety glasses consist of an adjustable rubber nosepiece to ensure daily comfort for related your activities.

6. Elvex RX500 Full Lens 2.0 Magnification Safety Glasses

Another pair of RX500 prescription safety glasses from Elvex made it to this specified list, with 50mm diameter full lens magnification and +2.00 diopter for embracing the whole outlook of your workplace at a much closer range. They are adaptive with certain vocations like assemblers, plumbers and mechanics, etc.

The Elvex RX500 safety glasses had already received a certified Ballistic Vo rating. For that reason, they can withstand any severe pressure in a shooting field. I like how they guarantee a clear development in visual precision for your close-up tasks.

Comparable with other reader glasses lenses, these ones comprise of see-through polycarbonate lenses, which filter up to 99% of all UV light. No longer should you hesitate to wear them outside, thanks to this powerful function that is not common among prescription safety glasses.

Furthermore, it is awful when my magnifying reader glasses scratch up easily through long-term usage. Thankfully, Elvex has included a premium microfiber storage bag as an auxiliary to our advantage. HiViz eyeglass cord in neon color is also available, so you do not have to sit them anywhere out of sight.

Their compliant nose bridge along with rubberized temple arms can grip onto your face parts without constant slip off and enhance relaxation all day long. I feel great when the manufacturer promises that their Elvex RX500 safety glasses fit diverse types of faces in only one sizing.

What I appreciate most about these glasses lens design is that they installed the lens magnifier neither at the bottom nor the top of this PPE eyewear. Thus reduce an amazing extent of eye fatigue and tension for your peak performance in whatever task you accomplish with them.

7. 2 Pairs GrinderPunch Bifocal Safety Glasses

From my viewpoint, this is one of the uncommon PPE eyewear on sale that comes in 2 pairs of glasses per package. Differ from the rest in my list as they are not regular magnifying safety glasses. But instead, bifocal ones at a high rate of +2.50 diopter for you to take advantage of throughout comprehensive tasks.

Their manufacturer had done an exceptional work of molding the magnifier into the inner corner of these GrinderPunch safety glasses with bifocals. Now we have a flexible combination of safety glasses and reading glasses in one single model. I prefer them over others already thanks to this feature.

Once again, the glasses lenses made from durable polycarbonate can resist impacts and also guarantee up to 100% UV400 protection from harmful UVA and UVB radiation. I believe it is a crucial factor for these bifocals prescription glasses to be certified with ANSI Z87 standards.

2 glasses pairs of this GrinderPunch package are identical, and they were designed to have a special wrap-style to fit multiple head shapes. Both of their temple end grips and nosepiece are made out of soft rubber to hold onto your face parts enough without causing unwanted pressure points.

Plus, if you are concerned about having to sit them away from your watch when not being used, then these prescription safety glasses will save the day with an attached microfiber cleaning pouch. Not only does it look radiant to be found easily, but it is also the most proper kind of cloth to clean glasses lenses.

8. 3M BX Dual Reader Protective Eyewear +2.0 Top/Bottom Diopter

What impressed me about this pair of 3M BX protective eyewear is that they injected the magnifying diopter of +2.00 both on the lower and upper lenses, making it a complete exterior view supported by lens magnification. Workers who are involved in small detail tasks or struggle with small prints are ideal subjects.

Unlike other prescription safety glasses frames, this glasses silver/black frame has a smooth but edgy design with fully adjustable length temple arms for a custom fit. The extended lenses provide extra side shield protection to protect more than your eyes on dangerous worksite full of potential risks.

I love how this reader safety eyewear contains clear lenses made from polycarbonate that are able to resist fogging and prevent 99.9% UV rays at the same time. You can make full use of them for outdoor applications, no matter the weather such as sanding, grinding, masonry or sawing, etc.

For daily comfort warranty, their soft nose bridge will not disappoint you. Even if you have to prolong the initial schedule to wear them, they can never distress your eyes or face. As being fairly lightweight of 1.6 ounces is one advantage to offer less pressure while putting them on.

Moreover, I admire these 3M BX safety glasses for surpassing two strict requirements of CSA Z94.3 2007 and ANSI Z87.1 2003. However, I believe these standards are a little old-fashioned as there have been significant updates and modifications since then to the latest of 2015.

9. SSP Eyewear 2.00 Bifocal/Reader Safety Glasses

I love this pair of glasses from SSP thanks to their flexibility for different genders to wear. They can become both men and womens prescription safety glasses on multiple occasions, at the construction site and in indoor/outdoor sports events like skiing, biking or rafting, etc.

The SSP safety glasses comprise of bifocals and reader polycarbonate lenses, especially with an anti-fog lens coating that resists shatters. I see that they are premium decentered lenses that correct your optical clarity and automatically lessen any deflection.

If you have not known yet, these glasses frame is made from a high-quality TR90 nylon material that can withstand different weather and temperature conditions. However, I do not suggest leaving them near fireplaces. The manufacturer had designed this frame to self-adjust its position to 3 points of contact.

Rubberized ear pads are available, and they attach permanently onto these prescription safety glasses. When these ear pads expose themselves to your body heat, they turn sticky and secure the glasses further to your face. Then, you can clear away worries of glasses slipping off while you are in the middle of work.

These prescription safety glasses from SSP had successfully met ANSI Z87+ qualifications and also received ballistic ratings to perform safely in shooting ranges. I like the fact that their lenses cannot be displaced from the glasses frame even when getting external impacts.

In the product description, there is already a recommendation for the face fitting of these prescription safety glasses, which are most suitable for round and narrow faces. I highly value that thoughtful guidance since their customers will not encounter any sizing problems.

10. V.W.E. RX-Bifocal High-Performance Protective Safety Glasses

I appreciate how this manufacturer V.W.E combines safety sunglasses and bifocal lenses for book/paper reading into a singular glasses model. That leads me to a summary tha, customers nowadays seem to fancy all-in-one products, which will benefit from numerous different occasions for them to save time and money.

Their polycarbonate glasses lenses contain 20% light mirror tint in matte black that could help to resist external impacts. Furthermore, the product can be exposed to a certain amount of chemicals, which enables them to absorb 99.9% of harmful UV rays for the best outdoor experience. They are also approved of meeting difficult ANSI Z87.1+ standards.

If you are having trouble with cheap distorted glasses lenses, then I doubt that the RX – Bifocal could let you down. They are anti-distortion lenses which will lessen eye fatigue while using. In this way, you no longer have to complain about any headaches or twisted images given by prescription safety glasses.

Out of their broad magnification range to maximum 4.0 x, I would suggest these at around 1.5 x only. In some cases, the closer zooming they perform, the more they cause later eye strain after hours of wearing these bifocal safety glasses.

I see that they include a handgrip pattern on their temple arms to enable better grip onto your upper ears. Next, the rubber nosepiece can prevent slippage and ensure relief for extended working all day long.

This pair of RX – Bifocal safety glasses is a unisex model with precise details in their product specifications. They are recommended for adult face types, though I am not sure which particular age groups can fit them wonderfully.

11. MagSafe Full Magnifying Reader Safety Glasses

It hit me at first sight that this pair of MagSafe safety glasses looks like some lavishing fashion accessories for their overall translucent plastic frame with a contoured design. These glasses are completely dielectric as there’s not a single metal part included, hence their flammability would probably be weak.

Not only are these glasses equipped with sturdy polycarbonate lenses for preventing 100% UVA/B sun rays, but they also own another double lens coating of scratch-resistant and fog proof layers. That will enhance your vision strength in every weather condition possible.

In my opinion, I would go for prescription safety glasses at around +1.5 to +2.25 diopter since that is the average lens magnification for workers. Of course, if your task requires otherwise, you can definitely choose the lower or higher lens diopter as wish though I highly recommend this pair of +1.75.

Subsequently, having these full glasses lens magnification will reduce most of your eye strain and dryness. It claims to free your mind from worries and concentrate better on your responsibilities. I see that they are more than ideal for close-up jobs, for instance, chemical researchers, welders, plumbers or electricians.

There are solid side shields available for further eye protection from various potential hazards coming at your way during work and sports activities.

It is good to know that the MagSafe reader glasses are ANSI prescription safety glasses. They have successfully excelled in those standards, to be capable of collaborating with a PPE helmet above for full protective gear combo around your dangerous worksite.

12. PRG-206YB Prescription Safety Reading Glasses

I am honestly fond of the wide lens diopter variance from +1.00 to +2.75 of the same price that this manufacturer Phillips Safety offers their online and direct customers, and in this specific case I would like to refer to their pair of prescription safety glasses with +1.75 diopter.

Honestly, I am very fond of the wide lens diopter that is offered by a well-known manufacturer Phillips Safety. The product ranges they sell online, and their direct customers are a variance from +1.00 to +2.75 at the same price. And in this article, I would like to introduce their pair of prescription safety glasses, which has the +1.75 diopter.

They are one of the few safety reading glasses with extra shields on both sides to give you a better peripheral vision and secure protection from any impacts. Consequently, I had made use of them at Jobsite as well and not just at home with books because I saw their potential in working environments.

Their clear polycarbonate lenses enable sharp clarity for processing work in low light conditions such as reading books in a dark room. As far as I can see, most prescription safety glasses were manufactured with a transparent lens color. It probably due to their main function is to strengthen your indoor vision.

For that reason, what you can do with this pair of glasses from Phillips Safety Products are various: indoor worksites, chemistry lab, or indoor sports activities like shooting or artificial mountain climbing. I advise you not to take them outside since I do not find enough information that they can block UV radiation.

What I also like about these safety reading glasses is how their rubber nosepiece connects smoothly with the plastic nose bridge to provide comfort for your daily work. The temple arms are rubberized too, and they were created to have a wraparound texture for close-fitting without causing pressure points.

What to Look for When Buying Prescription Safety Glasses

It does not matter to me whether you are a newbie or an experienced customer when purchasing for prescription safety glasses both online and directly in the store. There are important issues about this type of glasses to remember, that I am sure you cannot always keep in mind to check on.

Apart from fitting matter, optical requirements or pricing, I bet you have missed out on the factors below at least one when shopping for PPE eyewear in general. These features may sound irrelevant at first, but once your working condition requires them, you would learn to value every single glasses detail.

Magnifying strength – This is the key feature to examine in this particular type of safety goggles. From what I have learned, prescription safety glasses offer lens magnification from at least +0.05 to +4.00 diopter. Based on your initial eyesight, you can go for the most suitable diopter rate.

I have heard customers criticizing about magnifying lenses create vague views or misshapen images while being used. I guess it is mainly because you chose a much stronger lens diopter (from +2.50) than your eyes can stand throughout long hours of looking at books or tiny details at work.

In this article, I have noted more than once that my common recommendation for glasses lens is around +1.50 diopter for any tasks you engage in.

Flammability – In spite of being UVA/B/C resistant up to 100%, the typical overall plastic glasses frame cannot endure intense heat without heavy deformation. There has been news about prescription safety glasses catching fire and result in dangerous situations to the person who wears them.

To make sure the glasses material does not burn or meltdown under the high level of heating. I strongly advise you to minimize their performance in working environments related to fire and electricity. If possible, please do not hesitate to give a thorough check of these safety glasses by yourself in the store.

Other Important Factors to Consider

What is a pair of prescription safety glasses?

A pair of prescription safety glasses belongs to a specific range of PPE eyewear. This especially includes glasses lens magnifier at a wide variation from +0.05 to maximum +4.00 diopter to support indoor/outdoor workers, sports participants and book readers at home.

They are absolute versatile PPE for including protective details. As normal safety glasses while being able to provide close magnification at whatever rate you wish for tasks I have mentioned above.

How does it work?

Most prescription safety glasses consist of transparent polycarbonate lenses which empowers better visual clarity. Additionally, it also magnifies small detail work such as reading blueprints or handling technical tasks. These types of glasses perform well in different weather and light conditions due to their lens coating.

You may not notice but some prescription safety glasses are integrated with ventilation to allow better airflow while using. Not to mention side shields protection and extra brow bar for safety coverage from potential hazards.

People take advantage of magnifying safety goggles to prevent eye injuries at the worksite or during sports events. They are undoubtedly an optimal replacement for prescription glasses. Nonetheless, I believe some are defective underwater for not including a water-resistant layer on their lenses.

Who is this for?

Prescription safety glasses are essential PPE eyewear replacement for individuals who have problems with their initial eyesight and require to use prescription glasses daily at work.

Certain vocations can make use of these glasses on the field, namely technicians, electricians, welders or plumbers. Some of them are likewise ideal for outdoor sports activities such as hiking, biking, shooting or skiing, etc. Last but not least, you can wear these glasses to read books as well.

What are the different types of prescription safety glasses?

Bifocals – If prescription safety glasses include bifocal lenses, then they will contain powerful magnification. This particular type of glasses has the capability of backing up common readers a lot in reading blueprints, paperwork, and books thanks to their clear magnifier.

Bifocals prescription safety glasses are not hard to look for since I have included a few on my review list. In low light conditions, I am sure they can still perform well without causing any eye strain for their strong lens magnifier.

ANSI Z87 qualified – I bet that most customers would prefer Z87 prescription safety glasses over regular ones that do not surpass that essential standard. The ANSI Z87 qualifications for PPE eyewear were not created for no special reasons and they are constantly renewed after several years.

I notice that a large number of manufacturers have not built prescription safety glasses which are ANSI Z87 certified. This can be a minus point to customers since who does not want to own a safe PPE product? It is not that hard to meet these standards, so I hope they will improve their safety glasses in the future.

Multi-layer lens coated – One glasses lens can include multi-layer lens coating such as anti-fog, scratch and impact-resistant, UV protection or sometimes water and shatterproof. It feels like I can request their adaptability in various circumstances and they succeed in all.

Diverse lens coating makes prescription safety glasses compliant for different activities and environments. You will be able to quickly shift between these conditions without the need to change into other types of glasses.

Advantages and disadvantages of prescription safety glasses?

After a long list of product reviews and other vital information, I think it is time to refer to the advantages and disadvantages of prescription safety glasses. More than just reviewing is for you to weigh their pros and cons wisely before purchasing.

Advantages:

No longer require the use of prescription glasses.

It can combine together as 2-in-1 working safety glasses and reading glasses at home.

Diverse the following accessories for your convenience.

Ideal for both outdoor and indoor activities.

Disadvantages:

High diopter magnification (particularly from +2.00) may cause blurring.

It seems to be unavailable in multi sizing.

Not many of them had exceeded the essential ANSI Z87 qualifications.

Minor glasses details may fall apart too early.

Obviously, nothing in the world is perfect enough to please everybody, but I believe PPE eyewear manufacturers always manage to provide customers with amazing products at the most affordable pricing. Therefore, you should aim for the most suitable on the market rather than the best.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most trusted prescription safety glasses brands?

If you ask for my opinion about the most trusted prescription safety glasses brands, there are several names that will come straight into my minds such as 3M, Pyramex, Uvex, Crossfire, Dewalt, and GrinderPunch.

I will explain why. Not only in this article, but there are hundreds of other glasses models manufactured from these brands being sold on the market. Most importantly, the mentioned brands have been developing global stores and online selling for a long time until now, and they constantly receive great customer feedback.

Their glasses durability, style design, lens magnifier variances, pricing, and attached details are among the top favorite ranking. These prescription safety glasses brands also offer reliable Money Back Guarantee and warranty policy for customers worldwide if there happens to be any dissatisfaction.

Can the lens be replaced?

For your information, prescription safety glasses lenses can be switched to another type without effort. On this list, the 3rd product from Pyramex has additional Plano lenses to replace with the original prescription ones to your advantage.

Some prescription safety glasses brands offer them for no extra charges, but you should be aware of whether alternative lenses are sold separately from the glasses you are intended to get. In my opinion, extra lenses are only an extra option; thus you do not need to feel insisted on purchasing them along.

How to use them?

I love their flexibility in daily usage. Sunglasses, safety goggles or just reading glasses – a pair of prescription safety glasses manage to fulfill all. They can even transform into glasses used at shooting ranges if being ballistic rated.

You should avoid toxicants and extreme heat exposure to your prescription safety glasses. It is going to be risky as no protection method can suffer from burning fire and chemicals without injuring their owners, much or little.

Where can I get them?

I totally get it if you feel too lazy to drive to a local store for a pair of prescription safety glasses. I cannot express in words how grateful I am of the technology era for energizing the online shopping method. How amazingly a product sold in the US can be delivered to Asia within a simple procedure.

In regards to famous online shopping sites, I can name several including Home Depot, Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and Lowes. They have been trustworthy addresses to buy prescription safety glasses for over a century now with quick product selection, international payment, and shipping.

On these websites, I have access to precise product description, different pricing to compare between sellers, speedy worldwide delivery, and reliable customer service to purchase my favorite prescription safety glasses anytime. Honestly, what more can you expect from an affordable PPE eyewear?

What is the warranty policy?

For prescription safety glasses in general, I see that their brands usually offer a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee and warranty policy up to a year after your purchase meant. Glasses errors from the manufacturer side will obtain a product return within days notified or a refund in product disapproval cases.

How to take care of and clean them?

To learn how to look after prescription safety glasses properly is a complex process of multiple related tools. I advise you to get a hard protective case (if it does not come along with the glasses) designed to contain your safety glasses and help prevent them from getting scratches or sudden impacts.

One common mistake of owners that cause the glasses breaking apart is how they leave them to fall from tables or unintentionally drop them. This is not recommended for the safety glass’s longevity and sustainability.

In addition, keeping the glasses lenses sparkling clean should become your daily routine. If their lenses are not in good condition, then the whole glasses go to waste. For polycarbonate material, I suggest using soft microfiber cloth so you will not scratch or leave dust on your safety glasses lenses.

Conclusion

Construction injuries statistics each year are frightening enough for me to quickly purchase the best prescription safety glasses online. Protecting your eyesight is far more than a personal need, it is a duty to accomplish. As being said, low-quality PPE eyewear consists of serious heavy consequences.

I hope that the amount of information I collect and present will turn out helpful for your shopping time. In summary, literally, everything you need to know about prescription safety glasses lies in my article and what’s left is up to yourself to apply them into your own experience. Thank you for reading.

Daniel Rocha

Our PPE expert, Daniel Rocha, has been working in the industry for 23 years. He provides guidance to our content editor and writers so they may provide well-informed suggestions and tips for machinery and equipment.