Choosing the right pair of safety glasses requires more than just finding the proper frame or fit. There are several types of lens materials and treatments available and knowing which to include can be overwhelming. Understanding the different lens options and what each means for your safety can make the process less stressful and ensure you have the proper eyewear for your application.

Polycarbonate Lenses

Polycarbonate was first introduced in the 1970s for aerospace applications and is currently used for the helmet visors of astronauts and for space shuttle windshields. Today, polycarbonate lenses have become a popular choice for safety glasses. The material is light compared to other plastic or glass lenses and is high-impact resistant. For information on how to take care of your polycarbonate lenses check out our blog: Caring for your Polycarbonate Eyewear

Phoenix (Trivex-based) Lenses

Phoenix lenses are the latest advancement in safety lens material. Similar in functionality to polycarbonate lenses, Phoenix lenses are thin and and offer high-impact resistance however, they are even more lightweight, allowing them to provide all-day comfort to the wearer. Composed of urethane-based monomer, Phoenix lenses provide superior optical quality compared to polycarbonate and plastic. They are trivex-based with a proprietary HOYA formulation. Phoenix lenses provide 100% UVA and UVB protection and are chemical resistant.

Blue Light

Blue light lenses help absorb harmful HEV blue rays. Whether you are working indoors or out, blue light is something that should be considered when selecting your lens type. For working outside tinted, polarized or anti-reflective lenses can help block blue light from the sun. Workers that are primarily inside can benefit from yellow-tinted or photochromatic lenses.

Blue light is a color of light in the visible spectrum that has a higher concentration of energy and shorter wave lengths. Common sources of blue light include the sun, electronic devices such as computers, laptops, TVs, smart phones, tablets, as well as LED and fluorescent lighting. Recent medical studies indicate that extended exposure to blue light can speed up the process of age-related macular degeneration and vision loss. It can also cause digital eye strain and disrupt natural sleeping patterns.

For more information on blue light check out our blog: The Dangers of Blue Light

ORR offers its non-prescription BluBarrier™ that blocks blue light from both the sun and digital devices, while reducing glare and increasing contrast. BluBarrier™ lens technology blocks 41% of ISO 12312-1 blue light, is scratch resistant and allows 88% of visible light.

For prescription eyewear, ORR offers the RECHARGE blue light filtering lenses. HOYA’s RECHARGE coating and lens material combined reduces a portion of blue light in the High Energy Visible Light (HEVL) spectrum.

Anti-Fog

In years past, only people who worked in high-heat environments such as utilities and paper mills were subject to their safety eyewear fogging. In 2020, having to wear a face mask has made eyewear fogging a challenge for everyone.

Fogging can lead to impaired vision, increasing the potential for injury by an unforeseen hazard. When a worker’s eyewear fogs up as a result of temperature changes, they are likely to take them off repeatedly to clear the fog. This increases their exposure to other hazards and causes a loss in productivity. Anti-fog lenses and lens treatments are available for workers as well as straps and lanyards to prevent eyewear from slipping due to sweat.

For more information on anti-fog protection read our blog: How to Keep Safety Glasses from Fogging.

To combat fogging, ORR Safety offers its new 3XP™ standard treatment and FOG FIGHTER™ anti-fog enhanced treatment for safety eyewear. The new 3XP™ anti-fog treatment works THREE times better than standard anti-fog coatings, lasts longer and is eco-friendly. Our enhanced FOG FIGHTER™ treatment works SIX times better than standard anti-fog treat- ments and meets the new ANSI Z87.1-2020 eye protection standard anti-fogging requirements. The benchmark for performance of anti-fog treatments, FOG FIGHTER™ treatment is good for the life of the lens – it won’t wash off or wear off.

Anti-Glare

Glare is nuisance light that enters your eye and interferes with your vision. It can come directly from the light source or be reflected. Depending on the intensity of the light and what you’re doing when you experience glare, it can simply be distracting or it can be extremely dangerous.  

Anti-reflective coating on glasses improves vision and reduces eye strain. For non-prescription safety glasses, ORR Safety offers GlareDefense™.  GlareDefense™ is a lens tint that provides enhanced glare protection and reduced eye strain due to the combined effect of green and grey tints. This special lens tint eliminates glare, enhances contrast, reduces eye strain and increases visual clarity.