Safety Eyewear: More Than Just Sunglasses
Safety eyewear isn’t the same as your everyday sunglasses or prescription glasses. On the job, protective eyewear is specifically designed to shield your eyes from hazards while still allowing you to see clearly. Depending on your needs, you’ll find options like wrap-around frames, side-shield glasses, vented or unvented goggles, and specialized filtered lenses.
When choosing protective eyewear, it’s essential to match the type of protection to the specific hazards at your workplace. Not all safety glasses offer the same defense against flying debris, powders, liquids, or light radiation. Beyond providing the right protection, eyewear must also be comfortable, properly fitted, and suitable for the tasks at hand.
Safety glasses need to meet required industry standards, such as the ANSI Z87.1 standard in the United States. But meeting the standard is only part of the equation. The color of the lenses, often overlooked, plays a big role in reducing eye strain and improving visibility under different working conditions.
Lens color isn’t just about looks — it directly affects how well workers can see in their environment. Whether you’re working indoors or outdoors, at a computer screen, in bright sunlight, or in dim or snowy conditions, the right lens tint can make a significant difference. Without understanding the strengths and limitations of each color, you risk spending money on eyewear that looks good but doesn’t perform well for your team’s specific tasks.
Before you stock up on safety glasses, include lens color in your risk assessment process. The right lenses will help keep workers’ eyes protected and comfortable. If you’re unsure which tints are best for your workplace, consult with your safety supply dealer for tailored advice.
Common Safety Lens Colors and Their Uses
Clear Lenses
Clear lenses are the most common choice and work well in normal indoor lighting where there’s no need for glare or light filtering. They’re perfect for indoor work environments with adequate lighting and impact hazards. Some clear lenses come with a mirrored coating for limited outdoor use.
Gray, Smoke, or Brown Lenses
These darker lenses reduce sunlight and glare, easing eye strain in bright outdoor environments. They’re ideal for construction workers, drivers, and equipment operators exposed to harsh sunlight, especially around snow or water where reflected light is intense. However, they’re not recommended for indoor use, as they can make indoor lighting too dim and require time for your eyes to adjust.
Amber, Yellow, or Orange Lenses
These tints enhance contrast and clarity in low-light or dim conditions, making shapes and shadows stand out more sharply. They’re especially useful for dawn, dusk, night work, or cloudy conditions. Amber, yellow, and orange lenses also block blue light, reducing haze — making them excellent for screen work or driving in fog, rain, or snow. However, they’re less suitable for tasks where accurate color recognition is critical.
Pink or Vermillion Lenses
Pink lenses help reduce glare from artificial light sources like fluorescent or halogen bulbs. They provide excellent contrast and maintain good color recognition even in low-light settings, making them a great option for detailed indoor work.
Blue or Purple Lenses
Blue lenses enhance contrast under excessive yellow or sodium vapor lighting, while purple lenses work better in green or bluish surroundings. Both colors are useful for outdoor tasks that require enhanced contrast, though blue lenses are also commonly used indoors.
By carefully selecting the right lens colors, you can help your team stay safe, reduce eyestrain, and perform at their best — no matter what the job or environment demands.
Shop for Safety Glasses at EquipSupply.