In the world of confusing safety ratings and limitless frame options, it can be difficult to decipher high-quality safety glasses from the imposters. After all, ANSI safety ratings are anything but easy to understand, and safety frames notoriously have a similar, unstylish design. Throw in the need for safety lens prescription compatibility and you could be searching online for hours. Today, the protective eyewear industry is booming with choices. While standout frames exist, you'd need some time to uncover them. That's why our team of opticians got to work and did the research for you. We've curated the top 5 best prescription safety glasses for when you’re on-the-job. These glasses deliver ANSI-rated protection, clear vision, and great style. Join SportRx as we share our picks for the best safety glasses and learn how to identify a pair yourself.
The Best Safety Glasses
A. What to Look for in Safety Glasses
B. Best Safety Glasses
1. Heat Wave Vise Z87 w/ Side Shields
2. Wiley X Epic
3. Wiley X Judge
4. ArmouRx 6006
5. OnGuard by Hilco OG220s
C. Safety Glasses FAQs
D. Shop Prescription Safety Glasses Online at SportRx
What to Look for in Safety Glasses
With no shortage of options, it's important to remember that not all safety glasses are equal. Let's review the criteria required by our opticians that allowed the upcoming five frames to make it into our lineup of the best prescription safety glasses.
ANSI Certification
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), creates safety standards and requirements for protective eyewear. To become a pair of ANSI-approved safety glasses, frames and lenses go through rigorous testing to ensure they're providing satisfactory protection. This series of testing represents common workplace hazards such as blunt force impact, dirt, dust, small particles, and liquid splashes or droplets.
In the workplace, most employers that require ANSI-approved safety glasses will enforce the ANSI Z87.1 certification. Your ANSI eyewear will have passed testing according to the safety standards outlined above and have an ANSI marking on the lens. In our lineup of the best safety glasses, all styles are ANSI Z87.1-certified. They also have an ANSI Z87-2 safety rating, which is the prescription equivalent of Z87.1.
Generous Coverage
Acting as a physical barrier between your eyes and external hazards, coverage is key to getting the most out of your protective eyewear. The best safety glasses provide generous coverage to protect you from all angles, without obstructing your view. Whether it's an 8-base wrap around design or tall and wide lenses, coverage comes in many forms. All of today's frames provide coverage in one way or another. So, they’ll keep you focused on the task at hand, while blocking potential airborne risks.
Comfortable Fit
Nothing becomes more distracting than a pair of slipping frames or squeezing temples. And when concentration is required for a job well done, neither of these imperfections will do. The best way to get a secure, comfortable fit is through proper sizing and rubber grip. Every frame in our lineup has a measurement called SportRx Frame Width, which accurately helps you understand and determine frame size. Some styles also have rubber grips to keep the frames securely in place and prevent slippage. Regardless of which style you choose, you're guaranteed comfortable safety glasses in any of today's frames.
Want to learn even more about what makes high-quality safety glasses stand out from the competition? Read our Ultimate Safety Glasses Buyer's Guide.
Best Safety Glasses
Now that you're a pro at deciphering ANSI-approved safety glasses from the wannabes, let's check out our opticians' picks for the top 5 frames!
Heat Wave Vise Z87 w/ Side Shields
Kicking off our lineup of the best safety glasses, we have Heat Wave Vise Z87 with Side Shields. Aptly named, you already know a lot about this frame just from its introduction. The original Heat Wave Vise Z87 got the ANSI treatment in this safety-rated design. With its Z87.1-certification and removable side shields, you're protected from all angles and can easily slip off the side shields after clocking out for a cool, everyday look. Vise safety glasses also use a 6-base lens curvature to lightly contour your face shape. Choose from clear safety glasses, tinted safety sunglasses, or take up the customization a notch with prescription lenses!
Shop Heat Wave Vise Z87 w/ Side Shields
Heat Wave Vise Z87 w/ Side Shields Key Features:
- Safety ratings: ANSI Z87.1 & ANSI Z87-2
- Everyday 6-base clear safety glasses or tinted safety sunglass lenses
- Removable side shields for extra peripheral protection
- SportRx Frame Width: 139 (What is SFW?)
Wiley X Epic
Next on our lineup, the Wiley X Epic is a versatile choice with a chameleon-like ability to perform in any situation. It has removable side shields so you can customize the level of protection and frame retention, and transform them into an everyday, casual pair of glasses. Its rectangular lenses work on a variety of face shapes and are customizable with prescription sunglass lens tints including transition lenses.
Shop Wiley X Epic
Wiley X Epic Key Features:
- Safety ratings: ANSI Z87.1 & ANSI Z87.2
- Removable side shields
- Casual 4 base curve
- Available with clear and sunglass lens tints
- SFW: 140
Wiley X Judge
Next up we have a pair of safety glasses that look relaxed and far from the traditional idea of safety glasses — but don't let the stylish design fool you. The Wiley X Judge is a 4-base eyeglass made of quality glossy acetate. This frame material not only looks good but performs well. The Judge is currently offered with clear lenses at sportrx.com, but can be made into prescription safety sunglasses with tinted lens colors.
Shop Wiley X Judge
Wiley X Judge Key Features:
- Safety ratings: ANSI Z87.1, ANSI Z87-2
- 4-base acetate frame
- Available with clear and sunglass lens tints
- SFW: 135
ArmouRx 6006
Next up, this pair of safety glasses accomplish the perfect blend of comfort and protection. The ArmouRx 6006 comes with a foam seal and integrated side shields to keep your eyes comfortable and debris free. The removeable head strap provides ultimate retention and turns your safety glasses into safety goggles. Catering to those who need eyeglasses, this frame is only available in prescription.
Shop ArmouRx 6006
ArmouRx 6006 Key Features:
- Safety ratings: ANSI Z87.1, ANSI Z87.1-2012+, & CSA Z94.3
- 6-base frame holds a range of prescriptions with ease
- Integrated side shield and removeable head strap
- SFW: 125 & 135
OnGuard by Hilco OG220s
Closing out our lineup of the best prescription safety glasses, the OnGuard by Hilco OG220s boasts a stylish design. In addition to providing a modern design, the OG220S is sure to keep you fully protected. From the non-conductive and lightweight nylon frame construction to the smooth blend into side shields, these contemporary safety glasses are equally impressive as they are easy to wear.
Shop OnGuard by Hilco OG220s
OnGuard by Hilco OG220s Key Features:
- Safety ratings: ANSI Z87.1, CSA Z94.3
- 6-base nylon frame is non-conductive, durable, & lightweight
- Replaceable nose bridge
- SFW: 125 & 135
Safety Glasses FAQs
If we haven't yet answered all your questions about ANSI frames, don't worry. We've got more answers!
Shop Prescription Safety Glasses Online at SportRx
We hope today's blog has equipped you with 5 reliable options for high-quality, comfortable safety glasses. Every frame is available with Rx lenses at SportRx, and we have video guides and tool tips as you customize your perfect pair. The answer to all your questions is at your fingertips, and if you want to chat with an expert, contact us. We’ll put you in touch with one of our friendly in-house Sports Opticians who can help you build your prescription safety glasses.
Ditch risky online shopping with our See Better Guarantee™. Try any of our picks for the best safety sunglasses and if you’re not 100% satisfied, just let us know. Get a full refund, exchange, or credit towards a better pair. And return shipping? We've got you covered. Get the best safety glasses online at SportRx today!