The Best Prescription Safety Glasses of 2023

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!

HEAT WAVE VISE Z87 safety glasses IN VAPOR CLEAR WITH CLEAR LENSES & SIDE SHIELDS

Heat Wave Vise Z87 in Vapor Clear with Clear Lenses and Side Shields

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.

Wiley X Epic in Matte Black with Clear 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.

Wiley X Judge in Gloss Black Clear Fade with Clear Lenses

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.

ArmouRx 6006 in Black with Clear Lenses

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.

OnGuard by Hilco OG220s with Brown Frame and No Lenses

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!

What are the best safety glasses for dust?

To protect yourself from dust, opticians recommend safety goggles with foam seals. Unlike standard safety glasses, goggles create a more secure fit and complete seal to prevent dust from entering your vision. Some frame recommendations are the OnGuard by Hilco OG800, the Bobster Piston, and the Wiley X SG-1.

What are the best anti-fog safety glasses?

Wiley X makes some of the best anti-fog safety glasses in their Climate Control Series. Every frame in this collection with non-polarized lenses features an anti-fog coating to keep your vision clear. Certain styles also use an anti-fog coating on every lens color available. Here are a few of our opticians' favorites that excel in fog-defense: the WX Sleek, WX Tide, and WX Enzo.

Can I get safety glasses with prescription?

Absolutely. Many safety glasses and safety sunglasses can be made with prescription lenses. At SportRx, almost every ANSI frame we carry is available with Rx lenses tailor-made to your vision needs. In addition to having the same ANSI safety rating as non-Rx lenses, your prescription lenses will also be engraved with the ANSI safety rating to demonstrate compliance.

ARE PRESCRIPTION SAFETY GLASSES WORTH IT?

Struggling with prescription inserts can be distracting when you’re on the job. And sometimes, distractions can lead to dire split-second mistakes. Insure yourself with prescription safety glasses. You'll reap the safety glass benefits AND gain the crisp vision you need to do your job.

WHAT SAFETY GLASSES DOES OSHA REQUIRE?

OSHA regulation 1910.133 covers requirements for protective equipment, but the standards come from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The standards for protective eyewear fall under ANSI Z87.1 rules.

ARE OAKLEYS OSHA APPROVED?

Although Oakley’s proprietary lens material exceeds the Z87+ rating, not all Oakley frames pass the standard. The best way to know if your frames are OSHA approved is to look for the Z87+ lens marking in the bottom corner of the lenses.

ARE PRESCRIPTION SAFETY GLASSES COVERED BY INSURANCE?

Some insurances cover prescription safety glasses. It’s best to call your insurance provider before a purchase to see what prescription eyewear benefits are available to you.

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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!