Are Your Safety Goggles Truly Impact-Resistant? Here’s How to Find Out

Eye protection is non-negotiable when you’re working in risky environments or engaging in high-impact sports. However, not all safety glasses deliver the protection they promise—some claim to be impact-resistant, but how can you verify they meet rigorous safety standards?

Whether you’re on a construction site, in a lab, or playing sports like racquetball or basketball, selecting genuinely impact-resistant safety glasses can be the difference between safety and serious eye injuries. Here’s how to ensure your goggles are up to the task.

1. Verify ANSI Z87.1 Certification

A reliable way to confirm impact resistance is by checking for ANSI Z87.1 certification, a standard set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to ensure eyewear can endure high-velocity impacts.

How to Check:

• Look for the Z87+ or Z87.1 marking on the lens or frame.
• The “+” indicates the goggles meet high-impact standards, capable of withstanding more intense impacts than basic-rated options.

2. Inspect the Lens Material

The lens material is critical for impact resistance. Standard plastic or glass lenses can shatter upon impact, posing a risk of severe eye damage. Instead, opt for:

• Polycarbonate lenses – Up to 10x more impact-resistant than plastic, while remaining lightweight for prolonged use.
• Trivex lenses – Comparable to polycarbonate but offering superior optical clarity.

These materials are engineered to absorb shock without breaking, making them perfect for both work and sports settings.

3. Test the Frame’s Durability

Impact-resistant safety glasses need to withstand more than just direct hits—their frames should also handle shock without failing.

How to Test:

• Gently flex the frame—it should bend slightly without snapping.
• Ensure the goggles have reinforced side shields for added protection against debris.

4. Opt for Wraparound Frames for Maximum Coverage

Debris, dust, and chemicals can strike your eyes from various angles. Wraparound safety glasses provide:

• Enhanced side protection
• A tight fit to eliminate gaps
• Wider peripheral vision for sports and hazardous work environments

Your eyes are invaluable, so don’t compromise on protection. By ensuring ANSI certification, choosing durable lens materials, testing frame flexibility, and selecting wraparound designs, you can trust your safety glasses to deliver top-tier safety and performance.

Browse our collection of high-impact prescription and non-prescription safety glasses today and keep your eyes secure in any setting!