What is Eye Protection?
Eye protection covers safety glasses and goggles that shield your eyes from debris, dust, sparks, and other shop hazards. This page features lightweight safety glasses for everyday tasks and sealed safety goggles (including ArcOne® “The Fly,” “Hollywood,” and “Coronado”) for added coverage when you need a tighter seal or interchangeable foam/gasket styles.
Safety Glasses vs. Safety Goggles
When to choose safety glasses
- General shop work, fabrication, and assembly where impact protection is required.
- Low-profile, comfortable fit that works well with hearing protection and caps.
- Clear or tinted lenses for indoor or bright conditions.
When to choose safety goggles
- Greater wrap and side coverage to help block dust and airborne particles.
- Foam or strap-on seals for a more secure fit during grinding or windy conditions.
- ArcOne® models with multiple lens colors and strap/gasket configurations for different tasks.
Anti-Fog vs. Anti-Scratch Lenses
Both coatings improve clarity but serve different purposes. Anti-fog helps lenses resist misting in humid or high-heat environments and when worn with respirators. Anti-scratch adds surface hardness to help lenses stay clear longer during daily use and frequent cleaning. Many options combine both.
Clear vs. Smoke (Tinted) Safety Lenses
- Clear: Maximum visible light transmission for indoor work, inspection, and night use.
- Smoke/Gray: Reduces glare in bright areas and near open doors or outdoor stations.
- Mirrored/Colored: Task-specific glare control—check each product page for details.
How to Size & Fit Eye Protection
- Choose a frame style that seats comfortably on the bridge of the nose and under hearing protection.
- Verify temple length/angle and nosepiece style for a secure, slip-free fit.
- For goggles, adjust the strap so the seal is snug but comfortable; add or remove foam gaskets as needed.
Use, Care & Replacement
- Rinse dust before wiping; clean with non-abrasive wipes only.
- Store eyewear in a case to protect coatings between jobs.
- Replace lenses/eyewear if they become pitted, cloudy, or cracked, or if coatings no longer perform.
Eye Protection FAQ
What’s the difference between safety glasses and goggles?
Glasses provide lightweight impact protection for everyday tasks. Goggles add a wraparound seal and strap for better protection from dust and fine particles during grinding or windy/outdoor work.
Do I need anti-fog lenses?
If you work in humid conditions, near heat, or wear a respirator, anti-fog lenses help maintain clear vision by minimizing condensation on the lens.
Which lens tint should I choose?
Use clear lenses for indoor work and inspection, smoke/gray for bright or outdoor environments, and mirrored/other tints where glare is a problem. Check each item’s spec for light transmission.
How should safety eyewear fit?
Lenses should fully cover the eye area with temples resting comfortably over the ears. For goggles, adjust the strap so the seal is snug without pressure points. If eyewear slips, choose a different temple or nosepad style.
How often should I replace my glasses or goggles?
Replace them whenever the lens is scratched, cracked, or cloudy; when frames are damaged; or when coatings no longer perform. Frequent heavy grinding may require more frequent replacements.