Whether you need safety glasses for the workplace or a casual hobby, investing in a good pair can be one of the best decisions you ever make but how to choose between clear or tinted safety glasses? Flying debris, sparks, dust, chemical splashes, harmful UV rays, and even overly bright light can all cause serious injuries and permanent damage to unprotected eyes.
While most people understand the importance of wearing high-quality protective eyewear, choosing the right type for your needs can be difficult. To help you select a suitable pair, we will look at the difference between clear and tinted safety glasses.
We will explain the differences and take a quick look at the pros and cons, so you can have a more informed opinion on which type of eye protection is right for you!
Clear Safety Glasses
As the name implies, clear safety glasses have a completely clear lens. They are designed to protect the eyes while still enabling a crystal-clear view. Clear safety glasses are the preferred choice for those requiring an unobstructed view. Like prescription eyeglasses, a well-made pair of clear safety glasses should not inhibit visibility.
To help you decide if clear safety glasses are right for you, we are going to examine some of the advantages and disadvantages of this style of safety glasses:
Advantages of Choosing Clear Safety Glasses
Unobstructed Visibility
The most obvious advantage of clear safety glasses is that they do not obstruct your visibility. For those that want the same visibility they would enjoy if they were not wearing safety glasses, clear safety glasses are the obvious choice.
The high visibility of this safety eyewear is also preferable for those that work in low-light environments, like indoor workshops. The improved visibility clear lenses offer is also the right option for those that perform precise, detailed work, as a tint could make their work more difficult.
Versatility
Because clear safety glasses do not inhibit visibility, they are incredibly versatile. Whether you need to wear safety glasses at an outdoor construction site or work in an indoor laboratory, clear safety glasses can protect your eyes without reducing visibility. This is critical for transitioning between indoor and outdoor environments while retaining constant eye protection.
Since clear safety glasses do not alter color perception in the same way that tinted safety glasses do, they are also useful for those needing to identify slight color differences. Since this could apply to those working in a wide range of industries, it adds to the versatility of clear safety glasses.
Compatibility With Other Forms of Eye Protection
Since they do not alter visibility, you can also wear clear safety glasses with other eye protection, particularly protective face shields.
Disadvantages of Wearing Clear Safety Glasses
No Protection from Glare and Bright Light
Where tinted safety glasses offer some eye relief when working in bright environments, clear safety glasses offer none. This can lead to squinting and cause eye fatigue and long-term eye damage when working in environments with intense sunlight or light radiation.
Tinted Safety Glasses
As you may have guessed, tinted safety glasses function much the same as clear safety glasses, but the lenses have a tint or coloration that helps filter out light and reduce brightness for the wearer. These are practical for those that work outdoors in sunny locations, as well as those that work in indoor environments with bright lights or man-made light radiation.
Advantages of Choosing Tinted Safety Glasses
UV Radiation Protection
Not only do tinted lenses provide eye protection from physical debris, but they can also provide eye protection from harmful UV rays. Those that offer ultraviolet light protection are useful for those that work outdoors during the day. Like a good pair of sunglasses, the tint in these specialized safety glasses can filter out this natural light radiation.
Some tints can also help reduce eye strain caused by harsh light, like the blue light emitted by electronic screens. Over time, this light can impact sleep patterns and even cause long-term eye damage.
Enhanced Contrast and Improved Visibility in Bright Environments
By reducing glare, a high-quality pair of tinted safety glasses can also improve visibility when working in bright environments.
Some colored tinted lenses are even designed to enhance contrast, making it much easier to notice slight differences in color or shape. This feature can be particularly beneficial for those that perform detailed work in bright environments, such as electricians that work with different colored wires outdoors.
Disadvantages of Wearing Tinted Safety Glasses
Reduced Visibility in Low-Light Conditions
Since tinted lenses filter out light, they can significantly reduce visibility when working in low-light conditions. Whether you need to work indoors or you work outdoors after the sun has set, tinted safety glasses can make it difficult to see properly. This can reduce productivity and even be dangerous in many industries.
Which Type Should You Choose?
As you can see, clear safety glasses and tinted safety glasses offer unique advantages and disadvantages, so the choice depends mainly upon your specific needs and work environment.
Determine where you will be doing the majority of the work. If you often work outdoors during peak sun hours, a tinted pair of safety glasses could reduce eye strain throughout your day. On the other hand, this added protection could reduce visibility on cloudy days or if you have to work indoors.
Personal preference also comes into play, as some may find a tint distracting, while others find the tinted lenses more comfortable.
You also have the option to invest in two pairs of safety glasses if you work in an industry that requires you to work both indoors and outdoors.
Which Safety Glasses Do We Recommend?
We highly recommend these DEX FIT Anti Fog Protective Safety Glasses On Amazon – (Paid Link) for clear safety glasses. They offer an anti-fog coating and a durable, scratch-resistant polycarbonate lens. They also provide UV radiation protection and meet all international safety requirements.
For tinted safety glasses, these HexArmor VS250 Safety Glasses On Amazon – (Paid Link) offer anti-fog, scratch-resistant lenses with UV protection. They are also incredibly comfortable and meet the necessary safety requirements.
Final Words
Both types of safety eyewear can protect your eyes, so it is up to you to choose a pair that meets the requirements of your work environment and your personal preferences while still giving you a comfortable fit. Remember, the most important thing is to ensure you are always protecting your eyes!
Related Posts:
- Safety Glasses Over Glasses for Different Types of Work
- Benefits of Anti Fog Safety Glasses: You Need To Know This
- 6 Best Construction Worker Uniform Items That Are Durable & Tough
- Best Goggles For Dusty Conditions; Top Picks & Reviews
- Best Face Shield For Grinding; Best Investment For Your Safety
- 6 Tips for Choosing the Right Construction Outfit & Work Clothes
- Classification Of Personal Protective Equipment PPE