8 Ways To Save When Purchasing the Best Safety Glasses
When you get a job at a factory or lab, your employer will often require safety glasses. However, if you are not used to purchasing glasses, the task can seem a bit overwhelming and expensive. There, when looking for the best safety glasses, you should consider the following ways to save on your purchase.
1. Check for Employee Coverage
When you work in a position that requires employees to wear prescription safety glasses, many employers will cover the total cost or a portion of it. If the employer does not cover the expense, you can check your employee insurance plan. Unfortunately, not all insurance programs will cover glasses, but specific industries might help offset the cost.
2. Use a Private Insurance
If your employer or employee benefits do not cover any portion of the expense, you can consider purchasing and using private insurance. First, however, make sure that vision is included in the policy or select a vision-only policy. Typically, vision insurance will provide a limited allowance for purchasing glasses, including protective eyewear.
3. Make Sure Prescription is Current
Too many people order safety glasses with a dated prescription. You do not want to make such a mistake. Using an old prescription means you will diminish the usable lifespan of your glasses. Instead, go and get an eye exam before choosing your glasses, and prolong the length of time you can wear them without modifications.
4. Check With Clinics Offering Free or Discounted Vision Checks
Before scheduling an eye exam, call several local clinics and doctors. Many establishments will offer free or discounted vision checks as long as you purchase the safety glasses from the store. Some places might offer free or discounted checks with no strings attached, but you will want to clarify the promotion with any store you contact.
5. Purchase Quality Frames for the Best Safety Glasses
While purchasing quality frames initially might not save in the short-term, your wallet will thank you in the long term. While prescription lens will need to be swapped out every one or two years, good-quality frames can last a long time, especially when cared for and maintained. So it is worth spending a little more today to save tomorrow.
6. Consider Lens Options Carefully
You can purchase lenses with various options, but you do not need everything despite the multitude of finishes and tints you can buy. For example, do you need anti-fog safety glasses? If you work in hot factories and sweat a lot, you might, but you can probably skip the upgrade if you work in a lab with temperature control.
7. Purchase Online
Many online eyeglass places are cheaper than going to a brick-and-mortar business. The reason for the often significant savings is the lack of overhead. An online business does not have the expense of multiple properties, and they can often do most of the lens work in-house, passing the savings onto the customer.
8. Use Virtual and Online Tools
Many people avoid buying through online stores because they want to try things on. However, digital tools are incredibly advanced, and it is now possible to take a selfie and have the computer show you what different glasses would look like on you. Also, some stores will allow you to order a few other pairs to try them on at home. Both options will enable you to take advantage of the online discounts and advantages.
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FAQs
Can wearing plastic safety glasses damages the wearer’s eyesight?
For some reason, many people believe that wearing safety glasses somehow damages eyesight. While some safety glasses can lead to eye strain, it is often the result of a correctable issue, like a poor fit. The fact is safety eyewear, even with plastic lenses, is designed to protect the eyes, not damage them.
What makes safety glasses safe?
Safety glasses are created using a polycarbonate material, which is lightweight and durable. Compared to regular glasses, the polycarbonate provides more impact resistance, making the material a safer option when working or being active in a way that might increase the risk of eye injuries. In addition, safety eyewear provides more resilience to flying debris than other forms of eyewear.
Can you use regular glasses instead of prescription safety glasses?
You cannot and should not use regular glasses instead of safety glasses. If you wear prescription lenses, purchase prescription safety glasses. Regular glasses are not built to the same specifications as safety products. Unless you wear glasses specifically designed for impact resistance, you will need safety glasses when working or participating in activities that can be dangerous to your eyes.
When should you wear safety glasses?
Safety glasses are necessary for a variety of industries, including industrial and manufacturing positions. Primarily, you want to wear safety glasses whenever working in conditions that can result in eye injuries. You’ll also want to wear safety glasses when handling anything hazardous. While most of the focus is on protection while working, it is possible to need safety glasses for hobby activities as well.
How can you tell if your safety glasses are OSHA-approved?
While all employers can require employees to wear safety glasses above and beyond the OSHA standards, they do not have to. OSHA does not explicitly endorse any particular brand of glasses, but it does require the marking of the American National Standards Institute: ANSI Z87.1-2010. The marking should be present on both lenses and the frames.
