Each industry presents different kinds of safety hazards to its employees. This is why wearing safety equipment is a must. When it comes to the eye area, flying or falling objects or particles and debris can be very harmful. That being said, a set of protective gear should never be considered complete without proper eye equipment. Additionally, eye-shields may also protect against visible and near visible light or radiation from UV rays. The two most widely used choices are safety glasses and goggles. Let’s compare the two so that you can make an informed decision regarding which one suits your needs best.

Safety Glasses

Flying or falling pieces around your workspace will not be a problem once you have your safety glasses on. The safety frames, safety lenses, and side shields will provide all the necessary protection. As a part of the safety equipment of so many industries, safety glasses are designed to ensure that they can withstand high impact, thus protecting the eyes from objects that can cause bruises or more permanent damages. Compared to safety goggles, these are more comfortable to wear since they allow for a lot of airflow while being used. Safety glasses are also used when there are potential environmental hazards, like chemical splashes, sprays, particles, and irritants. For the optimal fit and performance, these come with adjustable temple length and nose pads, as well as angle adjustments.

Safety Goggles

Goggles may be used as a substitute for safety glasses with side shields. These are most appropriate for large-scale construction projects. The safety goggles will shield your eyes from heavy-duty debris caused from, for instance, grinding metal. The goggles provide complete coverage of the eye area and around it and they also have a strap, which helps to hold the goggles securely against the face. There are three main types of goggles: indirect ventilation, direct ventilation and non-ventilated. Indirect-ventilation goggles are best for those who come into contact with acids and chemicals. These provide air-flow without letting contaminators get to the eyes. Direct-ventilation goggles have front-facing vents and offer the best protection against foreign particles and debris. These may not come in handy with splashes since the airflow comes from the front. And, finally, the non-ventilated goggles have no vents but provide the greatest protection from any kind of debris or splashes.