Eye safety when I need reading glasses?

andrewgr

andrewgr

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Is there a general preference for bi-focal safety glasses, vs. goggles that fit over your existing reading glasses? I'm predisposed towards the bi-focal safety glasses just because of comfort, but if they're a gimmick that doesn't really work, then I'd rather know up front. Also, if anyone has a particular brand or model to recommend, I'd like to know-- apparently the amount of the lens that's devoted to the reading magnification varies a bunch in between brands.
 
I use the bi-focal safety glasses all the time. Even at home. I have precription glasses with bi-focal and prefer to wear the safety glasses. I buy them at the local welding supply store. I usually by a couple at a time. Don't know what brand they are. I like the bigger viewing area in the bi-focal vs the ones on my prescription glasses.

D
 
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I bought 2 pair of magnified safety goggles (not bifocals) at the local welding supply. They are okay, but they tend to fog up (even though they are advertised as anti-fogging).

I often have problems with fogging of lenses in safety goggles. My best solution is to use my favorite reading glasses (2.5X) and a face shield.

I have a lot of cheap reading glasses (2.25X, 2.5X, 3X and 5X). I often switch magnifications for what I am doing.

Just make sure to work with the protection of side covers and proper lenses. A lot of reading glasses can fail (e.g. shatter) in applications calling for safety goggles. Reading glasses are not safety goggles.
 
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If you can use regular readers then the ones from your welding supply are definitely worth a try. My close up vision isn't anywhere close to those so I need to wear my prescription lenses which are now made from polycarbonate rather than glass.

A face-shield will protect the rest of your face as well but if you find that uncomfortable it's definitely worth a visit to the eye doctor to get exactly what you need. There's nothing as valuable as your sight IMHO.

John
 
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I have two or three pair in my shop that I use regularly. I also have some larger non-magnifying goggles that in the past I used over my reading glasses. Haven't had them on since I got the bifocal type. Can't help you on brand other than to say get what fits you best. I find myself usually grabbing one pair most of the time because of the fit, but I'm sure that would vary by user.

Regards
 
I used a face shield until I found magnifying safety glasses like those in David's post above. If your glasses are prescription then the face shield is your better option. I prefer the safety glasses but don't mind using the face shield at all, except in cold weather when it can fog up. I've even forgotten I was wearing it at times which can be amusing when you try to scratch an itch or wipe sweat from your face.

I also tried goggles over the glasses but they did make my glasses fog up, and I find them uncomfortable and awkward.
 
I could not use the bi-focal safety glasses because I'd be trying to put them upside down working on many things. I'm often working on stuff from all angles. I found full magnifiers were the best. I usually have that "distant stare" if I'm not focused on something anyhow so I wear them all day. I was using regular readers as "safety glasses" until a few months ago when I tried my own impact test on what I ASSUMED would be made of a polycarbonate anyhow. Test proved I was very wrong. I have since ordered the ones below off Amazon. Very happy with them.
Elvex RX-500C Full Lens Magnifier, Black Frame/Grey Temple Tips (3 Pair) (2.5 Lens)
 
I dislike bi-focals too, and have found these to my liking.

www.pyramexsafety.com

Pyramex | Leading Provider of Personal Protective Equipment

You know the job. We know the protection. Pyramex is a family-owned leading provider of high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) such as eyewear, headgear, hearing, work wear, and gloves. We promise our customers the best products, service, and, most importantly, an attitude of making...
www.pyramexsafety.com www.pyramexsafety.com

My distance vision suffers when wearing them of course, but that's not what I need them for. They come in different diopters than my link also.
 
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