Safety glasses are an absolute necessity in most industrial work environments. This is mainly due to OSHA requirements and looming hazards that are a liability. Safety glasses protect your eyes from these dangers, such as chemical exposure, flying debris, dirt, and other irritants.

However, as with anything that gets used in industrial environments there’s the element of wear and tear. So, how long do safety glasses last? Well, that depends on a variety of factors, including the frame materials, what the lenses are made out of, and the matter in which they are cared for.

However, safety glasses should last up to two years with proper care. If you have prescription safety glasses you should check them once a year if anything, to make sure the prescription it’s still accurate. Oftentimes, after a year or so your eyesight might change, and you may need a stronger prescription which means you would need new safety glasses.

Factors That Affect The Lifespan of Safety Glasses

Safety glasses are meant to be durable and used in harsh environments. However, that doesn’t mean that they can’t become damaged and have their lifespan shortened significantly. Here are just a few of the factors that can impact the lifespan of your safety glasses:

• Frame Material: Safety glasses are manufactured from a variety of resource materials and made in different styles. Some of the materials are more durable than their counterparts. For example, polycarbonate is more durable than aluminum when it comes to frames. Additionally, glasses with additional features such as side shields Have more surface area that can become damaged from impact.
• Workplace: Safety glasses worn in extreme environments, such as chemical plants or construction sites, will likely wear out faster than in other environments. In work environments where exposure to safety hazards is minimal, the glasses would last longer. For example, glasses used on a construction site where there’s a lot of dust around will get that build up within the frame. They’ll need to be cleaned more often to risk premature failure. However, the same construction company can have a position that is mostly in the corporate office with only random trips to actual sites. Those glasses likely won’t get used as often so they will tend to have a longer lifespan.
• Care: As with anything you own, safety glasses will not last long if you do not care for them properly. You want to make sure that you clean them regularly and store them so they can’t be scratched by objects in your drawer or wherever you keep them. It’s also important not to leave them in your car on the dash for example, in direct sunlight. Internal temperatures in your car can reach up to 200°F which can warp the frame or lenses.

Tips For Extending The Life Of Your Safety Glasses

• Keep Them Clean: Dust, dirt, and other types of debris can cause surface scratches on your lenses. This can leave your vision obstructed, which is a safety hazard. You can clean your lenses by rinsing them with water and wiping them with a microfiber cloth. Mild dish soap can be added if they’re especially dirty.  Do not use harsh cleaning products to clean your lenses. The chemicals in those cleaners can damage the coating on your lenses and even close scratches due to abrasiveness.
• Store Them In A Case: When not wearing your glasses make sure you store them in a sturdy case to avoid scratches and other damage. A good solution is a hard case made of either aluminum or carbon fiber, or alternatively having a dedicated drawer for them in something like a dresser valet is a great option.
• Inspect your glasses regularly: The best way to stay on top of safety glass maintenance is to inspect them often. If for example, your lenses are scratched, you should have them replaced. However, if there are multiple things wrong with your glasses it’s probably better to just replace them.

• Do not use abrasive cloths:  While it might seem harmless and even normal to use something like paper towels to clean your safety glasses, it’s actually one of the worst things. It may not seem like it but paper towels do carry minor abrasive textures that can leave small swirls on your lenses. Always use a microfiber that’s designated as safe for glass or lenses.

Lifespan Matters But Getting The Right Glasses Matters More

Selecting the proper safety glasses is a major factor in how well you’re protected against eye injuries. When making your selection, there are a few things to take into account such as what type of work you do, the environment in which you work, and personal preferences.

Lenses are going to be the most crucial component of whichever glasses you choose. There are a few different variations of lenses, each with its own unique protections. Impact-resistant and scratch-resistant lenses are the two most popular types.

Impact-resistant lenses feature thicker material that can withstand high-impact collisions while scratch-resistant lenses have an added coating that helps prevent scratches.

Your workplace environment will dictate which safety glasses you need. If there’s dust or other particles in the air, make sure your glasses have vents or filters for easy cleaning. If working outdoors is part of your job description, opt for lenses with UV protection to shield you from harmful UV rays.

Also, when selecting safety glasses, it’s essential to consider your personal preferences. Make sure they’re comfortable to wear and don’t obstruct your vision. Additionally, think about the style of frames and whether lens features such as polarized or non-polarized lenses best suit your needs.

For Safety Glasses That Last, Start With The Best Quality

It doesn’t matter if the lifespan of a pair of safety glasses is claimed to be one year or ten years. The fact of the matter is—they will get damaged over time. When you’re buying your first pair, it can be overwhelming knowing what to get right. We know how to guide you to the right pair for you.

Let us give you a consult and find out what type of glasses will work best for you and give you the best lifespan based on your environment.  Contact us today!