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Safety glasses are essential in many jobs and activities. They shield eyes from chemicals, dust, and UV light. Many people with prescription glasses think wearing safety glasses over regular ones is sufficient.
That may sound convenient, but it jeopardizes safety, so prescription safety glasses are a better alternative for those who require both proper vision and eye protection. They are specifically designed to combine safety features with corrective lenses.
Below are the reasons why wearing safety glasses over prescription glasses is not ideal.
Compromised Fit and Comfort
Additional bulk from putting safety glasses over prescription glasses can be uncomfortable, especially around the temples and nose. This may result in pressure points, headaches, and sometimes even bruising if worn for extended periods.
Another issue that can arise is that the added glasses can slide or shift out of place more easily. Prescription glasses are typically not designed to keep their position when the weight or friction of something else is applied to the frame. That occurs when safety glasses are worn on top of them. Shifting can cause vision distortion or a misalignment of the safety glasses, rendering them less effective in protecting your eyes.
Restricted Peripheral Vision
The loss of peripheral vision is a significant drawback of wearing safety glasses over prescription ones.
In addition to offering a broad field of vision, safety glasses shield your eyes from chemicals, dirt, and other potentially harmful environmental elements.
Prescription glasses are made to provide clear vision at specific distances, and they may struggle to withstand the additional bulk of an additional pair of lenses.
Peripheral vision lets people notice movement and detect dangers outside their direct view. Safety glasses over prescription glasses create a “tunnel vision” effect. Only the center of the view stays clear. The edges of these glasses can block or blur what people see. A small field of view reduces their awareness of moving machines or tools coming from the side. This can increase the chance of accidents.
Increased Risk of Fogging and Distortion
Another significant problem is fogging and visual distortion. Both prescription glasses and safety glasses can be subjected to fogging in high-humidity situations or when there is a temperature difference between the glasses and the surrounding air.
Combining the two increases the risk of fogging substantially. Foggy lenses can be very dangerous because they are going to obscure vision, making it difficult to see clearly. This could result in accidents, mistakes, or missed warnings in a high-risk environment.
Less Protection
Safety glasses are designed with safety in mind. Their purpose is to protect from all kinds of harmful exposure, such as debris and harsh chemicals. When worn over prescription glasses, a gap forms between the two sets of lenses that reduces the effectiveness of the safety glasses tremendously.
Distraction and Reduced Focus
Wearing two pairs of glasses might be distracting to workers. The extra glasses might impair focusing on tasks or hinder clear communication, especially when quick responses are very important.
Distorted vision or limited side views can pose a problem. Noticing dangers becomes harder. This raises the chances of accidents.
Limited Adjustability
Prescription eyeglasses are customized to fit onto a person’s face. Safety glasses do not fit well over other glasses and thus can become loose, uncomfortable, or pop out of place and not offer the protection that one needs.
Wearing both sets of glasses, particularly over longer periods of time, can become severely uncomfortable.
Increased Bulk and Weight
Safety glasses, when worn over prescription glasses, add bulk and weight, making eyewear heavy and uncomfortable. Added weight may strain the face, neck, and ears, especially during long hours at work.
Discomfort due to wearing two sets of glasses causes distraction and loss of concentration, which may increase the chances of accidents. Prescription safety glasses solve this issue.
Inconsistent Lenses
Misalignment of the 2 lenses when worn on top of each other could lead to distorted vision, making focusing on work difficult. It may result in eye strain or fatigue.
The wrong combination of coatings on the lenses of safety glasses and lenses of prescription glasses can affect the sight and safety of a person.
Job Performance
Wearing two pairs of eyeglasses may reduce job performance. People should be able to see well at work for their own safety. Poor fit, improper alignment, and irritation caused by placing a pair of safety glasses over prescription glasses may cause an individual to not pay as much attention as they should. This may lead to mistakes, slow reaction times, and an increased risk of accidents in high-risk settings.
Professional Appearance
Safety glasses over regular glasses often seem bulky and unprofessional. Workers who use both types of glasses may feel awkward at times. This may impact their confidence. It might also change how others see them at work. Prescription safety glasses have a sleek and professional design. Workers feel comfortable and confident wearing them, and they stay safe with these glasses.
Final Thoughts
Wearing safety glasses over prescription glasses causes discomfort, decreases peripheral vision, and increases the chance of fogging. Wearing prescription safety glasses is a great alternative, as they protect workers properly and combine comfort with effectiveness.