5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Bifocal Safety Glasses
For hundreds of years, bifocal lenses have provided wearers the ability to see up close and far away without changing their eyeglasses. Mostly, this is helpful for reading on the go without having to switch to a pair of reading glasses. This is especially true in dangerous work environments where workers have their hands busy with their work duties, which is why bifocal safety glasses were created. In an effort to help buyers understand their options, let’s examine 5 things to consider when choosing bifocal safety glasses: strength of bifocals, style and material of frame, type and color of lenses, extra capabilities, and affordability and place of purchase.
#1. Strength of Bifocal Glasses:
The first factor to consider when choosing bifocal safety glasses is understanding what strength of magnification is needed. The units of correctional strength are measured in what’s called Diopters, which range in increments of 0.25 typically, for instance: +1.0, +1.5, +3.0. Generally, +3.0 is the strongest Diopter unit wearers will need.
To find out exactly what strength of bifocals is needed, tests are available online or a person could try some different strengths out at a local department or eyeglasses store. A prescription isn’t needed to buy bifocal lenses, so reading glasses can be found over the counter at most department stores and pharmacies.
#2. Style and Material of Frame:
This factor is important to consider carefully because it has a lot to do with the overall functionality of the bifocal safety glasses. Inherently, safety glasses are designed to fully cover the eyes, providing varying levels of protection from projectiles and particulates within a working environment. Buyers need to choose the safety glasses that will fit the work environment they’ll be used in, which has a lot to do with the style and materials of the frames.
The selection for bifocal safety glasses has expanded over the years, yet, generally, there are two different types: full framed and semi-rimless frames. The frames are either made from plastic or nylon materials, and are designed to be impact resistant, durable, and lightweight. Depending on the level of protection needed, the frames can be thicker; generally, they have wrap-around arms with a breathable nose bridge and soft rubber tips on the arm end – keeping them snugly and comfortably fit on the wearer’s head.
Frames are designed to fit universally and be used by either sex, yet more expensive safety glasses provide more flexibility, comfort, and protection. Choosing the style and material of the frame is partially a subjective choice for aesthetics; frames come in many different colors and styles. Also, buyers should ascertain what safety rating the bifocal safety glasses have, such as if they’re ANSI-approved and/or OSHA complaint.
#3. Type and Color of Lenses:
Choosing the lens type and color is an important factor to consider, as the lenses provide the most functionality and protection with bifocal safety glasses. Already, the bifocal lenses are helpful for workers with correctional needs for reading or seeing up close objects better, but lenses also can be used as sunglasses and for varying levels of protection.
The most robust lenses are ballistics-rated, impact-resistant, polycarbonate lenses. These provide the most protection for wearers, but also provide multi-functionality by turning clear indoors and gray outdoors in the direct sun. These lenses provide 100% UVA/UVB protection in the direct sunlight, then turn clear when indoors, making them extremely convenient for certain work environments. Keep in mind, these lenses turn gray when in direct sunlight, which means when they’re used in vehicles they won’t work the same, because most windshields are coated to block UV rays.
For buyers who need light-duty bifocal safety glasses, semi-rimless, non-polycarbonate lenses are available for much less. Make sure these are still ANSI-approved, to be sure they’ll provide durable protection for lighter uses – for a fraction of the price. To find out exactly what strength of bifocals is needed, tests are available online or a person could try some different strengths out at a local department or eyeglasses store. A prescription isn’t needed to buy bifocal lenses, so reading glasses can be found over the counter at most department stores and pharmacies.
#4. Extra Capabilities:
Another factor to consider is: what extra capabilities does the bifocal safety glasses have? For instance, are they thick enough to attach small lights to the sides, can the arms easily be attached to a retainer, or can the parts be removed and replaced? For most uses, standard, full rimmed, thick plastic or nylon frames with polycarbonate lenses will work fine, yet some work environments may require special capabilities – like built-in small flashlights on the sides or double bifocal lenses (top and bottom).
#3. Type and Color of Lenses:
Choosing the lens type and color is an important factor to consider, as the lenses provide the most functionality and protection with bifocal safety glasses. Already, the bifocal lenses are helpful for workers with correctional needs for reading or seeing up close objects better, but lenses also can be used as sunglasses and for varying levels of protection.
The most robust lenses are ballistics-rated, impact-resistant, polycarbonate lenses. These provide the most protection for wearers, but also provide multi-functionality by turning clear indoors and gray outdoors in the direct sun. These lenses provide 100% UVA/UVB protection in the direct sunlight, then turn clear when indoors, making them extremely convenient for certain work environments. Keep in mind, these lenses turn gray when in direct sunlight, which means when they’re used in vehicles they won’t work the same, because most windshields are coated to block UV rays.
For buyers who need light-duty bifocal safety glasses, semi-rimless, non-polycarbonate lenses are available for much less. Make sure these are still ANSI-approved, to be sure they’ll provide durable protection for lighter uses – for a fraction of the price. To find out exactly what strength of bifocals is needed, tests are available online or a person could try some different strengths out at a local department or eyeglasses store. A prescription isn’t needed to buy bifocal lenses, so reading glasses can be found over the counter at most department stores and pharmacies.
#4. Extra Capabilities:
Another factor to consider is: what extra capabilities does the bifocal safety glasses have? For instance, are they thick enough to attach small lights to the sides, can the arms easily be attached to a retainer, or can the parts be removed and replaced? For most uses, standard, full rimmed, thick plastic or nylon frames with polycarbonate lenses will work fine, yet some work environments may require special capabilities – like built-in small flashlights on the sides or double bifocal lenses (top and bottom).
#5. Affordability and Place of Purchase:
The last factor to consider is, of course, the price tag and place of purchase, which often work together. Buyers want to avoid cheap products, yet still, get a good deal for a quality product. Buying bifocal safety glasses manufacturer-direct online from Phillips Safety, for instance, gives buyers wholesale prices at a discount for quality products. Buyers should ascertain whether the place of purchase has discounted bulk rates, free shipping, good selection, fair return policy, and quality products. They should also consider the experience, expertise, customer service, shipping and handling policies, and reputation of the company, in order to validate the quality of their products and ensure a good buying experience.
Summary
Many work environments require safety glasses, and bifocal safety glasses make it safer and more convenient for workers to see clearly from far away and up close without switching glasses. Bifocal safety glasses are a major improvement in workplace safety, especially with polycarbonate lenses, which Photochromic from indoors to outdoors – making them even more convenient and safe. Comfort, durability, expanded capabilities, and added protection have also improved over the years.
These 5 factors to consider should help buyers choose the right bifocal safety glasses for the specific uses they need. Subjective tastes, bulk or individual ordering, and specific work environments will also factor into the overall decision buyers make. For 75 years, Phillips Safety has been manufacturing optical lenses for safety glasses for all applications, including military and industrial, and has the experience, expertise, and quality products that buyers can count on. Please contact us to learn more about our bifocal safety glasses.
