Post: Why You Need to Wear Glasses When Glassblowing

Why You Need to Wear Glasses When Glassblowing

Glassblowing is a mesmerizing art but comes with hazards, particularly to your eyes. The intense heat and light from the furnace emit harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation, which can cause serious eye problems over time. This is why wearing protective glasses is essential for anyone involved in glassblowing.

The Dangers of UV and IR Radiation

When gathering glass from the furnace, your eyes are exposed to UV and IR radiation. Prolonged exposure to these types of radiation can lead to a range of eye issues, including:

Photokeratitis: A painful condition similar to sunburn but affecting the cornea.

Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s lens, which can lead to blindness if untreated.

Macular Degeneration: Damage to the retina, leading to loss of central vision.

Retinal Burns: Permanent damage to the retina caused by intense IR radiation.

Protection with Phillips Safety Glasses

At Phillips Safety, we have developed a range of glasses specifically designed to protect your eyes from these dangers while allowing you to work efficiently and safely.

Our Light Green lenses are perfect for basic glassworking. They offer excellent UV and IR protection without being too dark, so you can move away from the furnace and still see what you’re working on without having to remove your glasses. The Light Green lenses provide balanced protection and visibility, making them an excellent choice for general glassblowing activities.

  • UV and IR Protection: Shields your eyes from harmful radiation.
  • Clarity: Allows you to see clearly while working.
  • Comfort: Lightweight and comfortable for prolonged use.

You can explore our Light Green lenses here.

Our Borotruview 2.0 lenses are the ideal solution for those needing more advanced protection. These lenses not only provide excellent UV and IR protection but also include sodium flare absorption. This feature is crucial for seeing details in the furnace, as it filters out the bright sodium light emitted during the glassblowing process.

  • Enhanced Protection: Superior UV and IR shielding.
  • Sodium Flare Absorption: Allows you to see fine details inside the furnace.
  • Versatility: Suitable for detailed and high-temperature glassworking.

You can find more information about our Borotruview 2.0 lenses here.

Conclusion

Protecting your eyes while glassblowing is not just a precaution—it’s a necessity. The harmful UV and IR radiation emitted by the furnace can cause severe and long-lasting damage to your eyes. You can ensure that your eyes are shielded from these dangers by choosing the right protective glasses, such as the Light Green or Borotruview 2.0 lenses from Phillips Safety. These lenses allow you to work safely and efficiently, providing the protection you need without compromising visibility.

Remember, safeguarding your vision is an investment in your long-term health and ability to continue creating beautiful glass art. Choose the proper protection and work confidently knowing your eyes are well-protected.

If you still aren’t sure which glassblowing glasses are right for you, it’s a good idea to give us a call at 1-866-575-1307 or talk to us through our chat or e-mail us at [email protected]

Our experts will be able to tell you what you need for your application.

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