An essential feature for assuring laser safety is to have the optical density of your laser safety glasses marked directly on them. This information helps to determine the glasses’ ability to protect your eyes from laser radiation. Without this marking, it can be challenging to ensure that your glasses provide adequate protection. In that sense, all components of your laser safety eyewear, such as lasers, side shields, and frames, should meet or exceed the optical density (OD) specifications indicated on your glasses.

The lenses of your glasses must also be free from any surface defects or defects in material that could impede your vision. This means that if your glasses get scratched, they should be replaced promptly. Moreover, your laser safety eyewear should have an appropriate field of view that meets the demands of your work involving the laser.

Moreover, your laser safety glasses or goggles must meet the strength and impact resistance requirement outlined in the ANSI Z80.3-2000 standard, which is the same requirement that prescription glasses must meet. This requirement is minimal, and laser eyewear typically exceeds it.

For most laser applications, a 20% luminous transmittance is necessary, although it may not apply to all cases. Luminous transmittance is a complex term that considers not only the transmission of light through your lens but also the lighting conditions and your eye’s dilation. In general, a Visible Light Transmission (VLT) of 20% is considered acceptable.