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Safety gear is required on job sites for a variety of professions, and DIYers are strongly advised to follow that lead when tackling projects. Depending on the task, this may mean hearing protection, knee pads, and—whether in a home workshop, at a construction site, or in a medical facility—anti-fog safety glasses. Working in a humid environment or simply exerting oneself is enough to fog up a pair of safety glasses, dangerously obscuring one’s vision. Anti-fog glasses have coatings and venting that prevent them from fogging up, ensuring the user can see clearly while operating a dangerous power tool or treating a patient. The best safety glasses also protect the user from projectiles, be that debris from a woodworking project or bodily fluid during a dental or medical procedure.
Safety eyewear comes in a range of types, including standard clear safety glasses, those that fit over prescription eyeglasses, prescription lens versions, and even bifocals. These glasses are available in different tints and a variety of levels of protection from projectiles, which is so vital when it comes to using various power tools. All these options can make choosing the right pair a challenge. This guide will add clarity by examining the most important factors to consider when shopping for a pair of anti-fog safety glasses while also reviewing some of the top models on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Milwaukee Performance Safety Glasses
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: DEWALT DPG94-1C Dominator SAFETY Glasses
- BEST OVER PRESCRIPTION: B.ANGEL Anti Fog Safety Glasses
- BEST PRESCRIPTION: RX Safety Prescription Safety Glasses RX-15011
- BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: NoCry Lightweight Protective Safety Glasses
- BEST FOR OUTDOORS: Ergodyne Skullerz Dagr Polarized Safety Sunglasses
- BEST FOR READING: 3M Safety Glasses with Readers
- BEST GOGGLES: DEWALT DPG82-11C Concealer Anti-Fog Safety Goggle
- BEST STYLE: Magid Y50BKAFC Iconic Design Series Safety Glasses
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Anti-Fog Safety Glasses
Ahead, learn more about the different types of safety glasses as well as such important features as lens material, comfort, and safety.
Type
There are three basic types of anti-fog safety glasses to choose from.
- Standard: Standard safety glasses consist of a clear polycarbonate lens that is hard enough to endure projectiles. These glasses may be frameless or have a full frame.
- Bifocal: Those who need reading glasses often face a conundrum with safety glasses. They need the protection safety glasses offer but may still require the magnification of reading glasses, which can be critical to safety when working with machinery and other items with directions and warning labels printed on them. Bifocal anti-fog safety glasses provide protection and magnification.
- Overprescription: These safety glasses are large enough to fit over prescription glasses, so the user needn’t wear contact lenses to see well and have proper eye protection. Just keep in mind that these types of safety glasses can be bulky and uncomfortable.
- Safety sunglasses: In addition to safety, this type is tinted to provide glare protection from the sun. Safety sunglasses are obviously an asset when working outdoors.
- Safety goggles: Unlike safety glasses, which are supported by arms and a nosepiece, goggles wrap firmly around the head using a flexible strap that holds the lens tightly to the face. Goggles have rubber gaskets that provide a tight seal around the eyes, protecting them from fluids and dust as well as projectiles.
Work Environment
The work environment largely determines what type of glasses are the right choice. Those working mainly outdoors should consider safety sunglasses, which provide a tint that will eliminate glare from the sun. Clear safety glasses are the best choices for indoor use. Safety glasses that protect the wearer from chemicals and fluids are the best choice for lab workers and medical personnel, while goggles that offer full coverage are ideal for environments in which there is dust and debris floating in the air.
Lens Material
Nearly all safety glasses are made from polycarbonate, a hard plastic capable of resisting impacts from projectiles. This material also has less than half the weight of glass, so it’s much more comfortable to wear for long periods. That said, polycarbonate is also a softer material than glass, which means it has the potential to scratch much more easily. As such, polycarbonate lenses typically have scratch-resistant treatments to improve durability. Anti-fog safety glasses also have a chemical coating that resists condensation, thus it prevents fogging from occurring on the surface of the lens.
Visibility and Tint
Visibility is key with any pair of safety glasses, so ensure the lenses are large enough to allow for a broad field of vision. Beyond lens size, consider that safety glasses come in both clear and a variety of tints and coatings.
- Clear glasses are ideal for indoor use, providing protection while maintaining excellent visibility.
- Tinted lenses shield the wearer’s eyes from the sun by decreasing the level of light that can pass through them, making them suitable for outdoor use.
- Polarized safety glasses reduce glare as well as light intensity, while many types of safety glasses also have UV coatings that block harmful UV rays from reaching the wearer’s eyes.
- Orange-tinted lenses that can make the surrounding environment appear brighter, making them suitable for low-light conditions.
Comfort
A good pair of safety glasses should be comfortable, especially if one is wearing them throughout a full 8-hour workday. They should fit well around the nose, ears, and face, neither so tight that they are uncomfortable nor so loose that they continually slide down. They should be lightweight so they don’t feel heavy, and the ends of the arms and the nosepieces should have a soft rubber coating to help keep the glasses firmly in place while preventing them from shifting while working.
Design
With a well-made pair of anti-fog glasses, the user won’t be periodically removing them to wipe away moisture that could otherwise impair their vision. Anti-fog glasses should have an anti-fog coating as well as vents either in the side, top, or bottom to allow for airflow that prevents the lenses from fogging up.
Frame style basically comes down to full frame or frameless. Full-frame glasses may offer more durability, so they’re good for active work environments, but they somewhat inhibit peripheral vision, reducing overall visibility. Frameless safety glasses may not be as durable, but they do offer a better field of vision. Fashion does enter the picture a bit, however, as some manufacturers strive to make their safety glasses look attractive. After all, the better the glasses look, the more apt folks are to wear them!
Safety Features
When shopping for a pair of safety glasses, it’s crucial to consider their safety rating. Choose only safety glasses with an ANSI (American National Standards Institute) rating of Z87 (basic impact rating) or Z87+ (high-velocity impact rating), which means the glasses are capable of enduring projectiles, such as a pellet from a pellet gun. Some safety glasses come with military-grade protection, which means they are capable of withstanding projectiles fired at even greater speeds.
In addition to the hardness of the lenses, some safety glasses include other safety features, such as gaskets that create a seal around the eyes for better protection. Some glasses also have shields that protect the sides of the glasses.
Our Top Picks
The products below were chosen by using the criteria above and include some of the top safety glasses on the market. While various types of safety glasses to suit different needs are presented here, all models are anti-fog and ANSI rated for protection from projectiles.
Best Overall
Milwaukee Performance Safety Glasses
These standard safety glasses from Milwaukee provide superior eye protection from all angles. They feature gaskets that create a seal around the eyes, protecting the wearer against not only head-on projectiles but also those that might come from the side. The excellent fit makes the glasses well suited for dust- and debris-filled work situations, such as sanding drywall or cutting through masonry. Plus, the gasket is removable for jobs that require less protection.
The lenses on this Milwaukee model are also harder than those found on most safety glasses. While many products will have an ANSI Z87 rating, these have military-grade protection, giving them the ability to resist impacts of up to 725 feet per second.
Product Specs
- Lens: Clear and polarized available
- Type: Standard
- Safety rating: MIL-PRF
Pros
- Removable gasket
- Military-grade protection
- Multiple tint options
Cons
- Pricier than some options
Best Bang for the Buck
DEWALT DPG94-1C Dominator SAFETY Glasses
Quality ANSI-certified safety glasses needn’t break the bank. This very affordable full-frame pair boasts a wraparound style for excellent protection. Thick arms add durability, while rubber coatings on the nosepiece hold the glasses in place while the user works.
DeWalt’s standard safety glasses come in various lens tints ranging from clear to smoke, offering 99 percent UV protection. With a price tag about half the price of some other safety glasses, it may make sense to purchase several pairs of Dominators. This way, there will always be a pair handy to provide for indoor and outdoor needs.
Product Specs
- Lens: Clear, smoke, gradient, indoor/outdoor, yellow, mirror, smoke
- Type: Standard
- Safety rating: ANSI Z87.1
Pros
- Affordable
- Multiple tint options
- Heavy durable construction
Cons
- Full-frame style limits field of vision
Best over Prescription
B.ANGEL Anti Fog Safety Glasses
Overprescription safety glasses are bigger than standard versions, so they must be lightweight; this pair from B.Angel certainly is, but smart design lets it go the extra mile for added user comfort. The wide wraparound clear polycarbonate lens is just large enough to fit over a standard pair of prescription eyeglasses.
Thanks to the cup shape, the glasses provide safety from the sides as well as the front. The arms cleverly extend from the tops of the frame before arcing down to fit behind the ears to avoid the arms of eyeglasses. The fit of the frame to the forehead and behind the ears is also adjustable, another plus for comfort. Anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings ensure these lenses don’t impede visibility.
Product Specs
- Lens: Clear
- Type: Over prescription
- Safety rating: ANSI Z87
Pros
- Adjustable frame
- Wraparound coverage
- Anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings
Cons
- No tint options
Best Prescription
RX Safety Prescription Safety Glasses RX-15011
Folks needing prescription lenses who also wear safety glasses regularly are wise to invest in a pair of prescription safety glasses. Fortunately, these RX Safety models are very reasonably priced, to be one of the most affordable options for prescription safety glasses. They come in a range of style options, including these frames, which marry attractive design with excellent coverage.
In addition to ANSI-rated impact-resistant lenses, these RX Safety glasses include shields on both sides that extend well onto the arms for added protection. Rubberized nose pads and side arms keep the pair squarely in place. RX Safety’s frames come in a host of color options from black to crystal red. Prescription lens options range from single vision to bifocal with material options ranging from impact-resistant polycarbonate to high-index plastic that offers excellent clarity.
Product Specs
- Lens: Clear and tinted available
- Type: Prescription
- Safety rating: ANSI Z87-2+
Pros
- Stylish look
- Excellent coverage
- Affordably priced for prescription glasses
Cons
- More expensive than over-prescription safety glasses
Best Lightweight
NoCry Lightweight Protective Safety Glasses
With their lightweight look and feel, these safety glasses from NoCry can be worn for hours in total comfort. The wraparound design protects from debris as well as liquid splashes, and the ANSI-rated polycarbonate lenses have an anti-fog coating. This design makes them well suited for use in the medical and dentistry fields as well as for outdoor sports such as cycling.
The frameless design also provides ample peripheral vision that’s lacking in safety glasses with full frames. Pads on the end of the earpieces help create a snug fit that keeps the glasses in place. NoCry safety glasses come in translucent gray, orange anti-blue light, and tinted gray.
Product Specs
- Lens: Clear, tinted, orange
- Type: Standard
- Safety rating: ANSI Z87.1
Pros
- Lightweight
- Frameless design allows for max peripheral vision
- Sleek stylish look
- Scratch- and fog-resistant coating
Cons
- No pad on the nosepiece
Best for Outdoors
Ergodyne Skullerz Dagr Polarized Safety Sunglasses
A durable design coupled with polarized lenses makes these Ergodyne sunglasses ideal for outdoor job sites. With their military-grade impact-resistance rating, they offer some of the best protection of any safety glasses on the market. Anti-scratch and fog-resistant lenses ensure good visibility even in humid environments.
A thick blade-style frame that’s designed to bend before it breaks adds durability, while ample rubber on the nosepiece and arms keeps the glasses secure even if the wearer sweats. These rugged features do add a noticeably heavier look and feel, which may impact the comfort of some wearers.
Product Specs
- Lens: Clear and tinted available
- Type: Standard
- Safety rating: MIL-PRF
Pros
- Rugged construction
- Military-grade impact protection
- Anti-fog coating
- Anti-slip rubber coatings
Cons
- Heavier feel than other safety glasses
- Pricey compared to others
Best for Reading
3M Safety Glasses with Readers
These 3M safety glasses allow the wearer to read medical charts or manuals without having to trade off for a pair of reading glasses. They consist of a bifocal lens with a clear prescription-free top and a lower section magnified 1.5 to 2.5 times. This makes them ideal for doctors, dentists, or other professionals who need to protect their eyes and read while working.
A retro translucent-gray frame adds style, while shields on the top and sides provide comprehensive protection from projectiles or fluids. Rubber coatings on the arms and nosepiece add comfort while keeping the glass securely in place. 3M’s safety glasses are also available in a dark tint.
Product Specs
- Lens: Clear, tinted
- Type: Bifocal
- Safety rating: ANSI Z87.1
Pros
- Provide magnification for reading
- Shielded top and sides
- Soft rubber nosepiece
Cons
- Cannot be adjusted for fit
Best Goggles
DEWALT DPG82-11C Concealer Anti-Fog Safety Goggle
These safety goggles from DeWalt are ideal for jobs that require total coverage, such as when working with hazardous chemicals or where lots of dust and debris is afloat in the air. The wraparound design creates excellent coverage over and around a pair of prescription glasses, if necessary. Gaskets around the inside of the lens create a tight fit to the face, providing max coverage.
The lens itself is coated with DeWalt’s XtraClear anti-fog coating to provide maximum fog protection as well as a hard coating that resists scratches. Ventilation channels at the top and bottom of the lens allow for airflow. An adjustable neoprene strap provides a secure and comfortable fit. This set of goggles comes with a clear or tinted lens.
Product Specs
- Lens: Clear, tinted
- Type: Goggles
- Safety rating: ANSI Z87.1
Pros
- Comprehensive protection
- Anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings
- Adjustable neoprene strap
Cons
- Bulkier than other safety glasses
Best Style
Magid Y50BKAFC Iconic Design Series Safety Glasses
Safety glasses are more about function than fashion, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a little style. These standard safety glasses from Magid boast a vintage-inspired full black frame equipped with side shields for comprehensive protection. The polycarbonate lenses are ANSI rated and come in a variety of colors and tints. Plus, while a designer look usually means a steep price tag, these cool safety glasses are more affordable than most standard models.
Product Specs
- Lens: Many options
- Type: Standard
- Safety rating: ANSI Z87.1
Pros
- Stylish look
- Side protection
- Anti-fog coating
- Affordably priced
Cons
- Frames limit the field of vision
Our Verdict
For their design that offers comprehensive eye protection, Milwaukee Performance Safety Glasses are one of the best ways to protect one’s eyes whether in the workplace or home workshop. Those looking for a more affordable option should consider DEWALT DPG94-1C Dominator Safety Glasses, which are about half the cost of other fogless safety glasses.
How We Chose the Best Anti-Fog Safety Glasses
In making our selections for this list of top safety glasses, we considered a variety of important criteria. First and foremost, safety glasses must be able to endure impacts from projectiles, so we only chose ANSI-rated safety glasses, and beyond that favored those with military-grade protection. Coverage is also vital to safety glasses’ effectiveness, so we chose those that offer side coverage as well as head-on projectile protection.
Many jobs require wearing safety glasses for the entire workday, so we favored lightweight models with comfortable design attributes. This includes rubber-coated arms and nose pads, as well as features that allow the user to adjust fit. While style wasn’t a major factor, some people may be more likely to wear safety glasses that are flattering versus those that are not, so we chose attractive models when possible.
FAQs
If you’re wondering how to clean your new anti-fog safety glasses or how often you’ll need to replace them, read on for answers to some of the most common questions about this type of safety equipment.
Q. How do I clean my anti-fog safety glasses?
First, blow away any loose dirt or dust that may be on the lenses. Then rinse the lenses under a faucet or spray them with a lens cleaner. Use a microfiber cloth to dry the lenses.
Q. Can anti-fog safety glasses protect your eyes from glare?
Yes, many anti-fog safety glasses feature coatings that help reduce glare and even protect your eyes from UV rays.
Q. How long do anti-fog safety glasses last?
Most goggles and safety glasses are good for about 3 years of regular use before they need to be replaced. Since safety glasses are typically worn in harsh environments, they eventually become scratched, requiring you to replace them periodically.