For the estimated 13 million Australians who need vision correction, finding the right eye protection at work presents an additional challenge. You need both clear vision and adequate safety coverage, and these requirements aren't always easy to combine. This guide explores the options available for prescription safety glasses, helping you find a solution that protects your eyes without compromising your ability to see clearly and work effectively.
The Challenge of Prescription Eyewear in the Workplace
Standard prescription glasses are not designed for workplace protection. They typically lack impact resistance, don't provide adequate coverage from peripheral hazards, and may shatter dangerously if struck. Wearing regular glasses under standard safety glasses is often uncomfortable and can cause fitting problems that reduce protection.
Fortunately, several solutions exist for workers who require both vision correction and eye protection:
- Over-the-Glasses (OTG) safety eyewear
- Prescription safety glasses with custom lenses
- Safety glasses with built-in magnification (readers)
- Prescription inserts for safety frames
Under Australian WHS legislation, employers must provide adequate PPE at no cost to workers. If you need prescription safety eyewear to perform your job safely, discuss options with your employer—they may be obligated to cover some or all of the cost.
Over-the-Glasses (OTG) Safety Eyewear
OTG safety glasses are designed to fit over your existing prescription eyewear. They're the most affordable and accessible option for prescription glasses wearers.
Advantages of OTG Glasses
- Immediate solution: No waiting for custom lenses; wear over your current glasses today
- Cost-effective: Much less expensive than custom prescription safety glasses
- Prescription flexibility: If your prescription changes, your OTG glasses still work
- Easy to share: OTG glasses can be kept on-site for visitors who wear glasses
Disadvantages of OTG Glasses
- Bulk: Wearing two pairs of glasses is heavier and more cumbersome
- Increased fogging: The gap between glasses creates conditions for condensation
- Reduced peripheral vision: The larger frame required to fit over glasses limits side vision
- Comfort issues: Pressure points and fitting challenges are common
- Style limitations: OTG glasses have limited style options
OTG glasses are best suited for occasional use, temporary situations, or workers with frequently changing prescriptions. For daily use, custom prescription safety glasses generally provide a better experience.
Custom Prescription Safety Glasses
Custom prescription safety glasses combine your exact vision correction with impact-resistant lenses in a safety-rated frame. They're the premium solution for workers who need both vision correction and eye protection daily.
How They Work
You provide your current prescription to a supplier who specialises in occupational eyewear. They grind safety-rated lens materials (typically polycarbonate or Trivex) to your prescription and fit them into frames certified to AS/NZS 1337.6 (the standard specifically for prescription eye protectors).
Custom prescription safety glasses must comply with AS/NZS 1337.6, which has specific requirements for prescription eye protectors. Regular optical glasses fitted into safety frames may not meet workplace safety requirements.
Advantages
- Single pair convenience: One pair of glasses serves both vision and safety needs
- Better comfort: Designed to fit your face, not to fit over other glasses
- Reduced fogging: Lenses sit close to your face like regular glasses
- Full peripheral protection: Frames can include side shields for comprehensive coverage
- Professional appearance: Many styles are indistinguishable from regular glasses
Considerations
- Higher cost: Custom prescription safety glasses are a significant investment
- Lead time: Manufacturing takes days to weeks depending on prescription complexity
- Prescription lock-in: Changing prescriptions means new lenses or entirely new glasses
- Prescription limitations: Very strong prescriptions may require thicker lenses with reduced impact rating
Safety Glasses with Built-in Readers
For workers who only need reading magnification (presbyopia), safety glasses with built-in bifocal or progressive segments offer a convenient solution. These are sometimes called "reader safety glasses" or "magnifying safety glasses."
Available Magnification Options
Reader safety glasses typically come in standard magnification powers:
- +1.0 to +1.5 diopters: Mild presbyopia, suitable for those just beginning to need readers
- +1.75 to +2.0 diopters: Moderate presbyopia, the most commonly needed strengths
- +2.25 to +2.5 diopters: Stronger magnification for more advanced presbyopia
- +3.0 diopters: Maximum magnification typically available in ready-made readers
These off-the-shelf options are much more affordable than custom prescription safety glasses and are available for immediate use. However, they only provide magnification—they don't correct for astigmatism, nearsightedness, or other vision issues.
If you're unsure of your reading magnification strength, most pharmacies have test cards to help you determine the appropriate power. However, for precise requirements, consult an optometrist.
Prescription Inserts
Some safety eyewear systems, particularly goggles and full-face shields, accept prescription inserts. These are small prescription lenses that clip or mount inside the main protective eyewear.
How Inserts Work
A prescription insert is a separate carrier frame with your corrective lenses that fits inside goggle-style safety eyewear. The outer protective lens provides impact and splash protection, while the insert provides vision correction.
Ideal Applications
- Laboratory goggles requiring chemical splash protection
- Full-face respirators or shields
- Specialised environments requiring sealed eye protection
- Workers who switch between different types of protective eyewear
Understanding AS/NZS 1337.6
While regular safety glasses fall under AS/NZS 1337.1, prescription safety eyewear has its own standard: AS/NZS 1337.6 (Personal eye protection – Prescription eye protectors against low and medium impact).
Key differences from the main standard:
- Covers low and medium impact levels only (high impact is not typically achievable with prescription lenses)
- Includes requirements for optical accuracy of the prescription
- Specifies marking requirements for prescription eye protectors
- Addresses fitting and adjustment considerations
When purchasing prescription safety glasses, verify they comply with AS/NZS 1337.6 for workplace use.
Getting the Right Fit
Proper fit is crucial for prescription safety glasses. Poorly fitted eyewear can cause:
- Headaches from incorrect optical centre alignment
- Eyestrain from lenses not positioned correctly for your eyes
- Safety gaps where debris could enter
- Discomfort leading to removal during work
Always have prescription safety glasses professionally fitted. Key measurements include:
- Pupillary distance (PD): Distance between the centres of your pupils
- Optical centre height: Where your pupils align with the lens
- Frame dimensions: Matching frame size to your face
- Temple length: Ensuring comfortable fit behind your ears
Cost and Coverage Considerations
Prescription safety glasses represent a significant investment. Here are some options for managing costs:
Employer Contribution
Many employers contribute to or fully cover the cost of prescription safety eyewear. This is particularly common in industries where eye hazards are significant. Check your workplace policy or speak with your HR department.
Health Fund Benefits
Depending on your health insurance policy, prescription safety glasses may be partially covered under optical or ancillary benefits. Check with your fund about claiming safety eyewear.
Tax Deductions
If you pay for prescription safety glasses yourself and your employer doesn't reimburse you, you may be able to claim a tax deduction for work-related expenses. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
Request information about your workplace's prescription safety eyewear policy. Ask about approved suppliers, coverage amounts, replacement schedules, and whether annual eye exams are also covered.
Choosing Your Solution
The best prescription safety eyewear option depends on your specific circumstances:
- Occasional use: OTG glasses provide adequate protection without significant investment
- Daily use with stable prescription: Custom prescription safety glasses offer the best experience
- Reading magnification only: Off-the-shelf reader safety glasses are affordable and convenient
- Goggle or sealed protection required: Prescription inserts may be the only viable option
Consider your work environment, frequency of use, budget, and how often your prescription changes when making your decision.
Conclusion
Needing vision correction shouldn't mean compromising on eye safety. With options ranging from affordable OTG glasses to custom prescription safety eyewear, there's a solution for every situation and budget. Take the time to understand your options, involve your optometrist in the decision, and work with your employer to find a solution that keeps you seeing clearly and working safely.
For general information about safety eyewear, see our Beginner's Guide to Safety Glasses.