Prescription safety glasses offer more options than ever, including lens tints, protective coatings, bifocals, progressives, and lenses for strong prescriptions. One increasingly popular option is high-index lenses, which can provide a thinner profile for people who need stronger vision correction.
But can high-index lenses be used in safety glasses? Yes—but there are some important limitations.
High-index lenses are made from materials that bend light more efficiently than standard lens materials. This allows stronger prescriptions to be produced with less material, resulting in lenses that are often thinner and lighter.
For people with strong prescriptions, high-index lenses can also reduce edge thickness and provide a more streamlined appearance.
High-index lenses offer several advantages:
Thinner lenses for strong prescriptions
Reduced lens edge thickness
Potentially lighter weight
Available in single-vision and progressive designs
More attractive appearance for higher prescriptions
There are some tradeoffs. High-index lenses typically cost more, can be more reflective, and some high-index materials have lower Abbe values, which can increase chromatic aberration.
Yes. High-index lenses can be used in safety glasses when the completed eyewear meets the required safety standards.
Safety glasses are designed to protect the eyes from workplace hazards, so choosing a lens material involves more than prescription strength or appearance. The lenses must also provide the impact resistance required for the intended safety rating.
High-index materials can be more brittle than some alternative lens materials. As a result, additional lens thickness may be necessary for a high-index lens to satisfy applicable impact-resistance requirements.
For certain safety applications, high-index lenses may require a minimum center thickness of approximately 3.0 mm to meet the required safety criteria. The exact requirements can depend on the lens material, prescription, frame, and applicable safety standard.
Because of these requirements, a high-index safety lens may not be as thin as the high-index lenses used in ordinary prescription glasses.
High-index safety lenses can be a good choice for people with strong prescriptions who want to reduce lens thickness while maintaining the protection required for their workplace.
However, the best lens material depends on your prescription, frame, work environment, and required safety rating. Other materials may provide better impact resistance for certain applications.
When choosing prescription safety glasses, look for a combination of clear vision, comfortable lens thickness, and the appropriate level of eye protection for your job.
When you’re ready to order, RX Safety makes it easy to find prescription safety glasses that fit your vision and protection needs. With a wide selection of safety frames, prescription lens materials, coatings, tints, and high-index options, you can customize your eyewear for both work and everyday comfort.
As a trusted source for prescription safety eyewear, RX Safety offers quality products and plenty of options to help you find the right combination of protection, fit, and clear vision.
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g’daY i have a script of about -11.5 and also multi focal ,can the lens just be made thicker to be a safety lens. so the same curve just thicker ?
I don’t have my exact perception handy, but I know it’s around -11 in both eyes for lenses. I wear a -10 in contacts. I’ve gotten polycarbonate lenses in the past and couldn’t see anything. I’m really tired of wearing safety glasses over my glasses. Would my prescription meet ansi standards in a high index lens?
Hi Wendy,
Yes, your Safety Glasses will meet ANSI standards. Here is the link to our High Index Safety Glasses, so you don’t have to wear your safety glasses over glasses anymore.
https://rx-safety.com/product-category/master-safety-glasses/specialty-safety/high-prescription-safety-glasses/
My pxn is:
L sphere +8 cylinder – 1.50 axis 180
R sphere +8 cylinder – 1.0 axis 180
My glasses measure 49-17-130
I would love to know my options for safety glasses. I have been offered metal frames with polycarbonate lenses but my optician is not happy with this being safe.
Good afternoon!
I would like to purchase the Det Cord with prescription as a safety glass. However I have a high prescription of 4.75 and 5.5 and astigmatism of about -2.0. Which lens would you recommend. Would the high index be impact resistant?
For safety lenses you would need to go with the polycarbonte material. They are high impact rated and the lenses will be marked as such.