How to Choose Safety Reading Glasses

Safety reading glasses are important for any professional who needs both eye protection and magnification on the job, and in fact, around 62 percent of the population needs to wear reading glasses due to the eye condition presbyopia.¹ 

Whether you work in a workshop, lab, or industrial environment, knowing how to choose safety reading glasses ensures you get the right combination of comfort, clarity, and certified protection. These glasses combine the protection of ANSI-approved safety eyewear with the perk of built-in magnification, allowing you to see fine details clearly while keeping your eyes safe.

ANSI-rated safety glasses are a great choice for professionals who need to read instruments in a lab, see the fine details on blueprints, work with labels, or perform precision work while protecting their eyes. RX-Safety carries a wide range of styles with varying magnifications, catering to the needs of all workers.

Determine Your Magnification Power

Understanding safety reading glasses starts with the science of magnification. Whether you need bifocal safety glasses or safety glasses with readers, you’ll need to understand your diopter strengths and how they impact reading distance and clarity. Diopter strength refers to the optical power of a lens and is normally applied to reader-strength glasses or bifocals.² Here’s a simple breakdown:

If you already wear prescription glasses, you can match your prescribed power with over-the-counter safety readers. If you don’t, testing different magnifications in a store can help you determine which level is most comfortable for your typical work distance. Choosing the correct magnification reduces eye strain and increases productivity during long workdays.

Choose the Right Lens Type

Now that you know more about choosing your lens strength, consider the type of lens you want. You have three options: 

• Full Lens Readers. These readers have a fully magnified lens. The design means you won’t accidentally look away from the magnified safety readers, making it best for extended close-up work.
• Bifocal Safety Readers. Bifocal safety readers only feature magnification in the lower section. As a result, they’re a good choice for workers who need both near and distance vision to do their jobs well.
• Prescription Safety Glasses With Readers. These prescription safety glasses are custom-made for specific vision requirements. If you need glasses normally or have one eye that needs a stronger lens compared to the other, this could be a good option for you.

Select a Frame Style That Fits Your Work

Once you have selected your lenses, consider the frame style that best suits your work. Not all safety glasses are the same. 

Here are a few styles:

• Wrap-Around Frames: If you need to be sure that your eyes are protected at all angles, such as if you work with potentially hazardous debris, then use wrap-around frames for maximum coverage and side protection.
• Traditional Frames with Side Shields: Similar to wrap-around frames, traditional safety glasses have a classic design that is suitable for labs and controlled environments. These look more like normal glasses, but the side shields still offer protection.
• Lightweight Polycarbonate or Nylon Frames: These glasses are designed for comfort and can be worn all day. They are good if you need to wear safety glasses through your entire shift, since they’re the lightest option.

For a secure fit under helmets or face shields, look for models with adjustable nose pads and temple arms. This ensures your safety glasses stay in place without compromising. 

Consider Lens Material and Coatings

The lenses in your safety reading glasses play a critical role in both protection and comfort. Selecting the right material and coatings can improve visibility, reduce eye strain, and enhance durability in your work environment.³

Some options include:

• Polycarbonate lenses are strong and have good impact resistance. They are also lightweight.
• Anti-fog coatings are ideal for humid or temperature-changing environments, 
• Scratch-resistant coatings provide better durability in the case of bumping the lenses or dropping the glasses.
• Anti-reflective coating,designed to reduce glare from screens or bright lighting.
• Tinted or polarized options can be helpful for outdoor work. They can reduce the impact of direct light, protect against UV, add a color filter, and block glare from roads or water.⁴

By combining the right lens material with these coatings, you can create a pair of safety reading glasses that balances durability, clarity, and comfort for your specific work needs.

Job-Specific Recommendations

Different professionals have unique safety and vision requirements, so the right pair of safety reading glasses can vary depending on your job. Here are some common recommendations by the industry:

Machinists, mechanics, and weld prep workers: These roles often involve detailed, close-up work. Bifocal safety readers with a magnification of +1.50 to +2.00 provide the precision needed for tasks like measuring components or inspecting machinery.

Electricians and technicians: For professionals who frequently shift focus between near and distance work, full-lens safety readers with +1.25 to +1.75 magnification offer consistent clarity for wiring, testing equipment, or troubleshooting.

Medical and lab professionals: Lightweight frames with anti-fog coatings are ideal in lab or clinical environments, where long shifts and variable temperatures can cause lens fogging. These features ensure clear vision for reading instruments, labeling samples, and maintaining safety.

If you have additional questions about your job and any job-specific recommendations, reach out to our team at RX-Safety or get in touch with your company’s human resources or safety department.

Why Buy from RX-Safety

When you buy from RX-Safety, you’re making a choice to protect your vision. All our models meet ANSI Z87.1 standards for impact protection, so you can work confidently knowing your eyes are safeguarded from flying debris and other hazards. 

Our collection includes a variety of diopter powers and frame styles, ensuring a fit for every worker’s needs. If standard magnifications aren’t enough, we also offer custom prescription lenses to match your specific vision requirements.

Get Your Safety Glasses at RX-Safety

Safety glasses keep your eyes well-protected, so you can do your job and maintain your vision. For workplace eye protection, visit RX-Safety.com to browse the full collection of safety reading glasses and find the perfect pair for your workday.

Sources:

1. Do I Need Reading Glasses? (n.d.) Optometrists Network.
2. Taking a Closer Look at a New Generation of Reading Glasses. (May 2019). West Virginia University School of Public Health.
3. A guide to lens types. (n.d.) Versant Health.
4. How to Choose the Best Sunglasses to Avoid Sun Damage. (May 2024). American Academy of Ophthalmology.