Best Over-The-Glasses Safety Goggles for Work

Like so many people nowadays, I wear eyeglasses to correct my vision. I am also a tradesman and part of my permanent PPE is a pair of safety glasses or safety goggles.

In my personal case, the goggles have proven to be the better choice because they can afford more room for and better-sealed protection of my costly eyeglasses.

Let’s be frank, I need my eyeglasses to see precisely what I do when at work. This is particularly so because I often use power tools that when mishandled can cause damage and injury.

I had thought about using contact lenses under safety glasses, however, even a little dust can cause eye irritation and create problems for me.

Unfortunately, not all safety goggles were designed with eyeglass wearers in mind. So, after buying several pairs, and basically remaining dissatisfied, I set out on a personal quest to find myself the best pair of safety goggles that allow me to wear my eyeglasses comfortably for long periods and afford adequate protection.

The Honeywell Stealth OTG Safety Goggles have really bowled me over and they are, even with some pretty hefty competition, my top overall choice. Let me explain why.

I spoke at length with my eye doctor and his colleagues and I want to share with you what I discovered from researching and my personal on-the-job testing. Maybe you’ll save some time if confronted with the same difficulties.

Safety Goggles

Safety goggles together with safety glasses are a standard piece of protective equipment most often found at construction sites, metal shops, industrial machine shops, carpentry businesses, or even in professional gardening activities.

Wherever there is the risk of something flying in your face and consequentially into your eyes, you should find safety glasses or goggles as part of standard work gear.

Quite a few eye injuries could be prevented with the use of safety goggles. Employers need to ensure that the required PPE is worn during any kind of work activity. Acquiring a good pair of protective goggles is necessary to protect the health of your eyes and your vision.

And safety goggles need to be tailored to your professional needs so that you will wear them willingly for an extended length of time.

The Search

It can be stressful to have to look for a pair of over-prescription safety goggles. I wanted good protection, but I was worried that they might scratch my prescription glasses. (Best Over-Prescription Safety Glasses for Work)

I also worried a lot about comfort because I work long hours. My principal concern was if a pair of eyeglasses and safety goggles are worn together would prove to be too uncomfortable. 

I began by speaking with eye care professionals by asking

1.) Are safety goggles necessary?

Yes. Safety goggles will prove to be your first defense against eye injuries. They should protect your eyes from any and all kinds of work hazards indoors or outdoors.

Protecting your eyes and vision health will inevitably save time, money and the stress brought on by eye injuries. In any case, workplace environments and employers usually will require PPE at work, and this includes a pair of certified safety glasses or goggles.

2.) What are the advantages of wearing over-the-glasses safety goggles?

The first benefit will be for your bank account. Lots of safety goggles are designed to fit well over standard prescription eyewear. They are a less expensive option than buying prescription safety glasses.

They also tend to offer better protection due to the fact that they create a seal with the skin on your face, so literally, nothing can enter. No dust, splatter, or other flying over the edge of a pair of safety glasses.

They also are manufactured with the same safety certification ratings and durability as safety glasses, prescription or not.

They will protect your eyes and your daily prescription glasses from chemicals, splatters, flying debris, dust particulates, and you won’t have to worry about them slipping off and falling.

3.) What about prescription safety glasses?

This is your least economical solution. Purchasing custom prescription safety glasses comes at an expense and safety glasses will not offer you the sealed protection that a pair of goggles will.

If you have to upgrade your prescription eyewear with a new prescription, your safety goggles will continue to protect new prescription eyewear.

Custom prescription safety glasses will need to be re-purchased if you require a new prescription and these safety glasses if scratched will incur the expense for replacement of the lenses. Over-the-glasses safety goggles can be replaced without breaking the bank. 

What Do I Need to Look for?

This is what my search taught me to verify when considering safety goggles:

Safety certification. Safety is the priority. ANSI Z87.1 certification should appear on any safety goggles you acquire. ANSI, also known as American National Standards Institute, tests and administers safety ratings.

The OSHA-Occupational Safety and Health Administration will approve them. A Z87.1 indicates that the goggles comply with ANSI requirements and are appropriate for workplace wear where PPE is required.

Materials. Often the lenses used in safety goggles are made with resistant polycarbonate. While others may be made in glass or plastic. This can be crucial when deciding. 

Both glass and plastic risk of shattering in the case of an impact accident. Shattering can permit goggle particles to scratch your prescription glasses or in a worst-case scenario reach the eyeball. 

Polycarbonate is also chemicals resistant. Its light weight and UV protection make it an appealing construction material. The outer goggle material is equally important because it can provide more flexibility translating into a better fit and more comfort.

Fit. Fit is imperative for safety. A lightweight and ergonomic design will increase comfort. Rubber-coated nose pieces and soft, flexible material can eliminate the risk of discomfort around the bridge of the nose or when adhering to the face.

Features. Safety features like impact protection are a definite plus. Depending on your profession, impact protection can be an important extra when evaluating.

Goggles should protect from debris, dirt, or liquid splashes. Anti-fog treatments are likewise important to guarantee that you can see at all times. Another kind of useful protection is UVA and UVB ray protection.

These rays are dangerous, and you are at risk if you work outdoors with direct exposure to sunlight. Tinted or polarized goggle lenses are also an option.

UV protection assists in the prevention of cataracts and macular degeneration. It should never be less than 90% with 99.9% protection being ideal.

Brand. Some manufacturers have invested decades and lots of money in the research of protective eyewear. Well-known brands have earned a reputation and will stand behind products by offering refunds, replacements, and good customer service. Quality and consistency are what consumers ask for the most. 

Cost. Undoubtedly, your wallet will play a major difference in your choice. Aim for the best quality and keep in mind sales, discounts, wholesale prices, and even coupons.

With the purchase of over-the-glasses safety goggles, you are not only protecting your eyes and vision, but you are protecting your expensive prescription glasses as well.

Top Over-the-glasses Safety Goggles

Best Overall OTG Safety Goggles

1.) Honeywell Stealth OTG Safety Goggles

UVEX by Honeywell Stealth OTG Safety Goggles

• WEAR OVER YOUR GLASSES: Unique Stealth OTG (Over-the-Glass) design fits comfortably over most prescription eyewear;
• DURA-STREME ANTI-SCRATCH / ANTI-FOG COATING:
• SPLASH & IMPACT PROTECTION: Gap-free fit protects eyes from splashes, mists, dusts etc;

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These Honeywell Safety Goggles offer lots of protection and meet ANSI Z87+ as well as CSA Z94.3 safety requirements. Offering protection against impacts, chemical splashes, and scratches.

A Dura-Streme coating guarantees anti-scratch resistance for clear vision at all times. This is crucial when you are wearing another pair of glasses underneath.

Thanks to the wraparound design, they will fit over most prescription eyewear styles and allow for solid peripheral vision while protecting the sides of your eye area.

An Uvextreme Anti-fog coating is also included on the goggles’ interior and the ventilation system minimizes the risk of fogging. Thanks to the goggle design, the fit is gap-free to protect from dust, splashes, and mists.

The goggle is flexible avoiding chafing and irritation. Lenses can be changed to varying colors thanks to easy snap-on replacement. A fabric headband provides a customized fit.

Pros

• • • • 99.9% UV protection
      • ANSI safety rated
      • Anti-scratch
      • Impact protection
      • Flexible frame
      • Anti-fog
      • Soft elastomer nose bridge and seal
      • Lenses are interchangeable

Cons

• • • • No carrying case

Best Heat-Resistant OTG Safety Goggles

2.) Sellstrom Odyssey II Protective Safety Goggles

These safety goggles are particularly indicated for blow-torch soldering, cutting tiles, or activities that can use high-temperature protection. Lenses are heat-resistant, flame-resistant, and feature ventilation to reduce the risk of fogging.

An adjustable flame-resistant cloth headband contributes to a more comfortable fit. ANSI safety approved; eyes are safe when the heat’s on.

Polycarbonate lenses are double layers and resist scratches and impact. The goggle body is manufactured in soft plastic to enhance flexibility for a custom fit with a snug seal.

Lenses offer infrared and UV protection. These fit comfortably over standard-size prescription glasses. The vents are indirect to protect from chemical splash and dust.

Pros

• • • Polycarbonate lenses
    • Soft plastic goggle body
    • Shade 5 UV and IR protection
    • Flame and heat-resistant
    • ANSI and OHSA compliant
    • Indirect ventilation to reduce fogging
    • Affordable
    • Impact protection

Cons

• • • Not suitable for some welding applications
    • Not scratch-resistant

Best Anti-Fog OTG Safety Goggles

3.) DeWalt DPG82-21C Dual Mold Anti-Fog Safety Goggles

DEWALT – DPG82-21C Dewalt DPG82-21 Concealer Smoke Anti-Fog Dual Mold Safety Goggle Smoke Lens

• Built-in ventilation Channel provides extra fog control and ventilation.
• Dual injected rubber provides a soft, comfortable seal
• Clip attachment allows for easy lens replacement
• Cloth head strap provides a comfortable, easily adjustable fit

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If you need goggles that won’t fog up while working, consider these Anti-fog safety goggles from DeWalt. They offer good peripheral vision, are designed not to fog up, and also include integrated ventilation.

The face seal is dual-injected rubber for guaranteed comfort. The cloth headband is adjustable for a good yet comfortable fit.

Tough, high-impact protective polycarbonate lenses keep you safe from any flying debris, metal, dust, or other from entering your eye zone. A clip attachment design permits you to replace or change lenses.

The polycarbonate also offers full UVA/UVB protection. These goggles fit over medium to small eyeglasses, so if you sport larger glasses, they may not work for you.

Pros

• • • Polycarbonate lenses
    • Full UVA/UVB protection
    • Adjustable headband
    • High-impact protection
    • Anti-fog
    • Lenses are replaceable

Cons

• • • Not a good fit over large-sized eyeglasses
    • Curve design may not fit all face sizes or create a seal

Best Scratch-resistant OTG Safety Goggles

4.) SolidWork Protective Eyewear Safety Goggles

Solid. Safety Goggles that fit Perfectly

• DESIGNED TO FIT YOU - The goggles soft rubber sealing molds perfectly to the shape of any face, protecting your eyes from all sides.
• SOLID. RETINA EDGE COATED LENSES - Due to the special coating, our protective eyewear is highly scratch resistant, will not fog up and protects against harmful UV rays.
• MOST COMFORTABLE - Ultimate wearing comfort is created by a soft rubber sealing, so say goodbye to painful pressure points.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

While these SolidWork safety goggles may be a little bit higher pricewise, they have all the necessary characteristics of a good pair of safety goggles that can be worn over prescription eyewear.

The safety lenses are made of tough polycarbonate that provides you with full UVA/UVB protection and is shatterproof.

The goggle frame is produced in thermoplastic rubber for the ultimate comfort when wearing. There are no pressure points or chemical odors. The design guarantees good peripheral vision.

Lenses are coated with a retina edge treatment for a highly scratch-resistant performance.  Anti-glare, anti-fogging, these goggles are ANSI Z87+ certified as well as German DIN EN 166 & EN 170 rated.

Aligned ventilation slots are covered by the lenses to ensure good airflow yet prevent dust and debris from entering.

The adjustable headband offers a more customized fit. The manufacturer will refund your money up to a year after purchase if you remain dissatisfied. 

Pros

• • • ANSI and DIN EN safety compliant
    • Polycarbonate lenses
    • Thermoplastic frame
    • Adjustable headband
    • Anti-glare and anti-fog
    • Ventilated
    • UVA/UVB protection
    • Highly scratch-resistant
    • Money-back refund up to a year after purchase

Cons

• • • Some concerns with gapping depending on face shape
    • Some fogging reported
    • More expensive

Conclusion

So here they are, my top four picks. I have worn them all and like them all. My top overall pick however remains the Honeywell Stealth OTG safety goggles because the design really feels as if it was created specifically for people using prescription eyewear.