If you are a professional landscaper, gardener, or lawn maintenance professional you already know how important it is to have protective eyewear on the job. Even if you only mow your own lawn and take care of your own garden, you have several major workplace hazards to keep in mind.
The first involves your working outside all day long in direct sunlight and that means ultraviolet ray exposure. Then you need to consider bits of vegetation or debris that can fly into your eyes as well as any chemicals you may be using that can potentially splash toward your face.
After consulting several teams of professional gardening and lawn maintenance pros who tested safety glasses for us specifically in relation to lawn care, our top choice falls to the Jackson V30 Nemesis Polarized Safety Glasses because they are ergonomic, comfortable, wraparound, and lightweight. They also meet ANSI Z87+ safety standards and offer great UV protection. Polarization reduces uncomfortable glare while you are at work.
Comparison of Top Safety Glasses for Lawn Care
| Safety Glasses for Lawn Care | Lens | Frame | Safety | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson V30 Nemesis Polarized | Polycarbonate | Gun metal | ANSI / ISEA) Z87.1+, 99.9% UV protection | Wrap around, Polarized lenses |
| 3M Safety Glasses Virtua CCS | Polycarbonate | Plastic | CSA Z94.3-2007 ANSI Z87.1-2020. UV protection | Removable foam gasket, Anti-fog coating, Lightweight |
| NoCry Safety Glasses with Wrap-Around Lenses | Polycarbonate | Rubber | UV protection | Wraparound, Adjustable, Scratch resistant, Antifog |
| Magid Iconic Y50 | Polycarbonate | Nylon | ANSI Z87+, 99.9% UV protection | Temple pads lateral shields, Various tints |
| Dewalt DPG82-11 CTR Anti-fog | Polycarbonate | Rubber | ANSI Z87.1+, UV protection | Goggles, Replaceable lenses, Vents |
| Safety Works 817691 Over Glasses | Glass | Plastic | ANSI Z87.1 | Over-specs, vented |
After a couple of weeks of “on-the-job” research, we formulated our best safety glasses for lawn care list. Here are our choices:
1. Jackson V30 Nemesis Polarized Safety Glasses (Best Overall)
The great thing about these safety glasses is that they are polarized. They also don’t appear to be safety glasses but rather look like really cool sunglasses.
They are incredibly comfortable for all-day wear and they feature earplugs at the end of the arms to help keep your sunglasses fixed in one place.
They reduce glare greatly improving vision clarity for on-the-job precision. Frames are produced with nylon and are exceptionally lightweight.
These V30 Nemesis sunglasses also reduce 99.9% of UVA and UVB rays giving you incredible ultraviolet protection. They are scratch-resistant and impact-resistant.
Pros
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- Comfortable ergonomic design
- Stylish
- Glare reduction
- Protect peripheral vision
- Very Lightweight
- Great UV protection
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Cons
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- Slippery nose piece
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2. 3M Safety Glasses Virtua CCS (Most Protective Safety Glasses for Yard Work)
- DUST DEFENSE
- WRAP AROUND DESIGN provides extended eye protection and unobstructed viewing.
- ANTI-FOG LENS COATING and removable foam-lined gasket with airflow vents
- INDOOR/OUTDOOR LENS TINT
- CORDED EAR PLUG CONTROL SYSTEM
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These are premium choice safety glasses. A unique wrap-around design provides you will all-around protection from any number of hazardous elements.
3M products are compliant with OHSA standards for safety. The foam gasket is removable and functions as a seal to protect your eyes from dust, particles, and unwanted moisture.
The gasket features airflow vents for added comfort and breathability. The long-lasting anti-fog coating coupled with scratch-resistance makes these lenses exceptionally attractive.
A corded system for earplugs that doubles as a lanyard is included in the package. These 3M glasses meet the High Impact requirements of CSA Z94.3-2007 and ANSI Z87.1-2020.
Pros
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- OHSA and ANSI certified for high impact resistance
- A removable foam gasket
- Anti-fog coating
- Lightweight and flexible
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Cons
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- Limited sizes
- Compatible earplugs are sold separately
- Not polarized for glare reduction
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3. NoCry Safety Glasses with Wrap-Around Lenses (Best Anti Fog Glasses for Lawn Care)
- DESIGNED TO BE PROTECTIVE AND BUILT TO LAST
- CUSTOMIZABLE FOR ULTIMATE FIT AND COMFORT
- FOG, GLARE, AND SCRATCH RESISTANT FOR BETTER VISIBILITY
- IDEAL FOR WORK AND PLAY
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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.
These glasses finish on almost every one of our best safety glasses list regardless of the profession. If “One size fits all” isn’t for you, these safety glasses offer great adjustability.
They come in several colors and offer a fit that is a bit snugger than other safety glasses by competitors. They are among the bestselling safety glasses on the market.
Ideal for pros that work in just about any work environment, they have a stylish wraparound lens design in polycarbonate that offers protection from various hazards you may encounter while on the job.
These glasses are practically customized thanks to their adjustable design. Soft silicone nose pieces and a weight of only 28 grams guarantee incredible at work, particularly in hot or humid conditions. They also are scratch and fog resistant.
Pros
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- Lenses made in Polycarbonate
- Customizable fit
- Silicone Nose piece
- Wrap-around lenses design for peripheral vision
- Scratch-resistant
- Anti-fog
- UV protection
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Cons
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- Over-ears arms may be uncomfortable
- No case
- Lenses are not tinted for sunlight
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4. Magid Iconic Y50 Safety Glasses (Scratch Resistant Safety Glasses for Lawn Care)
- Stylish, classic design promotes worker compliance
- Low base curve frame and clear side shields provide excellent peripheral vision and protection
- Glasses are packed one pair per wiper case making it easy to keep the glasses clean and smudge-free
- Scratch resistant hard coat polycarbonate lenses in clear and grey offer long-lasting protection
- Black nylon frame with soft grey temple pads for comfort
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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.
These are safety glasses designed to protect your eyes from all directions thanks to lateral shields. These shields offer protection from all and any angles so flying grass from lawnmowers won’t catch you off guard.
Thanks to their transparency they guarantee great peripheral vision. The design is classic but stylish with a black nylon frame and soft temple pads for added comfort during long work shifts under the hot sun.
Pros
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- Classic design
- ANSI Z87+ certified
- Temple pads
- Lateral shields
- Polycarbonate Lenses available in various tints
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Cons
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- Some fogging when worn together with a mask
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5. Dewalt DPG82-11 CTR Anti-fog Safety Goggle
- 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
- Tough, polycarbonate lens provides impact resistance.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
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.
If you prefer goggles for complete coverage, these Dewalt anti-fog goggles are super. The lenses are polycarbonate offering impact resistance for flying debris.
They offer great protection from dirt, mists, chemicals, grass, and particles. Manufactured with dual mold rubber, the goggles conform easily to your face.
They also come with ventilation channels for increased breathability. The lenses can be replaced. Meet ANSI Z87.1+ safety standards. Available with tinted smoke lenses.
Pros
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- Replaceable Lenses
- Scratch and impact-resistant
- Adjustable cloth head strap
- Breathable
- Budget-friendly
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Cons
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- Large goggles require greater storage space
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6. Safety Works 817691 Over Glasses Safety Glasses (Most Affordable)
- This product is easy to use
- This product is highly durable
- Manufactured in China
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
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.
If you want to wear your own polarized sunglasses or even prescription sunglasses, no worry! These Safety Works over glasses are a great alternative for protecting both your eyes and your personal eyewear while curing the lawn or garden.
They are certified for ANSI Z87.1 standards and will protect your eyes and glasses from dust, dirt, grass, wood chips and just about anything that mother nature can blow your way when working in the garden.
They are vented for breathability and will protect your personal eyewear from scratching. Lens material is glass.
Pros
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- Impact resistance
- ANSI certified
- Budget-friendly
- Comfortable and adjustable
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Cons
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- No string or band to keep them on
- Lenses are not tinted
- No UV protection
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Some of the major safety risks involved in lawn care that you may encounter include:
1.) Debris from your lawnmower and we’re not referring to grass! Plastic toys, metal garden spikes, and loose branches from trees and bushes can be launched toward your face from your mower’s blades. Even a tiny bit of debris can scratch the cornea if it lands in your eye.
2.) Ultraviolet rays. These rays can burn your eyes if they are exposed for extended, long periods of time. Mowing a lawn or gardening takes time especially if you do it as a profession, so your eyes are at risk for damage.
3.) Fertilizers and pesticides. Safety glasses or goggles can protect your eyes from chemical splashes when working with pesticides or fertilizers, but they can also protect you from unseen substances that may be dispersed in the air by the passage of your lawnmower or hedge cutting devices.
Think About Your Safety
Safety certification is identified by an ANSI stamp. The American National Standards Institute is a private, non-profit organization that creates safety standards for numerous products available.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has adopted the standards defined by the ANSI to ensure the health of professionals in the workplace.
The ANSI has established two classifications for impact safety: basic impact and high impact. Frames and lenses of safety glasses are tested as one in the high impact testing, while in basic testing they are tested separately.
The safety certification for protective glasses is identified by a Z87 marking. This indicates basic impact while high impact safety certification will be marked as Z87+. UVA, UVB, and UVC ratings will be identified separately.
Lens Material especially for lawn maintenance professionals is an important consideration. While many safety glasses may have glass lenses, most safety glasses, and particularly safety sunglasses will have lenses made in polycarbonate. Polycarbonate lenses weigh much less, are more impact and shatter resistant and they filter UV rays.
See also: Best Bifocal Safety Glasses
Things to Consider while Choosing Safety Glasses for Lawn Care
When you are selecting safety glasses for Lawn Care, there are several factors that you should seriously consider.
1.) Comfort. Your safety glasses need to be comfortable. The bottom line is you won’t wear them after a while if they aren’t. Rubber temple points, a cushioned nosepiece, and a good facial fit are very important to prolonged comfort during the workday.
2.) Ultraviolet Protection. This is a very wise investment in any pair of safety glasses used outdoors. This type of protection will specifically lower any risk of damage to your eyes and your vision long-term. Of fundamental importance, if you work outdoors and as a result, you are constantly exposed to UV light.
If possible, look for UV protection that is at least 90%. UV protection can help you avoid cataracts and macular degeneration. Some glasses will offer UVA, UVB, and UVC protection.
3.) Peripheral Eye Protection. When you work in gardening or lawn maintenance, all sorts of things can hit you from the side. Tree branches, bushes, large plants or flowers as well as flying debris from the lawnmower or other power tools can hit you in the eye laterally.
Only safety glasses with wraparound designs or lateral shields together with goggles will afford you peripheral protection.
4.) Adjustability. A pair of safety glasses or goggles that are adjustable will help you with the fit and consequentially comfort.
Adjustability will guarantee that your safety glasses are not too loose and therefore they don’t fully protect you, or too tight making you uncomfortable and maybe even giving you a headache.
Look for features such as a comfortable brow, flexible temples, and an adaptable nosepiece. One-size-fits-all is never ideal for safety glasses that must be worn daily for long periods.
5.) Cost. Price is always a consideration. Undoubtedly, you’ll want the best quality for the best price, but cheap is not synonymous with quality. Buy the best possible glasses you can afford. A little bit of a higher price may save you later expensive costs as a result of injury.
6.) Brand and Manufacturer. A good number of manufacturers have decades of experience in both research and the production of protective eyewear. Brands, especially those that are well known and that have earned a reputation over a period of time due to the quality of their products.
They will stand by their products, offer good customer service. Quality, consistency, and customer trust are priorities for brands that have a reputation to defend.
7.) Quality. This is the primary ingredient in any product. Look for quality materials and quality manufacturing processes when selecting.
8.) Instructions and User Guidance. A buyer must know how to correctly use a product and how to care for the product. Customer guides should be understandable and user-friendly and should accompany every product.
9.) Durability. Ideally, you don’t want to have to replace safety glasses every couple of weeks or even every couple of months. Here customer feedback can be vital to understanding the potential durability of a product with proper care.
10.) Warranty. Some manufacturers will offer a limited warranty or even a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the product. This will give you an idea about the manufacturer’s seriousness about the product.
See also: Top Work Boots for Landscaping
The Bottom Line
When involved in lawn care, whether as a profession or as an investment in your own property, your eyes will be at risk to some degree.
Whether this risk comes from machinery and tools you use, flying debris or vegetation, or from working for extended periods in direct bright sunlight, your eyes may face hazards while you work.
To protect your vision and eye health, you need a good pair of safety glasses or goggles. Our top choice of Jackson V30 Nemesis Polarized Safety Glasses offers you comfort, ANSI certification, UV protection, glare reduction, and peripheral protection for a reasonable price.
