Types of Safety Glasses: Features and Fit

Unsure whether to use safety goggles or glasses? When should you wear safety glasses? Start with the basics of eye safety: the potential hazards in your work environment affect the level of eye protection you need, ranging from traditional spectacles up to gasketed safety glasses or goggles. Then factor in fit: well-fitted eyewear should minimise space between the lenses and your face to reduce exposure. Finally, other performance features like lens colours, coating options and more can help enhance your safety—and your style.  View all products

sideview of 3M safety glasses showing movement of the temples
Design options for comfort and fit.
  • For when all-day comfort is a must, look no further than this innovative eyewear that provides comfortable pressure equalisation by allowing the temples to flex and self-adjust to the size and shape of the wearer’s head.

  • Need comfort with customisation? This eyewear offers a lower-profile frame, padded temples and a soft nose bridge, plus a variety of lens and frame colours and a stylish fit—delivering protection that’s both reliable and fashionable.

  • Facing dust, splash or vapour hazards? Our safety goggles create a protective seal around your eyes—and they’re comfortable to wear and available with Scotchgard™ Protector Anti-fog and Anti-scratch coating for visibility when you need it most.

close up of man wearing tinted safety glasses
Lens options for style and safety.
  • example of clear tint lens
    Clear

    Highest visual acuity and colour recognition.

  • example of gray tint lens
    Gray

    Reduces overall brightness of visual light.

  • example of amber tint lens
    Amber

    Increases contrast by filtering hazy and blue-coloured light.

  • example of indoor/outdoor
    Indoor/Outdoor

    Slightly reduces overall brightness of visible light.

  • example of blue tint lens
    Blue (excl. "sodium blue")

    Reduces brightness and glare from yellow light sources. Not intended for use in glass blowing.

  • example of polarized lens
    Polarized

    Reduces overall brightness, glare and reflected light.

  • example of mirrored lens
    Mirrored

    Reflects light sources, helping reduce brightness.

  • example of photochromic
    Photochromic

    Darkens when exposed to UV light (outdoors) and lightens when UV light is reduced (indoors).

  • example of infrared filters
    Infrared Filters

    Reduces infrared radiation.

  • example of brown tint lens
    Brown

    Reduces overall brightness, typically allowing color recognition.

  • example of vermillion tint lens
    Vermillion

    Helps improve visual acuity and contrast.

  • example of organe tint lens
    Orange

    Reduces blue light in specific applications, e.g., blue light curing.

close up of worker wearing safety glasses
Coating options for eye protection.
  • sideview of worker with 3M eyewear, hard hat, and comms
    Anti-scratch

    Our standard anti-scratch coating increases the scratch resistance and durability of the lenses.

  • worker wearing head, eye, and hearing protection
    Anti-Fog/Anti-Scratch

    Our anti-fog/anti-scratch coating helps minimise lens fogging issues while providing scratch resistance and durability.

  • worker wearing coveralls with hood, eyewear, and a reusable respirator
    3M™ Scotchgard™ Protector Anti-fog Coating

    Tested to EN168 N & K for anti-fog and anti-scratch, this is our most advanced coating, which resists fogging longer than traditional anti-fog coatings through up to 25 washings with water.

close up of woman wearing 3M eye protection for her safety
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