Are you working in an environment that is potentially hazardous to your eyes? If so, how confident are you that your eyewear meets the necessary safety standards for prescription safety glasses in Canberra?
Bulky “over-the-glasses” (OTG) fit-overs, are usually a poor substitute for proper prescription safety eyewear.
Also, there is also a misconception that all safety glasses offer the same level of protection. But that isn’t true.
I’m Juliet Menakaya. As the owner and principal optometrist at Junic Eye Care, I’ve seen firsthand the difference that the right pair of prescription safety glasses can make in preventing serious eye injuries. My goal is to ensure that everyone, from hobbyists to professionals, has access to eyewear that not only meets safety requirements but also provides comfort and clarity for everyday use.
Choosing the right safety glasses today can prevent irreversible damage tomorrow. So keep reading if you would like to make informed safety choices for yourself or your employees.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Prescription safety glasses offer superior comfort, protection, and visual clarity compared to OTG options.
- Ensuring your eyewear meets standards such as AS/NZS 1337.6 is crucial for adequate protection.
- Safety glasses designed with quality materials are essential to prevent serious eye injuries from impact, chemicals and UV rays.
Key Features of High-Quality Prescription Safety Glasses
What makes a pair of prescription safety glasses truly reliable? It’s not enough to have a prescription that matches your vision; the features that contribute to safety and comfort are equally crucial.
Impact resistance and durability are two things that deserve special attention. The lens material, such as polycarbonate or Trivex, plays a significant role in ensuring your glasses can withstand harsh conditions. In Canberra, where work environments vary greatly, complying with the AS/NZS 1337.6 standard for impact resistance is essential. This ensures that your eyewear isn’t just protective but also resilient enough to handle unexpected impacts, making it a vital part of your safety gear.
Comfort and fit are another priority. Ergonomically designed frames that fit your face well are going to produce less strain during prolonged use. Features like adjustable nose pads, temple arms, and wraparound frames allow for a personalized fit, enhancing comfort. Additionally, clear peripheral vision is vital in hazardous environments where awareness of surroundings can be a lifesaver. Proper ventilation within the frames also helps to prevent fogging, especially in Canberra’s diverse climate, ensuring that your focus remains clear, even in challenging conditions.
Lastly, lens coatings and enhancements can make all the difference. Anti-scratch coatings prolong the life of your safety glasses, while anti-fog features maintain clarity across varying temperatures. UV protection is crucial for those who work outdoors, shielding your eyes from harmful rays.
So, selecting high-quality prescription safety glasses involves careful consideration of durability, comfort, and protective features that go beyond the lens prescription. Your eyes deserve nothing less.
Selecting the Right Prescription Safety Glasses in Canberra
How do you choose the right prescription safety glasses for your needs? The first step is to assess the specific hazards present in your work environment. Different workplaces pose different risks, and understanding these is the foundation to making the right choice. For instance, if your job involves exposure to bright lights or reflective surfaces, selecting appropriate lens tints can help reduce glare and improve visibility. On the other hand, if you work in a dimly lit area, clear lenses may be more suitable.
When it comes to frame material and design, your choice can impact both comfort and durability. Metal frames offer strength and longevity, making them ideal for more demanding environments. However, plastic frames are lighter and can be more comfortable for long-term wear. High-wrap frames that provide full peripheral coverage are particularly beneficial in environments where debris or particles are a concern, as they offer added protection from side impacts.
Ultimately, the right prescription safety glasses should not only meet your visual needs but also provide the appropriate level of protection against the specific hazards you face. Take the time to evaluate these factors and ensure that your eyewear is not just functional but also effective in keeping you safe.
Employer Responsibilities for Eye Safety in the Workplace
Employers have a critical role in protecting their employees’ vision, especially when the job involves potential hazards. Conducting thorough workplace safety assessments is the first step. Every workplace should have a process for identifying which employees are at risk and determining the appropriate protective eyewear. Collaborating with optometrists can further refine this process, offering tailored solutions that meet individual needs while ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Providing customized safety eyewear is more than just a regulatory requirement; it’s an investment in employee well-being. Glasses that meet AS/NZS 1337.6 standards are essential, and employers must ensure these are available to all at-risk employees. Additionally, offering training on the correct usage and care of safety glasses helps maximise their effectiveness. This knowledge empowers employees to protect themselves and avoid common mistakes that could compromise their safety.
Regular eye exams are another important aspect of maintaining workplace eye safety. Scheduling routine check-ups ensures that any changes in vision are promptly addressed, and that the prescription safety glasses remain effective. It’s also an opportunity to update safety protocols based on the latest risk assessments, ensuring that the protective measures in place continue to meet the needs of the workplace.
In essence, employer responsibility goes beyond merely providing safety glasses. It involves ongoing evaluation, education, and proactive management of eye safety standards.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual direct cost of eye injuries in Australia | More than $155 million |
| Percentage of eye injuries preventable with appropriate protection | Up to 90% |
| Percentage of eye injuries occurring in the workplace in Australia | 60% |
Comparing Prescription Safety Glasses with OTG Options
Why should you consider prescription safety glasses over OTG (Over the Glasses) options? OTG safety eyewear may seem convenient, but it often falls short in terms of comfort and functionality. Wearing OTG glasses for extended periods can lead to discomfort due to the bulk and the pressure they exert on your existing glasses. This can cause headaches and distractions, which are far from ideal in a work setting.
Visual clarity is another concern with OTG glasses. Misalignment between your regular glasses and the OTG safety eyewear can lead to distorted vision, which not only impacts your performance but can also be hazardous. Additionally, OTG glasses are typically limited in style and customization options, meaning they are less likely to provide the personalised fit and professional appearance you might prefer.
On the other hand, prescription safety glasses are designed to fit perfectly, offering superior comfort and a more aesthetically pleasing look. The tailored fit ensures that the glasses stay securely in place, reducing the risk of slippage or pressure points. Furthermore, prescription safety glasses are more likely to comply with stringent safety standards, providing you with reliable protection without compromising on style or comfort.
While OTG options might be a quick fix, prescription safety glasses offer a far more effective and comfortable solution, making them the better choice for long-term safety and workplace satisfaction.PSG Eyewear – Available at Junic Eye Care
PSG Eyewear is a leading provider of certified safety frames and lenses in Australia and New Zealand, specializing in prescription safety glasses that comply with the AS/NZS 1337.6 standard. Established in 2006, PSG has become the largest supplier in the region, supporting over 700 optical retailers with a wide range of frame and lens options. As a division of Essilor, the global leader in corrective lenses, PSG benefits from advanced lens and coating technologies.
PSG’s products are designed to protect employees across various industries, including mining, construction, manufacturing, and agriculture. They offer customized fitting, ensuring compliance and safety, backed by technical support and fast turnaround times. PSG’s commitment to quality is reinforced by ISO 9001 certification, comprehensive liability insurance, and a written certificate of compliance for all products.
In addition to safety, PSG emphasizes style and comfort, partnering with top safety frame manufacturers like Ugly Fish, Armourx, and Workplace Eye Protection. Their extensive product line provides solutions for diverse safety needs, from industrial environments to home DIY projects.
Our practice is an authorised distributor in Canberra for PSG Eyewear.
CONCLUSION
Investing in prescription safety glasses instead of bulky, ill-fitting “over-the-glasses” eyewear can significantly improve visual clarity, comfort, and overall safety in hazardous environments. High-quality safety glasses not only protect your eyes from impacts but also provide UV protection and chemical resistance for complete safety.
Delaying your decision to invest in proper safety eyewear could result in severe eye injuries that might have been easily prevented.
Be proactive about eye protection—secure your appointment today and protect your eyes with the best prescription safety glasses available in Canberra.
To visit our optometry practice, click the “Book Online” button at the top of the page or call (02) 6152 8585 today.
You’ll find our clinic conveniently located in the Molonglo Health Hub, just a short 10 minute drive from central Canberra, with plenty of free parking when you get here.
CANBERRA OPTOMETRIST
Juliet obtained her Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Benin, Nigeria in 2006. She completed an internship programme before migrating to Australia, where she completed a master’s degree in public health at the University of Sydney in 2014. Following this, Juliet obtained a Master of Orthoptics from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in 2017.
Juliet has completed her competency in optometry examination with OCANZ (Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand), and obtained her ophthalmic prescribing rights from ACO (Australian College Of Optometry Victoria). Juliet has worked in various positions, including retail Optometry, the Ophthalmology Department at Canberra Hospital, and more recently, at the John Curtin School of Medical Research (ANU).
As a dedicated Canberra optometrist, Juliet is passionate about helping people with low vision, and binocular vision anomalies hence her interests in Low Vision Rehabilitation, Eccentric Viewing Training and Paediatric optometry.