ANSI-approved Z87 safety glasses are made from impact resistant materials. The lenses of most safety glasses available are made from a composite known as polycarbonate. This type of thermoplastic is incredibly impact resistant, naturally transparent and offers protection from UV radiation.
While the lenses of the vast majority of ANSI-approved safety glasses available are made of polycarbonate, frame materials vary between brands. For instance, the frames of Edge’s safety glasses are made of a nylon composite that’s flexible, yet durable.
Why Regular Glasses Aren’t Safety Glasses
Regular sunglasses aren’t constructed from the same impact resistant materials as safety eyewear. That means the lenses can shatter when faced with a high-velocity impact. Plus, regular sunglasses aren’t designed to provide the full facial coverage that safety glasses are required to pass ANSI’s strict Z87 testing requirements. Finally, fashion sunglasses aren’t typically constructed to withstand impacts, which leaves the frames and lenses vulnerable to separation when impacted.
Why Care About Safety Ratings?
Fashion sunglasses that don’t come with a Z87 or Z87+ rating won’t protect against high-velocity impacts–the same that can take your eyesight away–and leave you in danger. From the jobsite to working on projects around the house, any time you’re around potential hazards it’s a good idea to protect your sight with safety eyewear.
Who is Edge Eyewear?
Edge began in 1998 with a goal of designing better safety eyewear. All of our safety glasses and sunglasses are Z87 (or Z87+) rated, constructed of uncompromisingly impact resistant materials, provide bold styling and offer advanced technologies–such as our permanent anti-fog technology and polarized lenses. Learn more about our technology, brand or shop our stylish safety eyewear now.