Categories of Safety Glasses: Choosing Protection Made Simple

Choosing the right safety glasses isn’t just about compliance—it’s about providing real protection and comfort that your team will actually use. Modern workplace hazards vary, but so do the solutions. Here’s an updated breakdown of today’s most important categories, all aligned with the practical selection available through Bridgemart's partnership with Walmart Vision Centers.

1. Wrap-Around Safety Glasses

• Coverage: Maximum, with curved lenses and side shields to protect from lateral and frontal hazards.

• Applications: Industrial, manufacturing, construction, and any setting with considerable flying debris or dust.

• Features: Lightweight frames, anti-fog coatings, and snug, comfortable fit engineered for prolonged wear.

• Why It Matters: Superior coverage reduces risk from projectiles or splashes without sacrificing comfort or visibility.

2. Metal Frame Safety Glasses

• Coverage: Balanced; designed for professionals who interact with the public but need ANSI-certified eye protection.

• Applications: Laboratory, healthcare, service, manufacturing, or when presentation and protection are both important.

• Features: Sleek, stylish design, adjustable temple bars, compatibility with prescription lenses, and optional side shields.

• Why It Matters: Provides both durability and a professional look—ideal for frequent public or client-facing roles.

3. Plastic Frame Safety Glasses

• Coverage: Versatile, often lighter and more flexible than metal.

• Applications: Daily workplace tasks, general industry, and environments where comfort for long shifts is a priority.

• Features: Available in a wide range of modern styles, colors, and fits; accommodates prescription lenses.

• Why It Matters: Often more budget-friendly and ergonomic for routine protection needs; still meets ANSI Z87.1 standards.

4. Premium/Titanium Safety Glasses

• Coverage: High, with enhanced durability and frame strength.

• Applications: Demanding industrial environments, electrical work, or need for long-lasting eyewear.

• Features: Titanium and advanced alloys provide superior impact resistance, flexibility, and corrosion resistance. Non-conductive options are available for electrical safety.

• Why It Matters: Best-in-class for longevity, impact absorption, and comfort—especially for tough, harsh environments or frequent adjustors.

5. Nylon Wrap Frames

• Coverage: Near-goggle level, with added resistance to electrical hazards.

• Applications: Electrical work, workshops, settings prone to electrical discharge, or needing maximum eye and peripheral protection.

• Features: Thick, insulating, impact-resistant frames, usually made in the USA. Provide excellent side and frontal shielding; non-conductive for electric safety.

• Why It Matters: Offers a middle ground between traditional safety glasses and full-seal goggles, especially where electrical insulation is critical.

Quick Reference Table: Core Safety Eyewear Categories Available Through Bridgemart + Walmart Vision Centers

What Else Should You Consider?

• Prescription Compatibility: All core frame categories available through Walmart Vision Centers accommodate prescription lenses, which employees can access through the Bridgemart platform.

• Coatings & Treatments: Most frames can be equipped with anti-fog, scratch-resistant, blue light blocking, or polarized coatings—available at select Walmart locations.

• Style & Comfort: Modern designs ensure employees get eyewear they actually want to wear, improving compliance and real-world protection.

• ANSI Z87.1 & CSA Z94.3 Compliance: Every option meets or exceeds industry safety standards—something Bridgemart ensures across all offerings.

Make the Right Choice—Easily

Bridgemart makes it easy for employers to outfit their teams through a streamlined platform that connects employees directly to Walmart Vision Centers. They receive pre-approved funding options, expert fitting, and access to a wide range of safety eyewear—all meeting regulatory standards and built for their specific job demands.

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