Is it time to replace your safety eyewear? Signs to watch for

January 10, 2025

Safety eyewear, like other protective equipment, has a limited lifespan. Factors such as use, maintenance, and evolving technology influence how often it should be replaced. To ensure maximum protection and visibility, it’s essential to recognize when your safety eyewear needs to be updated. Here are five key signs that it’s time for a replacement.

1. Blurry Vision

Prescription Changes

If your vision becomes blurry, it could indicate that your prescription has changed. In this case, schedule an eye exam with your optometrist. Updated prescriptions mean new safety eyewear is needed to maintain both clarity and safety on the job. Including regular eye exams as part of your workplace safety program ensures all employees maintain good vision for safe work practices.

Persistent Blurriness After Cleaning

If blurriness persists even after cleaning your lenses, it may not be your eyesight but rather the condition of the eyewear. Common issues include:

  • Fogging more frequently
  • Increased glare
  • Difficulty seeing clearly despite a clean lens

Over time, surface treatments like anti-fog and anti-glare coatings wear down due to scratches and regular use, reducing the clarity and functionality of the lenses.

2. Aging Equipment

Safety eyewear technology advances rapidly. If your eyewear is more than three years old, there’s likely newer, better-performing equipment available. Modern designs often feature improved materials, enhanced protective coatings, and increased comfort. Staying updated isn’t about aesthetics—it’s about better safety and performance.

3. Visible Damage

Damaged eyewear may fail to protect you in critical moments. Damage can occur from:

  • Impacts (e.g., stopping a projectile)
  • Frequent drops or rough handling
  • General wear and tear

Inspect your eyewear regularly for cracks, scratches, or signs of structural weakness. If in doubt, replace it to ensure your protection is not compromised.

4. Job or Task Changes

When starting a new job or taking on new tasks, reassess your safety eyewear. A thorough hazard assessment ensures the equipment matches the risks of the new environment or duties. Consider:

  • Characteristics of the wearer (e.g., prescription needs)
  • Specific job tasks
  • Workplace environment

Don’t assume your old eyewear is adequate for new challenges. A proper assessment will identify the right protective equipment for your needs.

5. Maintenance and Storage Issues

Proper care can extend the lifespan of your safety eyewear:

  • Clean regularly: Use manufacturer-recommended methods to maintain clarity and prevent damage.
  • Store correctly: Keep eyewear in a protective case when not in use to avoid scratches and exposure to damaging elements.
  • Inspect frequently: Before each use, check for signs of wear, damage, or malfunction.

Following these steps ensures your eyewear remains effective and meets safety standards.

Safety eyewear seals and nosepieces are considered “wear and tear” parts. These will deteriorate over time. Rather than obtain new safety eyewear, you have the option of replacing the seal or nose piece by taking your eyewear to the optometry clinic where you made the original purchase. In almost all cases, the cost of replacing the seal or nosepiece is substantially less than replacing the entire safety eyewear.

Conclusion

Safety eyewear is a critical component of personal protective equipment, and its condition directly impacts your safety. By recognizing signs of wear, keeping up with advances in technology, and performing regular maintenance, you can ensure your eyewear provides maximum protection. Remember, your sight is invaluable—take the necessary steps to safeguard it.

 

Sign up for Eyesafe™-T-News

What’s new in the world of workplace eye safety? Sign up to learn the latest—we’ll keep you posted by emailing you the details you need to know.