Best Bifocal Safety Glasses


Wearing safety glasses is an essential part of any workplace safety program. However, if you have vision issues that require you to wear reading or prescription glasses, it can be difficult to find the right pair of bifocal safety glasses that offers both protection and clear vision.

Fortunately, there are a variety of quality bifocal safety glasses available that provide the best of both worlds. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best bifocal safety glasses on the market and how they can help keep you safe and comfortable in your work environment.

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Best Bifocal Safety Glasses

Gateway Safety 46MA10 StarLite MAG Safety Glasses

Gateway Safety Glasses with Bifocal Readers

The Gateway safety glasses with bifocal readers are an excellent choice for those looking for lightweight protection and great design. The ultra-lightweight frame makes them comfortable to wear all day, while the deep, universal-fit temples provide good side protection.

They are independently tested and meet both ANSI Z87.1+ and CSA Z94.3 standards so you can feel confident that they’ll keep your peepers safe and sound.

Available in +1.0 – +3.0 diopters in +0.5 increments, you can also choose from different tints and lens treatments such as anti-fog and mirrored lenses.

The reading lens sits at the bottom of the glasses with not-too-large or small coverage, allowing you to read or do close-up work without distraction.

The main complaint seems to be that the anti-fog coating doesn’t work so well, so if you’re working in humid conditions you may need to consider a different pair of bifocal safety glasses.

Overall though, these are a great value for money and an excellent choice for those looking for comfortable safety glasses with bifocal readers.

Crews BKH15 BearKat Magnifier Safety Glasses

MCR Safety Crews Reader Safety Glasses

The Crews Bearkat bifocal safety glasses are a good choice for those who don’t want too large a reading lens at the bottom of their safety glasses.

The wraparound lens covers the entire eye area and around the sides, providing you with clear peripheral vision and all-around protection.

These glasses meet both ANSI Z87.1+ and CSA Z94.3 standards, with rubber temples to keep a secure grip.

With up to +2.5 diopters available and a choice of smoke and clear lenses, these glasses offer great protection as well as a comfortable fit.

The scratch-resistant polycarbonate lens stay scratch-free for longer, and the anti-fog coating ensures that you won’t be left with blurred vision when working in humid conditions.

Overall, these are a great choice for those looking for bifocal safety glasses that provide good coverage without being too large or heavy.

Crossfire ES5 Bifocal Safety Glasses

A great pair of safety bifocal shades, the Crossfire ES5 provide good coverage, comfortable fit and excellent protection.

The entire unit is well-made, from the lightweight nylon frame to the hard-coated scratch-resistant polycarbonate lens. Rubber temple tips and nose piece provide a secure fit and grip.

While the 8-base wraparound lens provides excellent coverage around the sides, they’re stylish enough to wear all day without looking like you’re still at the job site.

The magnifier portion is available in +1.5, +2.0, and +2.5 diopters, perfectly positioned at the bottom of the lens without interfering with your direct line of vision.

And if you’re out working in the midday sun or on the water, the Crossfire is also available with polarized lenses to reduce glare.

Crossfire ES5 Bifocal Safety Glasses with Polarized Smoke Lens

Some people find the magnification lens a bit weak so it may be a good idea to choose a +0.5 diopter higher than your usual power (though with only 3 diopters to choose from, you’ll need to look elsewhere for anything above +2.5).

Phillips Safety Bifocal Safety Glasses SB-9000

Phillips Safety has been in the business of protecting eyes since 1919 and their SB-9000 Bifocal Safety Glasses are no exception.

These glasses provide exceptional coverage with maximum eye protection without looking bulky or overly large.

The semi-rimless wraparound frame is made of lightweight polycarbonate, while the adjustable rubber temples ensure a comfortable fit.

It’s fully ANSI Z87.1+ certified, and is available in a variety of different tints (clear, smoke, orange, and yellow), as well as 5 diopters from +1.0 – +3.0.

Unlike the Crossfire ES5, the magnification is actually a bit strong, so you might want to order a step down from your usual reading strength.

3M Safety Glasses with Readers

3M Safety Glasses with Readers

3M is always a reliable choice for PPE, and their bifocal safety glasses don’t disappoint. If you prefer a more constructed frame with a bit of retro styling, then these are a good option.

The lens is made of polycarbonate with a D or half-moon diopter lens for reading near the bottom.

The rubber temple tips provide a secure fit and the adjustable nosepiece helps them stay in place even during intense activities.

Side shields protect against possible peripheral impacts, and they are also ANSI Z87+ compliant.

The magnification portion is available in +1.0, +1.5 and +2.0 diopters, as well as clear or gray lenses.

It’s also available with an anti-fog coating, which gets mixed reviews, but the lenses are quite scratch-resistant.

Some users find the nose piece flimsy and comes off easily, which, unfortunately, 3M doesn’t sell as a replacement separately.

Bouton Eva Women’s Bifocal Safety Glasses

Bouton Eva Women’s Bifocal Safety Glasses

Ladies, if sterile lab coats and bulky safety glasses aren’t your thing, then these Eva frames from Bouton are a great alternative.

They offer the same protection as other bifocal safety glasses but have pink temple rims that offer just a touch of femininity. They even have a breast cancer awareness ribbon on the left temple.

The lenses are polycarbonate, ANSI Z87+-rated and provide 99.9% UVA/B protection.

You can also select just the right magnification too – the range of diopters goes from +1.0 to +3.0 – in +.25 increments!

The fit is good for smaller faces as well, though some users find the reader lens too low for their taste.

What To Look For In Bifocal Safety Glasses

Lens Material

When it comes to safety glasses, the lens material is one of the most important considerations.

Look for lenses that are made of polycarbonate which are impact-resistant, lightweight and offer excellent UV protection.

Frame Design

The frame design should be comfortable and secure while also providing adequate coverage of the eyes.

Wraparound-style frames are a popular choice as they provide side protection and usually have adjustable temples and/or nose pieces for an ideal fit.

Safety Rating

It’s important to make sure that the glasses meet or exceed ANSI Z87+ safety rating standards.

This is the current standard for personal protective equipment and is widely accepted in many industries.

Look for a label on the glasses (usually on the inside of a temple arm marked “Z87”) or packaging verifying that they meet this standard.

Magnification Strength

When selecting bifocal safety glasses, you’ll want to make sure that the magnification is suitable for your needs.

Most manufacturers offer a range of diopters from +1.0 to +3.0, so make sure you choose the right strength for your eyesight.

If you aren’t sure what diopter you need, you can figure out with this chart.

Anti-Fog Coating

If you work in humid environments or wear a mask, then it’s a good idea to look for safety glasses with an anti-fog coating.

Depending upon the conditions you work in, you may still experience some fogging, but it’s certainly worth reducing the risk.

Versatility

Many bifocal safety glasses are available with tinted lenses, side shields and other options that add versatility to your protection.

Consider what activities you’ll be using the glasses for when looking for the right pair.

Photochromic or light-adjusting bifocal safety glasses are useful for those who work in changing light conditions.

Photochromic Bifocal Safety Glasses

If you’ll be outside for long periods, polarized lenses are also a great choice as they reduce glare and eye strain.

Price

Finally, price is always an important factor when shopping for safety glasses. Some higher-end models can be quite expensive, but there are plenty of good quality bifocal glasses available at more reasonable prices too.

Take some time to compare features and prices before making your purchase so that you get the best value for your money.