Protective Eyewear Selection Guide

Uvex Safety manufactures a variety of protective eyewear products that contain a clear lens for indoor and outdoor work environments where normal to low light conditions exist. These clear lenses have a Visible Light Transmittance of 92%. This means 92% of the available light will pass through the lens. The clear lens will, however, absorb 99.9% of UVA and UVB radiation up to 400nm. The clear lens will also provide true color recognition and meets the traffic signal color requirements of ANSI Z80.3-1996. This type of lens is used as a general purpose safety spectacle lens for most indoor applications. UvexSafety suggests clear lenses for indoors and sunglass tints, preferably gray or brown, for outdoors. As with any personal protective equipment or clothing being used, it is the employer's obligation to perform an on-site or workplace hazard evaluation to determine which lens is appropriate for the required application.

Uvex Amber Lenses

Protective eyewear lenses are offered in a wide array of tint colors to reduce glare, screen hazardous radiation, or to provide other application specific light filtering. Amber colored lensesfilter out light at the blue end of the spectrum while allowing green and red light to pass through. Green light is most efficiently processed by the human eye, while blue light is not as easily focused on, and can result in reduced contrast. This most often occurs during times of low light such as dawn or dusk or in foggy conditions. Amber lenses are often the preferred choice of colored lens in this type of low light environment as they reduce and sometimes eliminate the haze that is prevalent in blue light conditions, and allow for clearer brighter vision.

Uvex amber lenses transmit about 90% of the available light when "photopic" or daytime transmittance is calculated, according to the requirements of ANSI Z87. It assesses the eye's ability to see in a bell curve focused around the green segment of the color spectrum. In addition, the lenses satisfythe color limit requirements of ANSI Z80.3 sunglass specifications, as they relate to properties that affect traffic signal identification. In most cases, amber lenses areappropriate for daytime use.

At night, the human eye processesmaterial differently. Night-time or "scotopic" transmittance is determined using a weighting component in which the bell curve is moved toward the blue segment of the color spectrum. Since amber lenses block blue light, the resulting effect is to diminish the light available. At night-time or in dark environments the computed transmittance of a Uvex amber lens decreases to 70%, which is a 20% loss of VLT. Amber lenses that are darker in color would result in an even larger loss of transmittance. Under these conditions, Uvex discourages night-time use of amber lenses as general-purpose eyewear.

For general purpose use during night-time and in dim conditions, Uvex suggests clear lenses indoors and sunglass tints, preferably gray or brown, for outdoors. It is the employer's obligation to perform an on-site or workplace hazard evaluationfor the protective eyewear being used, along with any additional safety equipment or clothing that is being worn

Uvex Espresso Lenses

Many work environments include exposure to ultraviolet light and visibility glare. Outdoor work environments including construction sites, gardens, building sites, roofs, airplane cockpits, swimming pools, beaches and others, expose workers to solar UV radiation and extreme sunlight. Additionally, if users are taking photosensitizing drugs, have had cataract surgery, or experience any type of retinal disorder, their eyes can be even more vulnerable to this kind of damaging light exposure. Protective eyewear that contains a "general purpose" lens tint will successfully provide glare and UV protection while improving visual comfort for these types of work environments.

UvexSafety makes an espresso colored lens tint for outdoor work settings where sunlight and glare can cause eyestrain and exhaustion. This sunglass tint color is brownish/amberand has a Visible Light Transmittance of around 15%. This means 15% of light will pass through the lens. Uvexespresso lenses absorb 99.9% of UVA and UVB radiation of up to 400nm. Additionally, espresso tinted lenses providetrue color recognition and meet the traffic signal color requirements of ANSI Z80.3-1996. It is recommended as a general purpose sunglass lens for driving and most outsideenvironments.

Uvex espresso lensesare also a "blue blocker" lens and while blue light is not harmful to the eyes, it can cause eye weariness. Blue light makes things appear fuzzy and out of focus. Uvex espresso "blue blocker" lensesabsorb 97% of blue light, thereby improving contrast. This lens tint is a suggested alternative to conventional gray lenses. It is the employer's obligation to perform an on-site or workplace hazard evaluationfor the protective eyewear being used, along with any additional safety equipment or clothing that is being worn.

Uvex Espresso Gold Mirror Lenses

Many work environments involve daily exposure to ultraviolet light and visibility glare. Outdoor workers especially, such as groundskeepers, gardeners, masons, lifeguards, pilots, highway construction workers, and roofers to name a few, are exposed every dayto solar UV radiation and intense visible sunlight. Additionally, if users are taking photosensitizing drugs, have had cataract surgery, or experience any type of retinal disorder, their eyes can be even more vulnerable to this kind of damaging light exposure. Protective eyewear that contains a "general purpose" lens tint will successfully provide glare and UV protection while improving visual comfort for these types of work environments.

Uvex Safety makes espresso gold mirror colored lenses for outdoor work environments where sunlight and glare cause eyestrain and weariness. This sunglass tint is brown/gold in color and has a Visible Light Transmittance of about 15%. This means 15% of the available light will pass through the lens. The espresso mirror lens will absorb 99.9% of UVA and UVB radiation up to 400nm. The espresso gold mirror lens tint also provides true color recognition and meets the traffic signal color requirements of ANSI Z80.3-1996. It is recommended as a general-purpose sunglass lens for driving and most outdoor work environments.

Uvex espresso gold mirror lenses are also "blue blocker" lenses and while blue light is not harmful to the eyes, it can cause eye weariness. Blue light makes things appear fuzzy and out of focus. Uvex espresso gold mirrored "blue blocker" lenses absorb 97% of blue light, thereby improving contrast. This lens tint is a suggested alternative to conventional gray lenses. It is the employer's obligation to perform an on-site or workplace hazard evaluationfor the protective eyewear being used, along with any additional safety equipment or clothing that is being worn.

Uvex SCT Reflect-50 Lenses

When moving from indoor work environments to bright, sunny outdoor environments (fork-lift drivers, truck drivers, loaders, packers etc.). custom lens tints should be used to reduce glare and reflection. If the protective eye glass user is taking photosensitizing drugs, has had cataract surgery, or has experienced any type of retinal disorder, their eyes may be more vulnerable to this type of damaging light. Protective eyewear that integrates a task specific lens tint will successfullydeliver glare and UV protection while improving visual comfort and safety for the user.

Uvex Safety makes a SCT Reflect-50 lens tint for workers who frequently move between indoor and outdoor work environments. Failing to lower glare and reflection can result in eyestrain and weariness. This SCT Reflect -50 lens tint is clear in colorbut contains a flash mirror coating which provides a Visible Light Transmittance of about 50%. This means 50% of the available light will pass through the lens. These specialty lenses absorb 99.9% of UVA and UVB radiation up to 385nm. The SCT Reflect-50 lens tint also provides true color identification and meets the traffic signal color obligations of ANSI Z80.3-1996. It is recommended as a general-purpose sunglass lens for driving and isspecifically designed to decrease glare in bright indoor environments or to allow easy movement from inside to outside, while cutting glare in less than full sun conditions. It is the employer's obligation to perform an on-site or workplace hazard evaluationfor the protective eyewear being used, along with any additional safety equipment or clothing that is being worn.

Uvex Light Gray Lenses

Uvex Safety makes a light gray lens colored tint for both indoor and outdoor work environments to reduce glare and reflection which can cause eyestrain and weariness. This tint is light gray in color and has a Visible Light Transmittance of about 35%. This means 35% of the available light will pass through the lens. Light gray lenses absorb 99.9% of UVA and UVB radiation up to 400nm. The light gray lens tint also provides true color recognition and meets the traffic signal color recognition obligations of ANSI Z80.3-1996. It is suggested as a general-purpose sunglass lens for driving and other outdoor activities. It is the employer's obligation to perform an on-site or workplace hazard evaluation for the protective eyewear being used, along with any additional safety equipment or clothing that is being worn.

Uvex 50% Gray Lenses

Uvex Safety makes a 50% gray lens tint, for both indoor and outdoor work environments, to reduce glare and reflection which can cause eyestrain and weariness. This tint is 50% gray in color and has a Visible Light Transmittance of about 50%. This means 35% of the available light will pass through the lens. The 50% gray lens will absorb 99.9% of UVA and UVB radiation up to 400nm. The 50% gray lens tint also provides true color recognition and meets the traffic signal color recognition standards of ANSI Z80.3-1996. It is suggested as a general-purpose sunglass lens for driving and other outdoor activities. It is the employer's obligation to perform an on-site or workplace hazard evaluation for the protective eyewear being used, along with any additional safety equipment or clothing that is being worn.

Uvex Standard Gray Lenses

Uvex Safety makes a neutral gray lens tint for outdoor work applications where sunlight cause glare and reflection which can result in eyestrain and weariness. Uvex Standard Gray tint is gray in color and has a Visible Light Transmittance of about 15%. This means 15% of the available light will pass through the lens. The gray lens will absorb 99.9% of UVA and UVB radiation up to 400nm. The gray lens tint also provides true color recognition and meets the traffic signal color standards of ANSI Z80.3-1996. It is suggested as a general-purpose sunglass lens for driving and most outdoor activities. It is the employer's obligation to perform an on-site or workplace hazard evaluation for the protective eyewear being used, along with any additional safety equipment or clothing that is being worn.

Uvex Silver Mirror Lenses

Uvex Safety makes a silver mirror lens tint for outdoor work applications where sunlight causes glare and reflection that can lead to eyestrain and weariness. Uvex Silver Mirror Lens tint is gray/silver in color and has a Visible Light Transmittance of about 15%. This means 15% of the available light will pass through the lens. The silver mirror lens will absorb 99.9% of UVA and UVB radiation up to 400nm. The silver mirror lens tint also provides true color recognition and meets the traffic signal color requirements of ANSI Z80.3-1996. It is suggested as a general-purpose sunglass lens for driving and most outdoor activities. It is the employer's obligation to perform an on-site or workplace hazard evaluation for the protective eyewear being used, along with any additional safety equipment or clothing that is being worn.

Uvex Dark Gray Lenses

Uvex makes a dark gray lens tint for outdoor work applications where sunlight causes glare and reflection that can lead to eyestrain and weariness. Uvex Dark Gray sunglass tint is dark gray in color and has a Visible Light Transmittance of about 10%. This means 10% of the available light will pass through the lens. The dark gray lens will absorb 99.9% of UVA and UVB radiation up to 400nm. The dark gray lens tint also provides true color recognition and meets the traffic signal color standards of ANSI Z80.3-1996. It is recommended as a general-purpose sunglass lens for driving and other outdoor environments, where maximum glare protection is necessary. It is the employer's obligation to perform an on-site or workplace hazard evaluation for the protective eyewear being used, along with any additional safety equipment or clothing that is being worn.

Uvex SCT Orange Lenses

Uvex Safety has a comprehensive variety of task specific polycarbonate lens tints, employing Spectrum Control Technology (SCT®). This technology utilizes unique dyes and colors, that absorb select wavelengths of radiant energy into the lens. These dyes manipulate light to lower a spectral hazard or to deliver distinctive filtration for unique viewing applications. SCT lenses offer an added value for safety glass users that face visual hazards or viewing challenges in their daily working conditions. While the primary need for eye protection is often impact hazards, work environments requiring SCT lenses will aid in protecting against radiation hazards such as ultraviolet, infrared and visible glare.

SCT Orange Lenses are specifically designed for use in dental industry applications and other industries where ultraviolet lamps or lights are utilized for curing compounds such as paints, inks and molds. As seen in the chart below, SCTOrange lenses offer a wide range of spectral protection. They absorb >99.9% of potentially harmful UVA and UVB radiation and provide additional protection by completely absorbing visible light up to 540nm. Including violet, blue and certain green wavelengths of light which are often emitted by curing lamps.

An additional benefit of SCT Orange lenses is the reduction of eye fatigue. When these colors are filtered out, contrast is improved, and the human eye will find it easier to see detail. A good example of this is amber sunglasses that are used by pilots and sportsmen to reduce haze, glare and reflection while flying airplanes, shooting clays, or hunting in the outdoors. It is the employer's obligation to perform an on-site or workplace hazard evaluation for the protective eyewear being used, along with any additional safety equipment or clothing that is being worn.

Uvex SCT Vermilion

SCT-Vermilion (light pink) lenses are used for indoor tasks such as inspection where color contrast may need perceived. These lenses will decrease glare from fluorescent and halogen lighting without compromising color perception. These lenses can also be used to lessen glare in hospital environments where doctors and nurses are subjected to intense, bright lighting. These lenses are not suggested for driving or for use as general purpose eyewear.

The SCT-Vermilion lenses will sharpen visual acuity and provide contrast similar to, but not as dramatic as amber lenses. Work environments, such as product inspections under fluorescent lighting,are where these lenses are ideal for detecting defects. Examples of applications where SCT Vermilion lenses are recommended include visual inspection of circuit boards, miniature components, and assembly lines. These lenses absorb >99.9% of UVA and UVB radiation up to 400nm. It is the employer's obligation to perform an on-site or workplace hazard evaluation for the protective eyewear being used, along with any additional safety equipment or clothing that is being worn.

Uvex SCT Low-IR Lens

Uvex safety has developed a companion lens for its SCT Gray lens, called SCT-LOW IR (infrared). These lenses have a much higher Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) for indoor work environments. The Uvex SCT Low-IR lens is pale green and has a VLT of 80%. Uvex SCT-LOW IR lenses filter 99.9% of ultraviolet radiation, and 40% of infrared radiation that may be present. IR protection is comparable to a Shade 1.2 welding lens.*

SCT-LOW IR lenses are suggested for indoor utility work where protection is required from short term electric arcs and the radiation generated when an arc randomly occurs. Any UV radiation is completely absorbed by the lens, in addition to low levels of IR radiation. Recognition of key colors is not altered.

Low-level IR protection also makes this lens a good option in environments where transient IR or heat occurs. SCT-LOW IR lenses are suggested for use in welding applications, in welding helmets where primary eye protection is needed, or for personnel walking through areas that adjacent to welding fabrication. They are also recommended in environments where furnaces are present as they aid in the absorption of IR heat energy which helps keep the eyes cool. It is the employer's obligation to perform an on-site or workplace hazard evaluation for the protective eyewear being used, along with any additional safety equipment or clothing that is being worn.

Uvex SCT Gray Lenses

Utility workers are often exposed to the hazard of a short-term electric arcs and the intense burst of radiation that results. SCTGray lenses are a sunglass tint and are made to provide broad protection against accidental arcs. They filter 99.9% of the UVA and UVB radiation up to 400nm, 93% of the blue light hazard, and 85% of the infrared (IR) radiation present. IR protection is comparable a Shade 2.0 welding filter.**

As a sunglass lens, SCT-Gray lenses have a Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) of about 15%. Meaning 15% of the available light will pass through the lens. Along with providing the protection described above, the lens tint also provides true color recognition, allowing the wearer to discern wire colors and avoid accidentally confusing colors and crossing wires. Uvex SCT-Gray lenses meet the transmittance and traffic signal color recognition requirements of ANSI Z80.3-1996, and are also recommended as general purpose sunglasses for driving and other outdoor applications. Please see the SCT-Gray transmittance chart below. It is the employer's obligation to perform an on-site or workplace hazard evaluation for the protective eyewear being used, along with any additional safety equipment or clothing that is being worn.

Uvex SCT Blue

Uvex SCT blue lenses are specifically made for work environments where there is high levels of yellow or sodium vapor lighting and glare. Examples of these conditions include semi-conductor industries and sometimes in food processing environments. The blue colored lens will offset the effects of yellow light, to decrease eye strain and weariness, which will lead to improved productivity. It is the employer's obligation to perform an on-site or workplace hazard evaluation for the protective eyewear being used, along with any additional safety equipment or clothing that is being worn.

Uvex SCT Cobalt Blue

Uvex Safety makes a SCT Cobalt lens tint for high-heat furnace, metal work, and glass-blowing environments where intense glare can result in eyestrain and weariness. The SCT-Cobalt lens tint is dark blue in color and has a Visible Light Transmittance of about .2%. This means .2% of the available light will pass through the lens. The SCT Cobalt lens absorbs 99.9% of UVA and UVB radiation up to 400nm, and filters 75% of accompanying IR heat radiation to keep the eyes cool. It is the employer's obligation to perform an on-site or workplace hazard evaluation for the protective eyewear being used, along with any additional safety equipment or clothing that is being worn.

Uvex Infra-dura® 2.0

According to ANSI Z87.1, filter protective lenses need comply with the standards of Table 1. These standards s cover the transmittance ranges or limits for visible, ultraviolet and infrared radiation, in addition to blue light containment, which is also hazardous. As required, UvexInfradura® 2.0 lenses are individually labeled with the shade number designation. These filter lens must only be used for the specific application notated above and must NOT be used as general purpose sunglasses, or for driving as they have decreased levels of light transmittance and will interfere with traffic signal colors. OSHA necessitates that every employer performs a workplace hazard evaluation and based on this analysis, provide personal protective clothing and gear equipment that safeguards against the hazards detected. The ANSI standard contains standards for the selection of protective eyewear styles and shade numbers for specific welding and associated processes. Additional information is provided by the American Welding Society at (800) 443-9353.

Uvex Infra-dura® 3.0

According to ANSI Z87.1, filter protective lenses need comply with the standards of Table 1. These standards s cover the transmittance ranges or limits for visible, ultraviolet and infrared radiation, in addition to blue light containment, which is also hazardous. As required, UvexInfradura® 3.0 lenses are individually labeled with the shade number designation. These filter lens must only be used for the specific application notated above and must NOT be used as general purpose sunglasses, or for driving as they have decreased levels of light transmittance and will interfere with traffic signal colors. OSHA necessitates that every employer performs a workplace hazard evaluation and based on this analysis, provide personal protective clothing and gear equipment that safeguards against the hazards detected. The ANSI standard contains standards for the selection of protective eyewear styles and shade numbers for specific welding and associated processes. Additional information is provided by the American Welding Society at (800) 443-9353.

Uvex Infra-dura® 5.0

According to ANSI Z87.1, filter protective lenses need comply with the standards of Table 1. These standards s cover the transmittance ranges or limits for visible, ultraviolet and infrared radiation, in addition to blue light containment, which is also hazardous. As required, UvexInfradura® 5.0 lenses are individually labeled with the shade number designation. These filter lens must only be used for the specific application notated above and must NOT be used as general purpose sunglasses, or for driving as they have decreased levels of light transmittance and will interfere with traffic signal colors. OSHA necessitates that every employer performs a workplace hazard evaluation and based on this analysis, provide personal protective clothing and gear equipment that safeguards against the hazards detected. The ANSI standard contains standards for the selection of protective eyewear styles and shade numbers for specific welding and associated processes. Additional information is provided by the American Welding Society at (800) 443-9353.

*Lenses marked with an asterisk do not meet the Shade requirements of Table 1 of ANSI Z87.1 and should not be used for any type of welding application.