ANSI Z87.1 Safety Prescription Lenses: What the Certification Really Means
2026-Jan-25
When it comes to workplace eye protection, not all prescription lenses are created equal. Many workers assume that wearing regular prescription glasses is enough to stay safe on the job—but in hazardous environments, that assumption can lead to serious injuries. This is where ANSI Z87.1 safety prescription lenses come into play.
ANSI Z87.1 is more than just a label. It’s a rigorous safety standard that determines whether prescription lenses can truly protect your eyes from impact, debris, and workplace hazards. Understanding what this certification really means helps you choose eyewear that is not only comfortable but also compliant, reliable, and protective.
This guide breaks down the ANSI Z87.1 standard, explains how it applies to prescription lenses, and shows why certified safety lenses are essential for anyone working in high-risk environments.
If you’re new to protective eyewear, start with our complete guide to safety prescription lenses to understand how certified lenses protect your vision at work.
What Is ANSI Z87.1?
ANSI Z87.1 is a safety standard established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). It defines the performance requirements for eye and face protection used in occupational and educational environments.
The standard ensures that safety eyewear:
Can withstand impact from flying objects
Provides adequate coverage and stability
Maintains optical clarity under stress
Reduces the risk of eye injuries in hazardous settings
For prescription wearers, ANSI Z87.1 certification confirms that the lenses, frames, and overall construction meet strict safety requirements—not just vision correction.
Why ANSI Z87.1 Matters for Prescription Lenses
Regular prescription glasses are designed for vision correction—not protection. They are typically made with thinner lenses and fashion-focused frames that can shatter or dislodge under impact.
ANSI Z87.1 safety prescription lenses are different because they:
They are made from impact-resistant materials
Are thicker and more durable
Are mounted in frames designed to stay secure
Provide tested protection against workplace hazards
In environments like construction sites, factories, laboratories, and warehouses, wearing non-certified glasses can increase injury risk and may violate workplace safety regulations.
ANSI Z87 vs Z87+: Understanding the Difference
One of the most confusing aspects of the standard is the difference between Z87 and Z87+ markings.
ANSI Z87
Indicates basic impact resistance
Suitable for environments with minimal impact risk
Protects against low-energy hazards
ANSI Z87+
Indicates high-impact protection
Tested against higher-velocity and higher-mass impacts
Required in many industrial and construction environments
For prescription lenses, Z87+ is often the recommended (and sometimes required) level of protection, especially where flying debris or heavy machinery is involved.
How ANSI Z87.1 Testing Works
ANSI certification isn’t self-declared—it’s earned through standardized testing.
Key Tests Include:
High-velocity impact test: Steel projectiles are fired at lenses at high speed
High-mass impact test: A heavy pointed object is dropped onto the lens
Lens retention test: Ensures lenses stay in the frame after impact
Optical clarity checks: Confirms distortion stays within safe limits
Only lenses that pass all required tests earn ANSI Z87.1 certification.
Lens Materials Used in ANSI Z87.1 Prescription Lenses
Not all lens materials qualify for ANSI certification. The most common approved materials include:
Polycarbonate Lenses
Extremely impact-resistant
Lightweight and durable
Naturally blocks UV radiation
Most common choice for safety prescription lenses
Trivex Lenses
Excellent optical clarity
High impact resistance
More chemically resistant than polycarbonate
Ideal for labs and medical environments
High-index lenses may be used in some ANSI-rated designs, but only when they meet thickness and impact requirements.
Frame Requirements for ANSI Z87.1 Prescription Lenses
Certification doesn’t apply to lenses alone—the frame is equally important.
ANSI-approved frames must:
Hold lenses securely under impact
Provide adequate side protection
Maintain proper lens alignment
Fit snugly without slipping
Many ANSI frames include:
Wraparound designs
Integrated or removable side shields
Reinforced temples and bridges
Using ANSI lenses in non-certified frames voids compliance.
Who Needs ANSI Z87.1 Safety Prescription Lenses?
ANSI Z87.1 prescription lenses are essential for workers in industries such as:
Construction and contracting
Manufacturing and machining
Warehousing and logistics
Laboratories and healthcare facilities
Automotive and mechanical work
Electrical and utility services
Employers often require ANSI-certified eyewear to meet OSHA safety guidelines and reduce liability.
OSHA and ANSI: How They Work Together
While OSHA does not create eyewear standards, it recognizes ANSI Z87.1 as the accepted benchmark for eye protection.
This means:
Employers must provide ANSI-compliant eye protection when hazards exist
Prescription wearers must use ANSI-certified prescription safety lenses
Non-compliant eyewear may result in workplace violations
Wearing ANSI Z87.1 lenses helps ensure both worker safety and regulatory compliance.
Common Myths About ANSI Safety Prescription Lenses
Myth 1: “My regular glasses are good enough.”
False. Regular prescription glasses are not impact-tested and can shatter.
Myth 2: “OTG safety glasses are always better.”
Over-the-glasses options can work, but they’re often uncomfortable and offer less stability than prescription safety lenses.
Myth 3: “ANSI lenses are bulky and uncomfortable.”
Modern safety lenses are lightweight, stylish, and designed for all-day wear.
How to Identify Real ANSI Z87.1 Prescription Lenses
To ensure authenticity:
Look for Z87 or Z87+ markings on lenses or frames
Verify product descriptions clearly state ANSI Z87.1 compliance
Buy from reputable safety eyewear providers
Avoid generic or unclear “safety-style” claims
True ANSI certification is always specific and verifiable.
Choosing the Right ANSI Z87.1 Safety Prescription Lenses
When selecting your lenses, consider:
Your work environment and hazard level
Required impact rating (Z87 vs Z87+)
Lens material and coatings
Frame fit and comfort
Prescription strength and visual needs
Additional features like anti-fog, scratch resistance, and anti-reflective coatings can significantly improve performance and comfort.
Why ANSI Z87.1 Certification Is Worth It
Eye injuries are among the most common workplace accidents—and one of the most preventable. ANSI Z87.1 safety prescription lenses provide:
Proven impact protection
Clear, accurate vision
Long-term durability
Compliance with safety regulations
Investing in certified safety lenses is not just about meeting standards—it’s about protecting your vision for life.
Conclusion: What ANSI Z87.1 Really Means for You
ANSI Z87.1 certification is more than a technical requirement; it’s a promise of protection. For prescription wearers in hazardous environments, it ensures that your eyewear can handle real-world risks without sacrificing clarity or comfort.
Understanding what the certification really means empowers you to make informed decisions, stay compliant, and work with confidence. When safety matters, ANSI Z87.1 prescription lenses aren’t optional; they’re essential.