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Impact resistance is the measure of a material's ability to resist breaking, cracking, or shattering when hit by a sudden force. In eyewear, it determines how well lenses protect the eyes from flying debris, sports equipment, or accidental blunt trauma.
read more about impact resistance in eyewear ...Lenses with low impact resistance can shatter into sharp pieces, causing severe eye damage. High resistance ensures the lens absorbs the shock and remains intact or breaks safely, preventing sharp fragments from reaching the eye.
Several materials are favored for their durability and strength.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets impact standards for all eyeglasses. The basic requirement is the drop-ball test, where a steel ball is dropped onto the lens. Safety glasses and sports goggles meet even stricter safety standards set by organizations like the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Contact lenses are naturally impact-resistant because they are soft and thin. They sit directly on the cornea, flexing with the eye. This quality makes contact lenses a preferred option for many sports and physically demanding activities.
All eyeglasses sold in the U.S. must meet minimum FDA impact resistance standards.
Yes, polycarbonate is significantly more resistant to impact than standard plastic (CR-39) lenses.
No, safety goggles meet higher standards for protection against high-velocity impact.
If you participate in high-impact sports (like racquetball) or work with power tools, consult your doctor about Z87.1-rated safety eyewear. Standard dress eyewear is not designed to withstand high-velocity impacts and can shatter under pressure.
ANSI. Z87.1 Safety Standards (ansi.org). 2024.
FDA. Impact Resistant Lenses: Questions and Answers (fda.gov). 2023.
AAO. Protective Eyewear (aao.org). 2024.
CDC. Eye Safety Tool Box (cdc.gov). 2024.