US test shows safety failings

A US study showing that more than half of prescription safety glasses have failed safety tests has raised troubling questions about the protective capabilities of some Rx safety glasses worn by millions of US workers, athletes and homeowners.

The study at the Illinois College of Optometry tested 75 frames from five major manufacturers, fitted with 2mm polycarbonate lenses to industry standard by a reputable lab, and tested using high-impact and high-mass tests. Study author Stephen Beckerman said that the ANSI Z87.1-2003 standards applied produced an unexpectedly high number of failures. 'High-velocity impacts have the potential to dislodge lenses from the frame which has the potential to permanently impair vision.'