Best Safety Glasses Brands For Impact Resistance

There are 3 brands of CSA safety glasses that are the best at resisting impact from flying debris and shrapnel.

They're widely used because they build to the same impact standards job after job, and they keep improving comfort and lens performance while workers wear them.

What "impact resistance" Really Means in Safety Glasses

Impact resistance is not a marketing term. On real job sites it comes down to whether the eyewear actually meets recognized test standards and how well they stays on your face when you're working.

Two markings matter most:

ANSI/ISEA Z87.1

Common in North America. Z87+ indicates the eyewear meets the high-impact requirement which is tougher than the basic Z87.

CAN/CSA Z94.3

Canada specific. This standard covers eye and face protectors and includes test methods, marking, and guidance for selection and care.

For Canadians, the CCOHS guide on eye and face protectors is an excellent primer on the materials, limitations, and selection basics of high impact resistant safety glasses on the market today.

The Top 3 Impact Resistant Safety Glasses by Brand

Brand 1: 3M - consistent protection, with strong "stay-put" features

3M's better safety-glasses lines are popular because they blend certified protection with comfort features that reduce slippage and pressure points.

A practical example is the SecureFit line, which uses Pressure Diffusion Temple technology which are slotted ribs that help equalize pressure and self-adjust to head size. That matters for impact protection because glasses that fit well are more likely to stay put when something strikes the lens or frame.

From a standards perspective, 3M's SecureFit protective eyewear is listed as meeting ANSI-ISEA Z87.1 impact-rated requirements.

What to look for in 3M models for debris and "shrapnel-like" hazards:

• Z87+ / high-impact markings (depending on the exact model and lens/frame combination).
• Wraparound coverage or side protection for lateral debris.
• Anti-fog options if you work indoors/outdoors or around temperature swings.

Brand 2: Uvex - strong lens coatings for real-life wear time

Uvex (by Honeywell) has a long track record in industrial eye protection and the reason many crews stick with Uvex is simple: the lenses tend to stay clearer longer. Clear vision is an important safety feature when you're grinding, drilling, cutting, or working around airborne debris.

Uvex lines are commonly sold as ANSI Z87.1+ certified and you'll see that called out directly in product listings and brand pages.

Where Uvex stands out is in their lens coating tech. For example, Uvextreme anti-fog is described as permanently bonded to the lens and designed to retain performance after repeated cleanings.

That is exactly the kind of detail that affects whether glasses stay usable over months of dusty, sweaty, wipe-them-on-your-shirt kind of hard work.

What to look for in Uvex models for impact and debris:

• Z87+ and/or CSA Z94.3 references on the specific model.
• Sealed or gasketed options when dust and fine debris are part of the hazard.
• Anti-fog and scratch resistance as a long "wear time" feature.

Brand 3: Pyramex - strong value, broad CSA/ANSI coverage on many models

Pyramex has built a reputation for making safety glasses that meet the standards and stays affordable enough to stock in quantity. They're especially useful if you're outfitting your crew, running a shop, or keeping spare sets.

Many Pyramex models explicitly list both ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 (High Impact) and CAN/CSA Z94.3 compliance. For instance, Pyramex's Legacy line meets ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2020 + High Impact and CAN/CSA Z94.3-2020, and notes SEI certification for the CSA standard.

What to look for in Pyramex models for flying debris:

• A clear statement of Z87+ high impact and CSA Z94.3 on the product sheet or listing.
• Wraparound lens geometry for better side coverage.
• Anti-fog options for humid environments, around respirators, and moving between indoor/outdoor temperatures.

Don't Overthink Your Choice

A brand name helps but the markings and fit will be the deciding factor as to whether your eyes are protected when debris actually flies.

If you want a quick shortlist approach, we covered the top brands of safety glasses in another post. The most important next step is still confirming the exact model's CSA/ANSI markings and choosing a frame shape that seals the gaps around your eyes.

Just do these checks before you buy:

• Look for Z87+ when impact hazards are heavy like grinding, cutting, drilling, or chipping.
• In Canada confirm CSA Z94.3 compliance for job-site requirements and consistent marking.
• Pick a style that is comfortable for temples, has a stable nose bridge, and coverage that matches the hazards.