Best Laser Safety Glasses for Laser Cutters
Laser cutters have class 4 lasers, which are harmful to human eyes, even if they are not pointing directly at you. These kinds of lasers can burn your skin and cause permanent eye damage, which is why you need high-quality laser safety glasses for laser cutters.
If you do not have a pair of good quality laser safety glasses, you should be very cautious when using your laser cutter. Remember, you can always consult your laser’s manual to make sure you get the correct safety lenses.
Where to Buy Laser Safety Glasses?
Amazon and eBay seem to sell a lot of low quality, and even FAKE laser safe glasses, so I would steer clear from those websites.
Of course, this makes it hard for people to find good quality laser safety glasses.
Most people would recommend that you shop by brand because buying directly from top quality brands ensures that you’re getting laser safety glasses that will protect your eyes from a class 4 laser.
Top Picks
Eagle Pair 190-540nm & 800-1700nm OD5 Laser Safety Goggles
Price: $64.99
Wavelength: 190-450nm & 800-1700nm
Optical density: 5+
Visible light transmission: 20%
Laser Vision F07 Frame with P5D04 Filter
Price: $59
Wavelength: 190-390nm & 9000-11000nm
Optical density: 6+
Visible light transmission: 91%
Top Brands
Since there are many scammers out there who sell fake products, I want to outline my favorite laser safety glasses brands available online.
Eagle pair/survival laser
Pros: Very high-quality products, good prices, great reputation, and delivery.
Cons: Outdated website design, not as many options compared to other sites.
Laservision
Pros: Many options, easy to filter lists, easy to navigate, modern site, fair prices.
Cons: Limited information on what specific lasers it is compatible with.
Safety Glasses USA
Pros: Many options and lens types.
Cons: Can’t filter, hard to navigate, had to scroll through lots of irrelevant lenses.
Consider These Specs Before You Purchase Laser Safety Glasses
Wavelength (nm)
Every laser Cutter has a wavelength, and every pair of laser safety glasses protects a certain range of wavelengths. Therefore, you must make sure that the laser safety glasses that you are considering protects against your laser cutters laser. Your laser cutter’s manual should have more information on its wavelength.
Optical Density (OD)
Put simply, optical density is the laser safety glasses’ ability to slow down the light from the laser before reaching your eyes. Your laser cutter’s manual should have a recommended OD.
Visible light transmission (VLT)
Visible light transmission is how much light is allowed through the lenses. Low VLT usually means dark lenses, which can be dangerous in workshops. Choose the highest available VLT available for your protection range, so that your sight isn’t limited.
Side Shields
At a glance, side shields may seem pretty irrelevant. However, they can protect your eyes because if the laser is behind you, side shields prevent the laser from reflecting off the inside of your glasses into your eyes.
Frames
The frame of the safety glasses should be considered before you purchase them because:
- You have glasses, and need a frame that makes the lenses sit a bit further from your face to fit your glasses, or
- You have a wider than average head.
If you fit into the first camp, then you’ll want to find a “fit-over” frame, because they are designed to be used with prescription glasses.
I, personally, fit into the second category and find most safety glasses too tight. I also have safety glasses designed for use with regular glasses and they look a bit funny without the glasses inside.
FAQ
Will Sunglasses Protect My Eyes From a Class 4 Laser?
No. Even with sunglasses on, you can damage your eyes by looking directly at the sun and the same will happen with class 4 lasers. Sunglasses are designed to block indirect UV light from the sun. Lasers are much more concentrated and powerful than what sunglasses were made to protect you from.
Do I Need Laser Safety Glasses?
It depends. If you have a k-40 laser cutter or any laser cutter with a lid, keeping the lid closed is enough to protect you, and installing an interlock system will stop light from hurting anyone if you open it.
My Laser Cutter Came With Glasses. Are These Safe?
Companies that include laser safety glasses as a bundle will typically include the cheapest ones possible, to save money. I strongly advise you to prioritize your safety and buy your own pair of laser safety glasses.
Can I Use Any Laser Safety Glasses?
You should use laser safety glasses specific to your laser. Some factors (based on the type of laser you have) should be considered when choosing safety glasses to protect your eyes from that laser.
Are Cheap Laser Glasses Safe?
Cheap safety glasses are easy to scratch and break. Lasers can penetrate through those impurities and defects. Protect yourself by getting high-quality laser safety glasses. This is your vision we’re talking about!
Buying From Amazon/eBay?
eBay and Amazon are full of sellers that offer cheap or falsely advertised products when it comes to safety glasses. These are only okay for very low powered lasers. In my experience, It’s better to purchase directly from reliable and high-quality company websites.
Conclusion
Are laser glasses expensive? Yes. Can you put a price on your vision? No.
For anyone with a laser cutter, especially an open one, I would recommend owning a pair of laser safety glasses to protect your eyes for general use, and in case of any accidents.
Make sure you buy from good quality brands to ensure you get legitimate laser safety glasses that will protect you.
If you have any other recommendations on effective laser safety glasses or reviews on the pair you own now, feel free to let us all know in the comments below!