The eyewear industry continues to develop rapidly, and that includes prescription safety glasses. During our visits to trade fairs such as MIDO in Milan and SILMO in Paris we saw promising innovations that influence both the fashion and safety eyewear markets. Outside the show floor, we are also seeing important trends in practice, such as new certifications, sustainable production methods and the increasing demand for comfortable, aesthetic glasses.

In this blog, we discuss not only what we saw at the trade shows, but also what we are developing ourselves and how we are responding to the changing needs of companies that use safety glasses.

Sustainability and 3D printing technology

Sustainability is one of the major driving forces behind developments in the eyewear industry. During our visits to MIDO and SILMO, we saw a strong rise in 3D printing technology. This innovative production method reduces waste, reduces energy consumption and offers the possibility to make customized glasses. This not only makes 3D printed frames more environmentally friendly, but also more accurate and comfortable for the wearer.

Although 3D printing is currently mostly used for fashion glasses, we at Seeh see the potential for prescription safety glasses. Fully customized glasses with a smaller environmental footprint could well become the new standard for eye protection in the future.

Aesthetics and comfort go hand in hand

Another clear trend we noticed is the growing demand for aesthetics combined with comfort. Where safety glasses used to be primarily functional, employees now want glasses that look good and are comfortable to wear. Aesthetics is no longer an afterthought; employees wear their safety glasses with more confidence and consistency when they match their style and feel comfortable.

At Seeh, we've embraced this trend by designing safety glasses that not only provide the required protection, but are also attractive and lightweight so employees can wear them all day long without discomfort. View all prescription safety glasses frames here.

Intensive use and protection coatings

During the trade shows, we were inspired by the latest developments in lens coatings. Scratch-resistant, dirt-resistant and anti-reflective coatings were presented as solutions for intensive use in harsh environments. These coatings ensure that glasses last longer without sacrificing clarity or comfort.

At Seeh, we have been developing high-quality coatings for our prescription safety glasses. We are seeing an increase in demand for stronger coatings, especially in sectors where glasses are used intensively on a daily basis. Our improved coatings not only provide protection, but also make the glasses more practical for long-term use in tough conditions.

AI in eyewear measurement as a future option

Although artificial intelligence (AI) is currently not used on safety glasses, we saw during MIDO and SILMO interesting applications in the fashion eyewear industry. AI makes it possible to use facial scans to accurately measure glasses, leading to a better fit and more comfort.

In the future, AI could also be a nice addition to prescription safety glasses, especially when it comes to optimizing fit and comfort. This could further increase the effectiveness of the protection. It is a promising technology that we are closely monitoring as a possible improvement for our glasses.

New standards and stricter certifications

An important topic that we did not explicitly encounter during the trade fairs, but which we strongly notice in practice, is the change in safety standards. The current AND 166:2001 standards will soon be replaced by the stricter EN-ISO 16321-1:2022 standard. This means that new glasses must meet these new requirements to be certified. Glasses that are now certified under the old standard may remain compliant with the old standard until the end of their certification period, but all new products will have to be certified under the new standard.

At Seeh, we ensure that our new frames and lenses meet these latest standards. Our experts carefully supervise this process so that our customers are always assured of the highest quality and safety.

Procurement systems and PBM integration

In practice, we also see an increasing demand for the integration of personal protective equipment (PPE) into digital purchasing systems. Companies want to manage their inventory and orders for safety glasses, hearing protection and other PPE more efficiently. Software links make this process easier and ensure that companies always have the right protective equipment.

At Seeh, we help companies implement these systems so that they never run out of critical protective equipment and can respond quickly to their employees' safety needs. Companies can already do this by creating a business account to request.

Frequently asked questions about prescription safety glasses

What are the latest developments in prescription safety eyewear?
We're seeing a shift towards 3D printed frames, aesthetic and comfortable designs, and stronger coatings for better durability. In addition, the EN 166:2001 standard will be replaced by the EN-ISO 16321-1:2022 standard, which sets new requirements for the certification of safety glasses.

How does AI influence eyewear measurement?
AI is increasingly being used for eyewear measurement in the fashion eyewear industry, but it is currently not being used for prescription safety glasses. In the future, however, AI could provide glasses that fit even better and are more comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

What does the change in the EN 166 standard mean?
The EN 166:2001 standard is replaced by the EN-ISO 16321-1:2022 standard. Glasses that are certified under the old standard may retain their certification until the end date, but all new items must comply with the new standard.

Where can I buy prescription goggles?
You can easily become a Seeh customer and benefit from our extensive range of safety glasses. Visit our website to create a business account and get immediate access to our glasses.