Need source for serious eye protection information, please?

[Judy D.]

I'm getting new prescription glasses, and then will probably purchase clip-on safety glasses for lampworking. (Last but NOT least of the things I need to get started!) I'd like to have my Optometrist vet all the info I've looked at, and tell me whether I should expect to be ok with the ACE 202 or should go to the green #3 right off. Also want to see if he can find any other sources that would be good or even cheaper than what I've found.

So, I seem to recall some link somewhere to a site by a guy who is an Optometrist and a glass worker, but I've not been able to find it. Can anyone give me a reference for that site or for someone who actually has professional knowledge in both areas? Thank you.

Judy

[cheng076]

I'm no expert by any means.
My eyes are not sensitive so I use some darker didyes for both soft (which I do very little of) and boro glass. I've never experienced any sort of vision problem doing so. BUT that's me. Even when welding I prefer a couple shades lighter than most people. Didys only seem to be fine for soft glass and thats what all the beaders I know use. if you plan to do any boro then it is highly recommended to get a green shade didydium type. If you are very sensitive then shade #3 may not be enough. What I would do is try torching the boro with your didyium glasses and hold up a shade #3 or #5 in front to see which you like better. These can be had at a weld shop for a couple bucks each and if you explain what you want to do they may let you return them if undamaged.

[PerfectDeb]

My optometrist didn't even know what didys were or what they were for, when I explained he was fascinated - you might get more relevant info straight from the ace site

[RSimmons]

For clip-ons I would check out Arrow Springs glasses. I had a set of Ace glasses made last year for my shop glasses and they have worked out very well for soft glass. I use the #3 glasses for boro and have a separate set for that application.

Robert