Welding Safety Glasses

ANSI Z87.1+ · Shade 1.7 to 5.0 IR/Filter Lenses · Brazing · Cutting · Torch Work · Not for Arc Welding

Welding safety glasses are shaded, infrared-filtering protective eyewear for brazing, soldering, oxy-fuel cutting, and torch work — tasks that produce intense light and infrared/UV radiation but at lower levels than arc welding. With a filter shade rating (commonly Shade 1.7, 3.0, or 5.0) built into an ANSI Z87.1+ impact lens, they shield the eyes from the harmful radiation and flying debris of gas processes. This collection gathers our shaded and IR welding glasses for welders, fabricators, pipefitters, and metalworkers doing brazing and cutting. Note: arc welding (MIG/TIG/stick) requires a welding helmet with the proper shade, not glasses — see the comparison below.

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What Are Welding Safety Glasses?

Welding safety glasses are protective eyewear with a shaded, infrared- and UV-filtering lens, certified to ANSI/ISEA Z87.1+ for impact and rated to a specific welding-filter shade number. They are designed for gas processes — brazing, soldering, and oxy-acetylene cutting — where the radiant energy is far lower than an electric arc. The shaded lens blocks the bright light and IR that cause discomfort and long-term eye damage, while the polycarbonate base stops sparks, slag, and flying metal. They are lighter and far more convenient than a helmet for these lower-radiation tasks, and they're frequently worn under a welding helmet as secondary protection for arc work.

Welding Shade Ratings Explained

Filter "shade" numbers indicate how much light and IR a lens blocks — higher is darker. For glasses-level gas work, common shades include:

OSHA and ANSI Z49.1 publish a filter-shade selection guide that matches shade to process and amperage. Arc welding requires much darker shades (typically 8–13) and a helmet. Browse our shaded options like the Uvex Genesis XC (Shade 2.0/5.0 Infra-Dura) and 3M Solus 2000 (IR Shade 1.7/5.0).

Brazing Eye Protection

Brazing and soldering produce a bright flame and IR but no arc, so a Shade 3.0 (sometimes 5.0) filter lens in safety-glasses form is typically appropriate, balancing eye protection with enough visibility to see the joint and flow the filler. Glasses are usually sufficient for handheld brazing; for prolonged or high-heat brazing, goggles with the correct shade add splash and full-seal coverage. Always pair shade lenses with the impact protection of a Z87.1+ frame.

Cutting Torch Eye Protection

Oxy-acetylene and oxy-fuel cutting throw a brilliant cutting stream, hot slag, and IR. A Shade 5.0 filter is the common choice for medium cutting, with lighter or darker shades depending on the metal thickness and flame intensity per the OSHA filter-shade guide. Cutting-torch operators benefit from shaded glasses or goggles plus face and skin protection, since slag and sparks scatter widely. For heavier plate cutting, step up the shade and consider goggles for a fuller seal.

Welding Glasses vs Welding Helmets

This is the most important distinction: welding glasses are not a substitute for a welding helmet during arc welding. Electric-arc processes (MIG, TIG, stick) emit intense UV and IR that require a helmet with the proper auto-darkening or fixed shade (8–13) and full face coverage to prevent "arc eye" and burns. Welding glasses are for the lower-radiation gas processes — brazing, soldering, and oxy-fuel cutting — and as secondary eye protection worn under a helmet. Use the helmet for the arc; use shaded glasses for the torch. For arc welders' particulate protection, also see our welding respirators.

Frequently Asked Questions