General Eye Protection

• Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from foreign materials or objects coming into contact with them. Goggles differ from safety glasses in that they form a protective environment for the eyes. Glasses leave the sides open, but goggles have additional material that cups the sides, top and bottom of the eye area to protect them from all angles.
  
  

Protection from Flying Particles and Objects

• Cutting or drilling material such as wood, metal and masonry generates a lot of flying debris. According to Medline Plus, the most common injuries occur when foreign objects enter the eye. Safety goggles are available with shatterproof polycarbonate lenses that will protect your eyes from coming into contact with flying debris, whether it be sawdust or metal shavings. Any task that will generate and make airborne dust, chips or larger debris particles requires eye protection.
  
  

Protection from Dust and Organic Irritants

• Pollen entering your eyes can cause irritation.pollen image by asb from Fotolia.com
  
  Dust and pollen can irritate the eye and make it difficult to work. A tight-fitting pair of vinyl safety goggles is sufficient to protect the eyes from these airborne particles. Wearing goggles will also protect your eyes from dust or pollen that gets on your hands or clothes, then inadvertently comes in contact with the eye by rubbing or touching your face.
  
  

Protection from Chemical Exposure

• The eye’s mucous membrane is exceptionally sensitive to exposure to chemicals in liquid and gaseous form. The goggle’s design forms a seal around the eyes if properly fitted and will protect the eyes from a splash. A filtered inlet can allow the eyes access to air while filtering out harmful material when chemical gas is present.
  
  

Protection from Airborne Blood and Infectious Material

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified the lack of eye protection as a primary reason for eye injury and transmission of infection. Myriad infectious diseases can be transmitted through contact with the mucous membrane of the eye through touch or splatter, so full eye protection is a must. Goggles used in operating rooms must be indirectly vented to prevent the introduction of infectious material that becomes airborne. Because of the necessary tight fit, each person should have his or her own personal pair of safety goggles rather than sharing.
  
  

Protection from Light Sources

• Specialty safety goggles are available with dark-tinted lenses and opaque side shields to protect the eye from bright light, such as that generated by welding operations. In addition to protection from the light source, the eyes must also be protected from the sparks and debris generated by the operation. Specially tinted safety goggles are also required for tasks in which lasers that may strike the eye are in use.