Googles

Googles, commonly spelled goggles, are a form of protective eyewear designed to shield the eyes from hazards such as dust, chemical splashes, and water. They form a seal around the eye and are worn over regular eyeglasses or in place of them in hazardous environments. They come in many forms for different activities.

Types include safety goggles (industrial and laboratory), splash goggles, swimming goggles, ski goggles for cold weather, and welding goggles for radiant heat and bright arcs. Safety goggles may be indirect-vented to reduce fogging; swimming goggles have watertight seals and anti-fog coatings. Some protective eyewear provides UV or infrared radiation protection.

Construction: Lenses are commonly polycarbonate due to impact resistance and optical clarity. Frames are typically plastic or rubber; a flexible strap provides a secure fit. Many have soft foam or PVC seals around the perimeter.

Standards and regulation: In the United States, safety eyewear is tested under ANSI Z87.1 for impact resistance and optical quality; in the European Union, EN 166 sets requirements for eye protection; other regions have their own standards. Prescription options and combination with side shields or spectacle inserts.

History and usage: Goggles have evolved from early improvised eye protection to specialized equipment used in science labs, industrial workplaces, sports, and military. They are widely used to prevent eye injuries and exposure to harmful substances or water.