Protective eyewear that is used to enclose or protect the eyes and the areas surrounding the eyes are called ‘Goggles’. They effectively prevent chemicals, foreign particles and water from entering the eye and causing irritation or infection. They are used in many areas – as part of night vision activities, sports, welders, drillers and people working with machinery like heavy-duty cutters and saws to prevent flying particles from hitting or damaging the eyes.
History
The earliest references to ‘goggles’ comes from reading the history of the Inuit and Yupik tribes who lived in the cold wild wilderness growing crops and rearing animals. They fashioned protective eyewear to prevent blindness from the harsh rays of the sun reflecting off snow and ice and for protection wild riding horses. These ‘goggles’ were roughly handmade caribou antler, shell and wood pieces; it had a curved design to fit the face with a groove that sat on the nose. The goggles were wrapped around the head using cords made from caribou sinew. The eye pieces had long, thin cuts through which looking out could be established by the wearer; only a small amount of light entered the eye preventing ultraviolent rays of the sun at bay.
20th century goggles
Early drivers of uncovered cars wore goggles to protect the eyes from dust and wind. The invention of the airplane in 1903 gave rise to newer designs in goggles and eye-wear because it became a necessity as aircraft speeds grew higher and wind velocity increased. Charles Manly was perhaps the first ‘aircraft pilot’ to wear goggles in 1903.
Types of goggles
There are several types of goggles depending on the use and requirement. Some basic uses of goggles are in the following are:
1. Use in cold weather – to ensure proper vision in extremely cold weather, double layered goggles are used to prevent the lens from fogging due to the cold air.
2. Swimming – watertight goggles are used to prevent blurriness or irritation from coming into contact with water.
3. Blow Torches, Power and Welding Tools – these skilled labor jobs require eye protection to prevent pieces of concrete, metal, plastic and wood from damaging or injuring the eyes.
4. Laboratory and scientific research – these are areas that require the use of chemicals and solutions which can cause reactions like smoke or gas which are harmful to the eye.
5. Riding – motorcycle, car and horse riding usually involve movement at great speeds against wind movements causing the eyes to water and irritate; hence, the need to wear protective eyewear is absolutely necessary.
6. Aviation – this is very essential especially in open cockpit aircraft.
7. Sports – both indoor and outdoor
8. Astronomy – to study the night sky especially tracking satellites, meteors and aircraft.
9. Virtual reality – for 3-D and computer games to prevent stress and strain on the eyes.
Non-human uses
Animals are known to use protective eyewear in areas of sports and search activities. Horses are fitted with eye protection during horse mounted bull-fights, search dogs wear goggles or eyeglasses to see better at higher altitudes on snow covered mountain slopes, military dogs wear them for protection in severely harsh conditions like sandstorms, blizzards etc.
VisionSpecialists.Org is a leading website where you can buy high quality sunglasses and eyeglasses. If you are looking for DSQUARED Sunglasses or GUCCI Sunglasses then do not forget to check our website. As a welcome offer for new customers you will get FLAT 10% off on your first order if you use VSC10 coupon code. Hurry!! Limited Time Offer.