Safety Goggles for Kids
Children love being a part of the action. There is no project too big or dangerous, and perhaps that is the appeal to some children. As parents, you want your little helpers to be safe and protected. Safety goggles are a must and there are many to choose from.-
Sports
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According to the Prevent Blindness America Organization, 40,000 people a year suffer sports-related eye injuries. Be sure goggles are made of a polycarbonate plastic--cheaper plastics may splinter or break when they are needed most. If your child will be playing for long periods in the sun, goggles that are 100 percent UV rated are available at most sporting goods stores. Likewise, if your child's sport is running intensive, look for goggles with an elastic band that will keep them in place. For hockey, be sure that all face shields and helmets are approved by the U.S. Amateur Hockey Association. The goggles you choose should not impair your child's ability to safely wear a helmet if necessary. If your child requires prescription eye protection, you should consult your eye doctor. Goggles should fit comfortably and be padded along the brow and bridge of the nose to avoid digging into the skin.
Home
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Know the project the goggles are needed for: children's goggles come in glass, plastic and polycarbonate. Glass goggles will protect against chemicals and solvents, are not easily scratched and can easily be made to fit a prescription. The drawback of glass goggles is that they can be heavy and cumbersome to a child. Plastic is lighter and still offers good protection and fog-resistance but will scratch much easier. Polycarbonate still offers the best protection against impact and fog. It is also lightweight but is still not as scratch-resistant as glass.
What You Can Do
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It can be difficult to get children to wear goggles. The best way to encourage children to maintain good eye safety practices is for them to see parents with good eye safety practices. There are many "fun" or colorful children's options available made by many manufacturers.
Common Misconceptions
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Eyeglasses and/or sunglasses are no replacement for proper safety goggles. If your child needs prescription lenses normally, be sure that his protective eyewear carries the same prescription.
Special Considerations
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If your child has good use of only one eye, consult your doctor for engaging in any sport or activity that would require safety goggles, as depth perception may also cause problems for your child.
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