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Eye Protection Types

Every do-it-yourself handyman knows just how important it is to wear eye protection while working on most projects. Good eye protection can be the difference between a relatively smooth project and a trip to the hospital thanks to an errant splinter. Eye protection comes in many different forms and is often designed for a specific task--such as a welder's mask being designed solely for welding purposes.

  1. Eyeglasses

    • Your eyeglasses can perform the double duty of providing clearer vision and providing a modicum of protection for your eyes. Granted, eyeglasses are not the best protection your eyes can have--and they provide no protection at all from harmful lights or rays such as those encountered during welding projects--but if no other eye protection is available, they will help keep errant particles from directly entering your yes.

    Safety Goggles

    • Safety goggles form a seal around your eyes to provide complete protection from particles and dust. Goggles are generally the most recommended eye protection on any work site, from construction site to laboratory. Most safety goggles do not provide protection from harmful light or rays, however, so they are only useful for keeping dust and other debris out of your eyes.

    Welder's Goggles & Masks

    • A pair of welder's goggles--or a welder's mask--is an absolute must-have whenever you are working with a welder or any other device that emits bright or harmful light. Welder's goggles are heavily darkened and shielded to protect the wearer's eyes from the intense light created by the application of the welding torch to metal. Welder's goggles and masks also provide protection from flying sparks and debris, which makes them effective away from the welding torch as well.

    Face Shields

    • The ultimate choice for eye and face protection, face shields are reminiscent of similar equipment used by riot police in volatile situations. They protect the wearer's entire face from flying debris and particulates. Face shields are typically used in situations where there will be a lot of shards and particulates flying around, such as when cutting through heavy metals or material that is prone to shatter and splinter.

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