Welding goggles provide protection for your eyes. They not only protect your eyes from the heat and minute shavings that fly your way, but also the very strong ultraviolet and infrared light. Even though this type of light is invisible to the eye, these UV and IR rays can damage the cornea of your eye severely. Never weld without eye protection.
Okay, now that we have gotten the lecture out of the way. You should know that welding goggles are primarily designed for certain kinds of oxygen cutting or gas welding. They're not designed to be used for arc welding. You have to have a stronger, darker filtering lens – the kind that come with welding helmets. You also need the full face protection that a helmet or facemask provides. The UV and IF light that arc welding generates can damage the skin on your face and neck. It is also a good idea to keep the flying debris away from your face.
Yes, welding goggles do look funny. If you remember the movie "Back to The Future", they are the glasses Doc wore. Not the coolest look.
If you're not a professional welder, you might be put off by the way you look when you are wearing the goggles. Don't let that stop you from wearing them. Next time you see some professional welders, check them out. You'll notice they all wear eye protection, at least welding goggles, and if there are welding, they most likely are using a welding helmet.
Some of the best brands include Steampun welding goggles, Hobart welding goggles and various gas german welding goggles models. Auto darkening welding goggles are extremely convenient and you can even get a pair of prescription goggles whether you prefer metal or old leather style goggles.
It makes no sense to risk your eyesight just because you might feel a bit self-conscious.
By the same token, these are not sunglasses. They should not be used when operating any moving vehicle.
Some things to consider when choosing a pair of goggles:
• Anti-fog lenses - they don't fog up when you are wearing them due to your body heat.
• Distortion free lenses - particularly look for image distortion as you move your head. This is an indication of cheaper plastic being used for the lenses.
• Comfortable and lightweight – make sure that the plastic is soft enough so that you can wear it for hours if necessary, but still firm enough so that no debris can pass through. Obviously, all things being equal you want as light a pair of welding goggles as you can get.
• Cushioned eye cups that form a perfect seal to keep out dust and airborne particles
• 5.0 IR filter lenses that provide infrared and ultraviolet protection for your eyes. The lenses should meet or exceed the ANSI standard Z 87.1+
• Flip up lenses make it easy to switch between tasks without taking off the goggles
• Side vents to increase airflow to increase comfort and reduce the potential for fogging
• Flame retardant headband - a good safety feature
• Will fit over your prescription glasses if you wear them
And, of course, there's always the Halloween and costume aspect. They work great for the steam punk look.