Goggle Data

You want the best protection for peace of mind when working in daily environments with potential viral exposure.

Eye exposure transmission- Studies has shown the eye is part of mucus membrane and susceptible to airborne transmission from viruses.

Proper fit- Many safety goggles do not provide a tight fit which allows environmental air into eye space. People wearing eye glasses are subject to wearing goggles over them, creating fit and comfort issue. Oversized goggles create a fit issue with respirator masks. Multiple PPE wear causes head gear and strap crossovers.

Sealed goggle- Are not recommended by the CDC. They may create fogging issues over prolong use and intraocular pressure observed in swimming goggles. Intraocular pressure is a risk factor in progression of glaucoma.

Indirect vent goggles- Provides vents into eye space but allows unfiltered environmental air exposure. Face masks can exhale hot air to fog up direct and indirect vented goggles or open eyewear.

Contamination risks- Eyewear without head straps may shift or fall off with physical activity which would lead to exposure or contamination risks.

Comfort issue- Rigid seal materials creates skin discomfort over prolong daily use. A full face mask has optimal protection although uncomfortable for prolong use daily (hot, heavy, hard communication)

References:

Kyoung Tak Ma,1,* Woo Suk Chung,2,* Kyoung Yul Seo,2 Gong Je Seong,2 and Chan Yun Kim. The effects of Swimming Goggles on Intraocular pressure and blood flow within optic nerve head. Published online 2007 Oct 31. doi: 10.3349/ymj.2007.48.5.807

CDC. Infection Control Eye Safety. July 29, 2013 https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/eye/eye-infectious.html

CDC. How COVID-19 Spreads. October 28, 2020 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-covid-spreads.html

Jessica A. Belser, Kortney M. Gustin, Jacqueline M. Katz, Taronna R. Maines, and Terrence M. Tumpey. Influenza Virus Infectivity and Virulence following Ocular-Only Aerosol Inoculation of Ferrets. 2014 Sep; 88(17): 9647–9654.
doi: 10.1128/JVI.01067-14 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4136304/