Cycling goggles provide wrap-around eye protection for bikers. Bright sunlight, cold air, dust, insects and other hazards make it difficult for bikers to see the road and what lies ahead of them. Sunglasses might offer some protection, but cycling goggles are often better because they cover the eyes entirely. Chose goggles that shield you against problems common to the region where you bike.
Expert Insight
Cycling goggles protect bikers from many hazards, including dust, insects, pollen, dripping perspiration, inclement weather and sunlight. If you are a serious bicycling enthusiast, ask your eye doctor for advice on choosing a pair of goggles suitable for your region's weather. Also, ask experienced bicyclists in local cycling groups for recommendations. If possible, test a pair of goggles while wearing your bike helmet to ensure the strap fits comfortably.
Visibility
Good visibility is by far the most important factor you should consider. If you can't see well, you might not notice traffic or obstacles in the road. Test different types of lenses to see which provide the best visibility in outdoor conditions. For example, try blue-blocking lenses, actually amber in color, which make it easier to see distant objects in low light. Note that some lenses might alter the appearance of traffic signals.
Ultraviolet Protection
Buy goggles that protect against UVA and UVB radiation, which can hurt you even on cloudy days. Continued exposure to UV light damages your eyes, affecting your eyelid skin, your corneas, lenses and other eye parts. In serious cases, UV radiation leads to the development of cataracts. Choose goggles that provide 99 to 100 percent blockage of both UVA and UVB radiation. Note that the tint of the lenses does not indicate their effectiveness.
Anti-Fog
Water vapor inside goggles can fog the lenses, especially in cool weather. Buy goggles that minimize fog. If you want to add fog protection to goggles you already own, consider using one of the several available chemical treatments. Check with the manufacturer of your goggles to see if a particular treatment will damage lenses. Typically, application consists of wiping the chemical on the goggles, then wiping it off after a short time. Note that these treatments might leave a misty haze on the lenses, so test any treatment out on an old pair of goggles or glasses before applying it to an expensive pair. Look for fog treatment options at bike shops and sports equipment retailers.
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