Can Vacuum Glazed Sunglasses Provide Maximum Eye Protection?

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The discussion centers around the feasibility of creating eyewear that combines semi-transparent sunglass material with a vacuum layer for enhanced eye protection. Participants question the effectiveness of a vacuum, noting that sunglasses primarily block electromagnetic radiation, which would not be affected by a vacuum. The primary purpose of the vacuum is suggested to be thermal insulation, particularly in extreme cold conditions, but it is pointed out that sunglasses do not seal around the eyes, limiting their effectiveness in insulation. The conversation shifts to the practicality of such designs, with concerns about the thickness and weight of the eyewear due to the vacuum requirement. Comparisons are made to astronaut helmets, which do not utilize multi-pane glass, raising doubts about the necessity of additional insulation. Ultimately, the discussion concludes that while reducing thermal conductivity is possible, the challenges of implementing such eyewear outweigh the potential benefits.
Algren
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Is there such a thing? Wouldn't such a thing give ultimate protection for the eyes?
I first thought i would post this in general engineering, b/c i have another question: How thick must the total eyepiece be if i need 2 semi-transparent sunglass material (of the size of a standard sunglass eyepeice) and a layer of vacuum between them?
 
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Why do you expect a positive effect of a vacuum? Sunglasses are against electromagnetic radiation, if that radiation could not go through vacuum it wouldn't reach Earth anyway.
 
mfb said:
Why do you expect a positive effect of a vacuum? Sunglasses are against electromagnetic radiation, if that radiation could not go through vacuum it wouldn't reach Earth anyway.
The prime reason of the vacuum being there is to prevent heat transfer, so that the eyes can stay warm, in temperatures like -30 celsius with strong winds.
 
Generally, for very cold weather, people wear goggles. Sunglasses don't seal around the eyes, so insulation wouldn't do anything for them.
 
russ_watters said:
Generally, for very cold weather, people wear goggles. Sunglasses don't seal around the eyes, so insulation wouldn't do anything for them.
Point. So then goggles with EM radiation and vacuum protection?
 
Algren said:
Point. So then goggles with EM radiation and vacuum protection?
Astronaut helmets don't use multi-pane glass, so I don't see how extra insulation solves any real problems.
 
russ_watters said:
Astronaut helmets don't use multi-pane glass, so I don't see how extra insulation solves any real problems.
Well, they have the vacuum for free.

You could reduce thermal conductivity with a layer of vacuum, but compared to other points of heat transfer the glass doesn't sound like a major problem. A vacuum would also mean that the glasses have to be quite thick and heavy.
 
russ_watters said:
Astronaut helmets don't use multi-pane glass, so I don't see how extra insulation solves any real problems.
Right. Well, i guess that closes this case.
 
mfb said:
quite thick and heavy.
Thats what I'm wondering about, is this primarily because of low quality/normal glass?
 
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It is primarily because flat glass is not very good in handling 105 Pa pressure difference.
 
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