Which equipment is necessary for a welder to protect their eyes?

The necessary equipment for a welder to protect their eyes is a welding helmet. A welding helmet is specifically designed to shield the welder's face and eyes from the intense light and heat generated during the welding process. It features a dark lens that protects against harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation while also reducing the brightness of the arc.

Welding helmets may also come with additional features such as auto-darkening capabilities, which automatically darken the lens when the welding arc is struck, providing improved visibility and eye safety. This level of specialized protection is crucial because not using the right protective equipment can lead to serious eye damage, including Arc Eye or flash burn, which can result from exposure to excessive light and radiation.

While other options like safety goggles and optical glasses provide some level of protection, they do not offer the comprehensive coverage and features needed for the welding environment. Face masks, on their part, are typically designed for respiratory protection rather than eye safety. Hence, the welding helmet stands out as the essential piece of safety equipment for eye protection in welding.