How to pick out the right eyewear for a week in the desert.

The Burning Man Festival attracts people to the northern Nevada desert every year. It has become an icon for art and expression that serves as a way for people to connect with others in their community. But a week in the desert can blow around a lot of dust and ruin your eyes. So it’s very important to find goggles that provide the most protection and style. A week on the Playa can leave you with regrets if you don’t find eyewear that protects your eyes. You’ll find yourself wearing them all the time, even if you’re wearing nothing else.

Since the desert conditions are harsh, with sand and debris blowing around everywhere, goggles that enclose the eyes give the most protection. Motorcycle goggles are a common choice because they come in a wide variety of styles and colors, and are designed to block wind and dirt that would be a problem when driving. They keep your eyes in stasis from the outside weather so you have the irritation and redness. Find a tint that is comfortable for you. A lot of glare can reflect off of the Playa, so find one with a dark enough tint that you are spending the whole day squinting.

If you wear glasses, you’ll still need to find a pair of goggles to wear. Although glasses can protect from some things, they won’t keep them safe from all the dust. Get yourself a pair of oversize goggles that will fit over your glasses. You’ll still be able to wear normal prescription lenses, but you’ll also get the protection. If you want something a bit more stylish, try finding a pair that allows you to put in your own prescription lenses. You can find some pairs that are prescription-able. They look great and won’t leave you regretting it when you leave; even if you find yourself regretting other things.

Goggles with bigger lenses are also a great choice. Since goggles can sometimes be too limiting on your field of vision, a bigger lens will allow you to see more of what’s going on. Ski and Snowboard goggles are designed for the wind and reflected light, so they’re perfect for wearing while you’re at the Playa. They wrap around and have big lenses for seeing everything that’s going on.

You’ll still need goggles for burning at night, so bringing a second pair without a tint is also helpful. Since the wind and dust is still a pain at night, find a second pair without a tint, or with a very subtle coloring, so that you can still get around at night easily. Some pairs allow you to change the lens easily. This is another alternative to buying a second pair. Find yourself a pair that allows you to change the frame, and you only have to decide on one style.