Which of the following is commonly used to protect the eyes in laser environments?

In laser environments, safety goggles are specifically designed to offer protection against harmful laser radiation. They are made from materials that can absorb or reflect laser light, thereby reducing the intensity of the radiation that reaches the eyes. Safety goggles come labeled with their Optical Density (OD) ratings, which indicate their effectiveness at different wavelengths of laser light. This specificity is crucial in environments where lasers are used, as it ensures that the protective eyewear is suitable for the particular type of laser being operated, thus minimizing the risk of eye injury from exposure.

In contrast, other options like sunglasses and standard eyewear are not designed to provide adequate protection against laser radiation. While sunglasses can reduce eye strain and glare from bright light, they do not offer the necessary level of protection from the specific wavelengths of light produced by lasers. Standard eyewear typically lacks the proper materials and coatings that would mitigate laser exposure effectively. Contact lenses, while they serve a visual correction purpose, do not provide any protective benefits against laser radiation, leaving the eyes vulnerable. Therefore, safety goggles are the appropriate choice for protection in laser environments.