Can these goggles keep you from crying?

The claim. “For tear-free chopping, mincing, dicing, slicing—fear no onion,” reads the packaging for RSVP Onion Goggles (shown), whose antifog lenses and foam seal are designed to protect your eyes from irritating onion vapors. (Science lesson: The squashing of onion cells and the admission of air during chopping allow an enzyme to react with sulfur compounds in the onion, releasing the eye-irritating substance.)

The check. Seven Consumer Reports staffers who say they typically cry when chopping onions each received a big red onion cut in three pieces. Volunteers wore no protection while chopping the first piece. Before chopping the other pieces, they donned either Onion Goggles or standard-issue safety goggles that made no dry-eye claim. See the goggles in action in the video below.

The results. Most panelists said Onion Goggles, available in black, white, or pink from online retailers, limited tearing and burning. That said, some reckoned they don’t chop enough onions at home to make the $19.95 goggles (plus shipping) a worthwhile expense. Moreover, Onion Goggles won’t fit over eyeglasses. The regular safety goggles helped reduce tearing a bit, cost less, and might fit over glasses.

Some ways to keep onions from irritating your eyes:
• Chill onions before peeling.
• Peel onions under running water and chop them in a food processor.
• Use a sharp knife, which minimizes the chemical process that leads to tears.