What happens to protective eye goggles as they age?

As protective eye goggles age, their resistance to scratching decreases due to various factors such as wear and tear, exposure to environmental elements, and degradation of materials. Over time, the protective coatings or treatments that enhance scratch resistance can wear off, making the lenses more susceptible to scratches from dust, debris, and other particles. This can significantly impact the effectiveness of the goggles, as scratches can impair visibility and ultimately reduce the level of protection they provide.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the typical changes that occur with aging goggles. For instance, while their color may fade or change in some cases, this is not a consistent or significant issue compared to the reduced scratch resistance. Comfort levels may actually decrease over time due to material breakdown rather than increase, and the weight of the goggles is unlikely to decrease as they age; if anything, they could become heavier due to wear and accumulated dirt or grime.