One example that sprang to mind was this helmet/goggle/face-sheild from the first world war. Worn by tank personnel to protect their face and eyes against shrapnel and spalling inside the tank.

People were most definitely interested in protecting their eyes long before plastic. Helmets with visors was one of the earliest known methods. (Not a historical source just lots of helmets with visors) But these super cool arctic goggles may have preceded them.

At least by the early 18th century doctors were wearing [masks](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_Plague_Doctor_%E2%80%93_from_Jean-Jacques_Manget,Trait%C3%A9_de_la_peste(1721);_University_of_Lausanne_version.png) with crystal eyes to protect against plague.

By the end of the 18th century we begin to see the earliest diving bells utilizing glass panes

Your first goggles begin to appear in the mid 19th century. Mostly just modified eyeglasses they often came in pince-nez style. (That example is from the early 20th century Earlier versions would be similar but less refined in design)

Today we continue to use both glass and plastic to make safety glasses. Glass is usually only employed for prescription safety glasses.

As for the use of glasses for safety that took quite a while to catch on. Michelangelo Buonarroti nearly blinded himself dripping paint in his eye while painting the Sistine Chapel. Chemists through the late 19th century loved to play with violently reactive chemicals while not wearing safety glasses. Joseph-Louis Gay-Lussac had experiments blow up in his face twice. The first time he lost part of his vision which meant the second time he was wearing corrective glasses which may have saved his eyesight. Robert Bunsen also had an experiment blow up in his face costing him the use of his right eye. I'm sure there are many more great examples that I can't think of right now.

The technology to protect eyes has been around for a long time. The way to convince people to use that technology may never be invented.