| Shooters of all kinds require eye protection, | | | | lens. Some rating information from each group: |
| whether at the range or in the field. The majority | | | | * OHSA Safety Standard 1910.133(a)(2) requires |
| of shooting activities take place inclose proximity | | | | impact resistant lens AND "eye protection that |
| to the face. Facing the possibility of ricochets, | | | | provides side protection when thereis a hazard |
| flying objects (ejecting shells, etc), wind, sun and | | | | from flying objects." |
| dust, it onlymakes sense to use good eye | | | | * ANSI standards for impact resistance are |
| protection. Although everyday sunglasses are | | | | outlined in article Z87.1 and Z87.3. These standards |
| better than nothing, you're much better off with | | | | were provided to ANSI by the |
| a pair ofprotective glasses specifically designed for | | | | American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) |
| shooting activities. | | | | and specifically focus on eye safety. |
| But when searching for a quality pair of shooting | | | | * U.S. Military - The U.S. Military uses a testing |
| glasses, what factors do you look at to help | | | | standard called MIL-V-43511C, which is a .22 |
| make an educated purchase? | | | | caliber ballistics impact test. |
| For some additional in-depth information on | | | | U.S. Military eyewear must pass this standard |
| shooting glasses, you might want to check out | | | | before being issued to any U.S. military personnel. |
| We'd recommend evaluating the following | | | | We'd suggest choosing shooting glasses with lens |
| components when making your decision: | | | | that meet or exceed all three standards. If not all |
| * Lens | | | | three, at least two. We wouldn'ttake a chance |
| * Lens Impact Resistance | | | | with any less. |
| * Lens UV protection | | | | Lens UV Protection |
| * Frame Coverage | | | | UV radiation is the low frequency light waves |
| Let's look at each one in more detail: | | | | produced by the sun. To provide adequate |
| Lens | | | | protection, look forshooting glasses that absorb at |
| A very important important feature to consider. | | | | least 99% of UV radiation. Choose shooting |
| For shooting applications, Polycarbonate is the best | | | | glasses with one of the following labels: "Blocks |
| lens material available onthe market today. | | | | 99% or |
| Polycarbonate is a type of LEXAN from G.E., the | | | | 100% of UV rays", "UV absorption up to 400nm", |
| same material used for bullet resistant glass in | | | | or "meets ANSI UV requirements." It should be |
| autos. It's suchhard material that a special diamond | | | | noted that even clear Polycarbonate lenswill block |
| grinding wheel must be used to cut the lens. In | | | | or absorb UV rays, so don't become focused on |
| comparison, Polycarbonate lenses are lighter,more | | | | the tint as playing a role in the level of protection. |
| durable, more impact-resistant and more | | | | Lens Coverage |
| scratch-resistant than any other lens material in | | | | Another crucial element to consider. It's |
| today's market. | | | | imperative that the lens adequately cover enough |
| Lens Impact Resistance | | | | of the eye area to provideproper protection (See |
| In light of the application, this is probably the most | | | | OHSA Standard above). This is especially |
| important feature to be concerned with. Lens | | | | important for the side areas of the eye. Your |
| color, fit,etc. are all important, but they become a | | | | best bet is to look for lensthat wrap around past |
| mute point if the lens won't properly protect the | | | | the sides of the eye for complete coverage. |
| eye. Impact resistance ratings aretypically | | | | What about brands and pricing? You will find |
| standardized through agencies and groups like | | | | several shooting glasses manufacturers on the |
| Occupational Safety & Health Administration | | | | market today. They will cover a very broadrange |
| (OHSA), American National | | | | of pricing that will range from $30.00 - $200.00 |
| Standards Institute (ANSI), and the U.S. Military. | | | | for non-prescription, and $200-$450 for |
| These standardized rating provide the minimum | | | | prescription lens glasses. We'dencourage you to |
| recommended impact resistance forsafety based | | | | shop around and make an educated decision. |