Buyer's Guide to Shooting Glasses

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 proximityimpact 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 andfrom flying objects."
dust, it onlymakes sense to use good eye* ANSI standards for impact resistance are
protection. Although everyday sunglasses areoutlined in article Z87.1 and Z87.3. These standards
better than nothing, you're much better off withwere provided to ANSI by the
a pair ofprotective glasses specifically designed forAmerican 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 helpstandard called MIL-V-43511C, which is a .22
make an educated purchase?caliber ballistics impact test.
For some additional in-depth information onU.S. Military eyewear must pass this standard
shooting glasses, you might want to check outbefore being issued to any U.S. military personnel.
We'd recommend evaluating the followingWe'd suggest choosing shooting glasses with lens
components when making your decision:that meet or exceed all three standards. If not all
* Lensthree, at least two. We wouldn'ttake a chance
* Lens Impact Resistancewith any less.
* Lens UV protectionLens UV Protection
* Frame CoverageUV radiation is the low frequency light waves
Let's look at each one in more detail:produced by the sun. To provide adequate
Lensprotection, 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 bestglasses with one of the following labels: "Blocks
lens material available onthe market today.99% or
Polycarbonate is a type of LEXAN from G.E., the100% of UV rays", "UV absorption up to 400nm",
same material used for bullet resistant glass inor "meets ANSI UV requirements." It should be
autos. It's suchhard material that a special diamondnoted that even clear Polycarbonate lenswill block
grinding wheel must be used to cut the lens. Inor absorb UV rays, so don't become focused on
comparison, Polycarbonate lenses are lighter,morethe tint as playing a role in the level of protection.
durable, more impact-resistant and moreLens Coverage
scratch-resistant than any other lens material inAnother crucial element to consider. It's
today's market.imperative that the lens adequately cover enough
Lens Impact Resistanceof the eye area to provideproper protection (See
In light of the application, this is probably the mostOHSA Standard above). This is especially
important feature to be concerned with. Lensimportant for the side areas of the eye. Your
color, fit,etc. are all important, but they become abest bet is to look for lensthat wrap around past
mute point if the lens won't properly protect thethe sides of the eye for complete coverage.
eye. Impact resistance ratings aretypicallyWhat about brands and pricing? You will find
standardized through agencies and groups likeseveral shooting glasses manufacturers on the
Occupational Safety & Health Administrationmarket today. They will cover a very broadrange
(OHSA), American Nationalof 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 minimumprescription lens glasses. We'dencourage you to
recommended impact resistance forsafety basedshop around and make an educated decision.