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