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