This is how effective ballistic eye protection is

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1st Lt. Anthony Aguilar wears the ballistic protective eyewear that prevented a bomb-fragment from possibly damaging his eyes when an IED detonated near his Stryker vehicle while on patrol in Mosul. (Photo by Company C, Task Force 2-1, Feb. 2006.)

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Ballistic eye protection gear is military-grade impact protection designed to survive and safeguard the eyes from the military’s high-speed impact and fragmentation standards. The civilian ballistic eye protection gear is different from military eyewear because of the difficult situations experienced by military personnel during their field operations. Generally, the industrial safety standards for the two categories differ in many ways. Two main tests are conducted to certify ballistic eye protection for military use. All military-grade eyewear are required to meet the ANSI certification standards. The US military has its own standards, including functionality, comfortability, absence of bright colors and no distracting designs.

As demonstrated by military medical records, more than 13% of casualties from 2002-2010 experienced eye injuries and trauma. These eye injuries and traumas are primarily a result of blasts from military activities, something the soldiers have no control over. According to research from experts, such injuries can be prevented by using military-grade ballistic eyewear. After this study, the military made it a requirement for all soldiers to wear certified ballistic eye protection whenever in the field.

Although having ballistic eyewear on will not totally eradicate eye damage, it will reduce their onset, particularly when fragments are involved. Such fragments can be very harmful and sometimes can lead to total blindness. Often, you will find soldiers wearing sunglasses when ballistic eye protection is absent, although the sunglasses don’t have the same effect. Specialists also advise against wearing contacts because debris and coarse aggregates can irritate them. To lower the risk of eye problems, soldiers are advised to wear ballistic eye protection that blocks UV light and prevents the entry of dust.

army ballistic eye protection
1st Lt. Anthony Aguilar wears the ballistic protective eyewear that prevented a bomb-fragment from possibly damaging his eyes when an IED detonated near his Stryker vehicle while on patrol in Mosul. (Photo by Company C, Task Force 2-1, Feb. 2006.)

Eye problems caused by field activities among troops sparked such concern that a program focusing on safeguarding eyes from extraneous threats and risks was developed. Extraneous threats could include electromagnetic waves, gusts, fragmentation and sand particles. The curriculum is also associated with vision correction and motivates field feedback. 

Military personnel are always provided with protective gear to shield vital organs from damage. A bulletproof vest protects vital organs the same way a pair of ballistic glasses protect the eyes. While these protective gears do not shield the eyes from bullets, they do a tremendous job at preventing permanent eye damage from dust and UV Rays. According to studies conducted by eye experts, 50% of eye problems generally occur due to damage by UV Rays. This applies to both ordinary citizens and soldiers in the field. 

Besides, new technology reveals that the latest version of military-grade ballistic eye protection has been equipped with bulletproof properties. Of course, a pistol fired to the face is not a risk anyone should take since the chances of survival are extremely slim. What is totally incredible is that a pair of ballistic glasses can simply save your eyes and life. These new ballistic eye protections can prevent a bullet from passing through the lens, thereby preserving the user’s life. Users would still sustain substantial injuries as a result of the hydraulic shock, however, the ballistic lenses provide a layer of safety that is worth a try. While being shot in the face is an uncommon situation, you can never be too safe as a field soldier. Furthermore, shell casings can resurface and cause further damage.

There is plenty of evidence from experts demonstrating the importance of ballistic eye protection. Without this equipment, more soldiers would experience eye injuries and traumas.