Military glasses are critically essential protective eyewear for soldiers. When in combat, clear vision means life or death. The U.S. Army invests heavily in developing cutting-edge eyewear for providing critical protection and enhancing combat performance for soldiers. From shielding eyes against flying debris to preventing long-term damage from harsh conditions, military eyewear is an essential gear. In this article, you'll discover how these advanced military glasses can boost your accuracy, increase comfort in the field, and ultimately keep you safer during high-stakes operations. Read on to learn why investing in quality Army glasses is a smart move for any soldier.
Introduction to Military Eyewear
The Origins
Military forces were among the first to recognize the need for protective eyewear. Aviator sunglasses were developed in the 1930s by Bausch & Lomb for US pilots flying at high altitudes. The iconic teardrop lens design reduced glare and eye strain, quickly becoming standard issue for air corps pilots across armed forces.
Wartime Adoption
As the benefits of protective eyewear became evident, their use expanded during World War II. Ray-Ban's signature green lenses helped shield pilots' eyes from harsh glare. Military leaders like General Douglas MacArthur further boosted the popularity of Ray-Ban Aviators, making them a symbol of strength and endurance.
Modern Tactical Eyewear
Today's soldiers require eyewear optimized for diverse combat scenarios. Brands like Oakley have developed ballistic-rated models like the M Frame meeting stringent military standards for impact protection. Features like enhanced peripheral vision and compatibility with helmets and equipment make them vital gear.
Specialized lens tints, anti-fog coatings, and photochromic options further adapt eyewear to any environment or lighting condition. With both protection and performance prioritized, military-grade eyewear gives troops a crucial tactical edge.
What are the Military Glasses Called?
Ballistic Eyewear Standards
The U.S. military has stringent standards for protective eyewear worn by personnel during combat operations, training exercises, or any activities with potential eye hazards. This specialized eyewear, designed to shield against high-velocity impacts, is commonly referred to as "ballistic eyewear."
The primary standard for military-grade protective spectacles is MIL-PRF-31013, which requires lenses and frames to withstand projectiles traveling at high speeds. Similarly, MIL-DTL-43511D outlines the rigorous testing requirements for ballistic goggles used by the armed forces.
Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL®)
To ensure consistent quality and performance, the U.S. Army maintains an Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL®). This comprehensive list includes spectacles, goggles, Rapid Light Adaptive Eyewear (RLAE), and Cold Weather Goggles that have undergone stringent ballistic testing and meet the necessary safety standards.
Some examples of APEL-approved eyewear include the ESS Crossblade and Oakley M-Frame Alpha spectacles, as well as the ESS Influx and Revision Desert Locust goggles. RLAE options like the AMI E-Tint Ctrl MS1 and MG1 are also part of the authorized list.
Prescription and Customization Options
To accommodate varying vision needs, many APEL-listed eyewear models can be fitted with prescription lenses using a Universal Prescription Lens Carrier (UPLC). This feature ensures optimal visual clarity and performance for soldiers who require corrective lenses.
Additionally, some military-grade eyewear is available in specialized designs, such as the Mossy Oak Blades Camouflage Safety Glasses or the Swagger UD1 Series with a ballistic sunglass design, catering to specific operational requirements or personal preferences.
How Military Glasses Provide Improved Vision and Safety
Stringent Standards
Military glasses undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet the highest standards for ballistic fragmentation protection. The U.S. military's MIL-PRF-31013 and MIL-DTL-43511D specifications require eyewear to withstand projectiles traveling at much higher velocities than standard safety glasses. According to MCR Safety, military-rated glasses provide 5-7 times greater impact resistance compared to ANSI Z87 certified eyewear.
While not bulletproof, these durable lenses can better shield eyes from hazards like metal fragments, debris, shock waves from explosions, and other combat threats. Strict performance criteria also cover factors like fit, chemical resistance, temperature/humidity stability, and anti-fogging capabilities.
Enhanced Vision Capabilities
Beyond ballistic protection, advanced military eyewear incorporates vision-enhancing technologies to improve soldiers' sight and accuracy. The Army's Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL) includes options like Rapid Light Adaptive Eyewear that can quickly transition between light and dark conditions.
Companies like Revision offer proprietary lens tints optimized through AI for better color rendering and detail perception in different environments, giving users a tactical advantage. Their new SlingShot design also improves sightlines by removing the top frame bar.
Prescription Integration
With about half of soldiers requiring vision correction, many APEL-approved styles accommodate prescription lenses via Universal Prescription Lens Carriers. This allows wearers to maintain both eye protection and crisp visual acuity essential for combat readiness.
Eclipse Optics offers a wide selection of military-grade eyewear suitable for those with and without prescriptions. Their styles meet ballistic, UV, and other APEL criteria while prioritizing functionality and comfort in the field.
Protection from Hazards with Army Glasses
Durable and Protective Design
Serving on the battlefield exposes soldiers to a multitude of potential hazards, from airborne particles and debris to shrapnel and blinding sunlight. Oakley military sunglasses are designed with these challenges in mind, providing crucial protection to safeguard vision and ensure optimal performance. Their tactical eyewear meets stringent ballistic ratings and ANSI Z87.1 military standards, ensuring high mass and high-velocity impact resistance.
Eclipse Optics offers a range of prescription safety glasses manufactured in the USA using premium materials for optical perfection and extreme durability. Permanent anti-fog and ultra anti-scratch coatings help army personnel maintain clear vision in tough conditions.
Enhanced Vision and Clarity
Army glasses incorporate advanced technologies like Prizm lenses, UV protection, and HD Polarization to reduce glare and enhance visual clarity in various environments. Quora users note that with modern protective eyewear, glass wearers can effectively participate in battles alongside others by facing common battlefield risks.
Customizable lens options like tints and coatings cater to specific vision needs, ensuring optimal visual acuity for tasks like shooting or navigating rugged terrain. Secure grip features like Unobtainium earsocks and nosepads keep glasses firmly in place during strenuous activities.
Strict Military Guidelines
The U.S. Army enforces strict guidelines for eyewear worn by soldiers on duty. Conservative prescription glasses and sunglasses are permitted, but trendy designs or obstructive tints that could hinder visibility are prohibited. Sunglass lens colors must be traditional shades like gray, brown or green to avoid visual distortions.
Restraint straps are only authorized when necessary for hazardous activities to prevent glasses from being lost or damaged. Clear vision is crucial during field operations, so sunglasses may only be worn with a commander's approval in high-glare environments.
Enhanced Performance and Accuracy with Military Eyewear
Optimized Visual Clarity
The advanced lens technologies in military eyewear are designed to optimize visual acuity and reduce glare, providing wearers with a distinct edge. This significantly enhances performance by improving contrast, depth perception, and overall clarity of vision according to Fort Knight Optics. Whether in bright sunlight or low-light conditions, the lenses adapt to ensure optimal visibility - an invaluable asset in dynamic combat situations.
Precision in High-Stakes Environments
Clarity of vision is paramount for accuracy, especially in high-stakes tactical operations where split-second decisions can be critical. Military eyewear enhances performance and accuracy by elevating contrast, depth perception, and overall visual clarity as stated by Revision Military. The advanced lens tints are optimized for different environments like deserts, forests, and snow conditions to increase contrast and color recognition without compromising protection or visibility.
Versatile Protection and Functionality
Beyond visual enhancement, military eyewear is designed to provide robust protection against dust, debris, and other environmental hazards. Strict adherence to safety standards like ANSI Z87+ and MIL-PRF-31013 ensures the ability to withstand high-velocity impacts according to RX Safety. With features like anti-fog coatings, transition lenses, and ballistic ratings, these glasses offer unparalleled versatility and functionality in the field.
Engineered for the demands of combat, military eyewear empowers soldiers with enhanced visual performance, precision, and robust protection - critical advantages that can make all the difference in mission-critical operations.
How to Get New Military Glasses
Ensuring optimal vision and eye protection is crucial for military personnel operating in demanding environments. Eclipse Optics offers a wide range of functional and protective military eyewear, including spectacles, sunglasses, and goggles designed to meet the highest standards of performance and durability.
Choosing the Right Frame
The first step in obtaining new military glasses is to select a suitable frame that meets your specific needs. Eclipse Optics offers various frame styles, such as the SlingShot sunglasses, StingerHawk spectacles, and MerlinHawk goggles, each designed to provide optimal comfort, fit, and protection.
Adding Prescription Lenses
If you require vision correction, Eclipse Optics offers prescription lens options for many of their military eyewear products. You can choose compatible frames and add a prescription lens carrier or kit, ensuring that your new glasses meet both your vision needs and the rigorous demands of military service.
Customization and Accessories
To further enhance the functionality and durability of your military glasses, Eclipse Optics offers a range of customization options and accessories. These may include spare lenses, anti-fog coatings, and protective cases, ensuring that your eyewear is always ready for action.
Ordering and Support
Once you have selected your desired frame and customization options, you can easily place your order through the Eclipse Optics website or contact their customer support team for assistance. They provide detailed information on warranty coverage, dealer locators, and discount eligibility, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.
By partnering with a trusted provider like Eclipse Optics, military personnel can access high-quality, durable, and functional eyewear tailored to their specific needs, ensuring optimal vision and protection in even the most challenging environments.
Conclusion
As you consider the benefits of Army glasses, it's clear they offer far more than standard eyewear. These specialized lenses provide critical protection and enhanced vision for military personnel in challenging environments. By shielding your eyes from hazards while improving visual acuity and performance, Army glasses play a vital role in mission success and safety. Their ergonomic design ensures comfort during extended wear, allowing you to focus on the task at hand. Whether you're actively serving or simply seeking high-performance eyewear, military-grade glasses deliver unparalleled functionality. Invest in your vision and safety with Army glasses - your eyes will thank you.