Eye protection is essential for all shooters, both in the field and on the range, and shooting glasses provide much better protection than ordinary sunglasses. Flying objects such as ejecting shells can injure eyes and tinting can improve visibility.
Lenses for shooting glasses are made from crown glass, CR9 plastic, or polycarbonate. Polycarbonate offers the highest impact resistance rating and provides UV protection, even when not tinted. Buyers should make sure that the lens impact resistance meets the standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and/or the U.S. Military.
Lenses should provide protection for the sides of the eye, so look for glasses that wrap around the sides of the face.
Shooting glasses with frames made of plastic, titanium, or aluminum are lightweight and more comfortable to wear than heavier frames. Shooters should also consider buying shooting glasses with adjustable frames for increased comfort.
Buyers should also be sure the glasses offer UV protection to protect the eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. Look for labels saying "Blocks 99% [or 100%] of UV rays."
Shooting glasses are available in a range of tints, from grays and greens to oranges and purples. Grays, greens, and ambers are good all-round colors; amber is especially effective at improving contrasts. Purple tints enhance the visibility of the target against tall trees.
Some shooters require prescription glasses, but these can be very expensive. One alternative is to get prescription inserts that fit between the lens and the eye.
