How Polycarbonate Lenses Could Save your Life

Have you ever thought, even for a moment, that those sexy Prada sunglasses perched upon your nose could save your life? Aside from being one of the most visible and cost-effective fashion accessories, sunglasses and eyeglasses could save your life, as well as your vision. Whenever you purchase eyeglasses or sunglasses, check the box that says ‘polycarbonate lenses’ and you’ll thank yourself for making your eyes the most protected spot on your body.

In warfare, one in three injuries on the battlefield is eye related. 1 in 3 is a staggeringly high number. As a result of these statistics, the US military has made sunglasses a mandatory part of the uniform. Only certain sunglasses are accepted, and all of them have polycarbonate lenses. Here’s why:

Polycarbonate reflects BB pellets in a test done with glass lenses and polycarbonate. You can find the study online or try it yourself if you have the required materials. A direct hit with a bullet will not stop with polycarbonate lenses, but most shrapnel will flatten, deflect or rebound off the lenses, as proven by the pellet test. Shrapnel was one of the largest factors in eye injuries, so this easy protective measure is meaningful and cost effective.

Polycarbonate s the same stuff that F16 cockpits are made out of. You don’t use this material on a fighter jet unless it’s tough, tough stuff. A crack or fissure in an F16 cockpit hood could result in the cabin losing pressure at a high altitude and the pilot passing out (and thus crashing). Polycarbonate doesn’t shatter like glass and can resist speedy temperature transitions. It’s tough stuff, is the point.

In addition to being touch, it reflects 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. In a warzone, the flashes from a muzzle or explosion can temporarily blind a warrior. With sunglasses, this effect is minimized and the soldier has precious seconds extra to react.

Since you are able to manipulate coloring on polycarbonate lenses, you can tint them to your specifications, making them an essential tool for hunting, sniping or warfare.

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