The Latest Generation of Military Tactical Eyewear

Whichever front soldiers are in, their eyes are always at the mercy of injuries. This is why military tactical eyewear has become as imperative as the soldier’s fatigue.

Military tactical eyewear can be classified into goggles and spectacles. All of them must conform to The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z87.1 industrial standards. In other words, no parts of the lenses should drop off when subjected to severe impact by projectiles. All military eyewear must also pass more or less two Military Requirements must unconditionally defend against UV rays.

Oakley is an institution in eye gear among soldiers as it is with the masses. Since the 80s, its military line has catered to the needs of the US government. Ultimately, the demand was such that Oakley created a specialized division within the company, Oakley Government Sales. It is responsible for the manufacture and marketing of the brand’s Standard Issue (SI) line of eyewear, which is not for retail.

Its M Frames are one of its most highly sought products. M Frames have shatterproof lenses of polycarbonate material called Plutonite, which provide optimal clarity at all fields of vision. Similar SI eyewear includes the O Matter Frames, Polarized Frames, and Wire Frames.

Likewise, Oakley Standard Issue has tried-and-tested goggles on offer, able to withstand a variety of hostile environments. It has a champion in the SI Ballistic Goggle, aside from the Ballistic Fan Goggle, the A Frame Assault Goggle, the Sand / Wind / Dust Goggle, and the H20 Goggle.

Oakley’s emerging competitor is Revision Eyewear Inc., currently one of Canada’s fastest-growing companies. Launched only in 2002, Revision has made up for its age with growing clients among the militaries of the U.S., Singapore, and Netherlands.

Its top-seller is the Sawfly, with lenses also made of high-impact polycarbonate. Sawfly eye gear can stop most projectiles, dust, wind, water and chemicals from entering your eyes. I

Revision’s growing clientele also love the other insect-inspired products like the Desert Locust Goggles, the Bullet Ant and the recently introduced Hellfy.

While Revision makes great eyewear, ESS’ main drawing point is that it is manufactured in the US. This makes their products a natural fit for more nationalistic soldiers. Based in Sun Valley, Idaho, ESS is an iconic manufacturer of eye gear not only for the military but also for firefighters.

ESS products are noted for thickness of lens (2.8mm at most) and superior military spec, at MIL STD 662F. Bestselling ESS products include the ESS Land Ops goggles, ESS Vehicle Ops goggles, ESS Flight Deck eyewear, and the Advancer V-12™’s ballistic lenses. In fact, ESS has broadest range of military eyewear. By far, the most famous ESS product yet is the Profile NVG (night vision goggle).

ESS eyewear products are sold in more than 90 nations.