Tactical Eyewear Standards: ANSI Z87.1, EN 166 & MIL-PRF-31013

ANSI Z87.1

ANSI Z87.1 is a key safety standard in the U.S. for protective eyewear, including spectacles, goggles, face shields, and both prescription and plano lenses. It sets requirements for optical quality, light transmission, and impact resistance, ensuring eyewear provides clear vision and adequate protection. Physical criteria include no sharp edges, sufficient coverage, and resistance to ignition and corrosion. Impact tests, such as the drop ball and high-mass/velocity tests, ensure durability against potential hazards. The standard also mandates UV protection, which is crucial for tactical eyewear, offering full defense up to 400 nm.

DIN EN 166

DIN EN 166 is a European standard that defines personal eye protection requirements, incorporating procedures from EN 167, EN 168, and EN 170. EN 167 specifies optical standards, including refractive accuracy and light transmission, with Class 1 being the highest for continuous use. EN 168 covers non-optical tests such as durability, UV resistance, impact protection, and fog resistance.

According to EN 166, glasses may be tested with high-speed particles with low-energy impact only (F, ~0.87 J), while goggles can withstand medium-energy impact (B, ~6.19 J). Full-face shields are the only ones tested for high-energy impact (A, ~15.52 J). EN 170 evaluates UV protection, with lens markings indicating filter type and shading. Tactical lenses compliant with EN 166 must meet stringent optical clarity and safety requirements while ensuring effective UV filtration.

MIL-PRF-31013

MIL-PRF-31013 is a U.S. military standard for ballistic protective eyewear, covering optical quality, UV protection, impact resistance, and environmental durability. Ballistic testing follows MIL-STD-662, determining V50 (equal probability of penetration) and V0 (no complete penetration). Eyewear must withstand extreme temperatures (-50°C to +70°C), resist solar radiation and humidity, and absorb 90% of UV radiation up to 380 nm.

EN 12312-1

EN 12312-1 is a European standard that defines the mechanical, optical, and safety requirements for sunglasses and sunglare filters designed for eye protection.

2025-02-27