Polycarbonate Versus CR-39 Lenses: A Field Study
Abstract
During the Indochina hostilities, prescription-wearing U.S. military members were issued conventional spectacle lenses which were worn in the combat zone. These lenses, if shattered by impact, could produce secondary missiles which could be eye threatening. Polycarbonate (Lexan) lenses could provide significant impact protection in hazardous environments. This study explored the response by industry to a request to produce a range of prescription lenses in dress thickness and the scratch-resistance capability of a state-of-the-art protective coating applied to the polycarbonate-lense surfaces. In their usual pursuits over a year's period in desert-type environment, 100 subjects wore prescription spectacles containing CR-39 and companion polycarbonate lenses. The polycarbonate lenses with coating protection were more scratch-vulnerable than conventional plastic spectacle lenses (CR-39). The eye-protection property of the polycarbonate lens warrants the issue of plano or prescription spectacles containing this material to military members who are likely to be in a combat area.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA091656
Entities
People
- Alton J. Rahe
- Benjamin Kislin
- J. W. Miller
- Thomas J. Tredici
Organizations
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine