What Are Rubber Bullets?
Rubber Bullets are projectiles coated in rubber fired from a standard firearm or specially constructed riot guns. Rubber bullets are often used in riot control and are intended to be a less-lethal alternative to traditional ammunition to keep someone at bay without seriously injuring them. However, rubber bullets can still cause pain and injury. Common injuries from rubber bullets include welts, bruises, abrasions, and contusions. However, if misused, they may cause bone fractures, injuries to internal organs, or even death. Additionally, your eyes are highly susceptible to damage when projectiles are involved and require protection.
What Types Of Injuries Do Rubber Bullets Cause?
St. John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem conducted a study in 2003 to determine the type and severity of eye injuries caused by rubber bullets. They treated various injuries and found that orbital fractures are prevalent, meaning one or more bones around the eyeball can fracture or break. The tissues of the orbit are easily penetrated or torn, causing a range of damage, including retinal damage. In cases where the eye itself is hit, recovery is rare. More than half of the patients studied required surgery; of those patients, 53% did not fully recover their vision. Rubber bullets can and have caused severe eye injury to those unprotected.
Will Safety Glasses Stop Rubber Bullets?
Yes, safety glasses & goggles can stop a rubber bullet, provided the correct type of safety eyewear is used. Industrial-rated ANSI Z87.1+ safety eyewear is specifically designed to protect your eyes from work-related hazards. Ballistic-rated eyewear is designed and tested to protect your eyes from higher-velocity projectiles and debris typically found in combat environments.
What Eyewear Is Right For Me?
We highly recommend ballistic-rated safety glasses and goggles if you are concerned about protecting yourself from rubber bullets. While they typically have a slower velocity (200-500 fps) than standard ammunition, rubber bullets have more mass and weight. Therefore, they are at high risk for eye injury if they are not adequately protected. In addition, in the case of rubber bullets, you will likely come into contact with other dangers such as tear gas, water cannons, flying debris, and even other people.
So what kind of protection do you need?
- Ballistic-rated safety glasses or goggles are your best bet for protecting your eyes from high-speed projectiles, including rubber bullets. A ballistic-rated lens is tested using stringent military standards and is designed to stop projectiles moving at higher velocities than industrial-rated lenses. The U.S. military standard requires (at a minimum) that ballistic eyewear can always withstand a 0.15 caliber, 5.8 grain, T37-shaped projectile at a velocity of 640 to 660 feet per second.
- An anti-fog coating on your glasses is an absolute must! It will help minimize and prevent fogging of your eyewear during strenuous activity or in certain weather conditions.
- An airtight seal is something to consider seriously. If you are concerned about rubber bullets, you may come into contact with other risks, such as tear gas. An airtight seal will better protect you and your eyes against additional threats, such as tear gas, dust, and water cannons. *Remember that ballistic-rated eyewear is not a substitute for a full-face gas mask. Many foam-padded goggles and safety glasses still allow air to flow through the lens or body of the eyewear. This means your eyes are still susceptible to tear gas.
- A retaining strap will help keep your eyewear in place and may also maintain comfort, especially if you wear other headwear such as hats, helmets, and/or gas masks.
Is Ballistic-Rated Eyewear Expensive?
Yes and no. Fortunately, ballistic-rated eyewear is available in a range of price points. You can find expensive models loaded with features from high-end brands such as Oakley SI, ESS, and Wiley X. Additionally, you can find more affordable styles from some well-known brands for their industrial eye protection.
The Pyramex I-Force Safety Glasses/Goggles are a good choice for all-encompassing and affordable eyewear. They feature various anti-fog lenses, are military ballistic-rated, and are affordably priced.
What If I Wear Prescription Glasses?
Prescription eyeglass wearers should look for eye protection that fits over their glasses or can accommodate prescription inserts or lens carriers. Unfortunately, most regular prescription eyewear is not safety-rated, let alone capable of protecting one’s eyes against rubber bullets. An impact with a rubber bullet would be disastrous!
Wearing contact lenses in a protest environment is also highly discouraged, especially if tear gas is likely to be used. Contact lenses can trap chemicals and dust against your eye, increasing the likelihood of infection or corneal damage.
The Pyramex Capstone Ballistic Safety Goggle is an affordable, fit-over goggle option. It is ballistic-rated and can fit over prescription eyewear.
Ballistic-rated OTG safety glasses, such as the Edge OSSA OTG, are economical for prescription wearers.
Several brands and models, including Oakley SI, ESS, and Wiley X, offer safety eyewear that supports prescription inserts. You can find these options in our Military & Tactical Goggle section.
Why Can’t I Wear Regular Safety Glasses?
Rubber bullets are potentially dangerous to any part of your body, especially your eyes and face. In the case of rubber bullets, you will likely come into contact with other potential dangers to your eyes, such as tear gas, dust, etc. This is why we recommend a ballistic-rated safety goggle, as they are typically best suited for impact resistance, comfort, and versatility in strenuous activities. While certified to protect your eyes against industrial hazards, regular ANSI Z87.1+ industrial safety glasses haven't been tested to ballistic standards and are not ballistic-rated. Therefore, they may not fully protect you against the impact of a heavier, faster-moving projectile like a rubber bullet.
Summary
It’s essential to be prepared for the unexpected. While rubber bullets are intended to be a non-lethal alternative for crowd control, they can still be dangerous and have caused severe injuries to the unsuspecting. Always be aware of your surroundings and potential risks to your well-being, particularly regarding eye safety. If you expect to be coming into contact with rubber bullets, you will likely be exposed to other threats. Be prepared by checking out our ballistic-rated safety glasses or goggles, which are the best protection against rubber bullets and common risks associated with crowd control.
