ESS Laser Protective Lenses

Law enforcement is an inherently dangerous profession. Officers face a multitude of hazardous situations in the line of duty. While some, such as the use of force or gun violence are more obvious; other threats, such as a laser pointers, are more subtle. With the increase of domestic disturbances in the U.S., incidents involving laser pointers are on the rise. These devices are easily available, minimally regulated and pose a real danger to law enforcement officers. 

According to Senate testimony from a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official, during protests in Portland: "35 officers have reported eye-injuries due to being targeted with higher power laser-pins [sic] causing momentary-blindness, blurred-vision, dark spots in their vision and headaches.” ¹ “The most common laser at the protests emitted a green beam.” ¹

In an article published by Harvard Political Review: “According to Dr. Julia Sein, a vitreoretinal specialist from Johns Hopkins hospital, some of the biggest hazards associated with increased exposure to lasers are long-term blindness, retinal hemorrhages, acute swelling of the retina, and penetration of Bruch’s membrane.” ²

Citing an article in the Los Angeles Times:  “There have been 24 incidents in which eye damage was reported after a person was hit with a laser beam during the last year across L.A., said LAPD Lt. Chris Zine. In all but four of the cases, the targets were police officers.” ³

ESS creates advanced eye protection systems that are designed to take on the most hostile and unforgiving environments on the planet. As a response to the increase in visible green lasing incidents, ESS has developed a series of Laser Protective Lenses. The new LPL-5 series protects against devices emitting lasers at the wavelength of 532nm, with an Optical Density (OD) of 2.5, meaning it blocks 99.7% of green visible lasers. This new lens is optimized for all lighting conditions and can be worn in both day and night operations with a visible light transmission (VLT) of 48%.

ESS LPL-5 lenses are available in Eyeshields and Goggles.

The CrossBlade ^TM is the newest and most advanced ESS Eyeshield. Available in two sizes, Standard or NARO, its modular components allow the wearer to customize the fit. In addition, the CrossBlade ^TM has advanced dedicated anti-fog/anti-scratch lens coatings, durable lightweight frames and meets the U.S. Army’s rigorous performance requirements earning a coveted spot on the Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL).  All ESS Cross-Series ^TM Eyeshield components are cross-compatible with each other. For example, the ESS Crossbow® Eyeshield which is issued to the U.S. Army and Marine Corps can be equipped with its own LPL-5 lens or CrossBlade Lenses. Depending on the mission, the frames can be switched to a Crossbow® Suppressor^TM frame which has thin temple arms designed to fit underneath ear muff style comms and hearing protection. 

ESS LPL lenses are also available for the Influx ^TM or Profile NVG ^TM Goggle Series. Both goggles offer anti-fog/anti scratch lens coatings, are night vision compatible and have the same MIL-SPEC ratings. The primary difference between the goggles is the Influx’s patented Adjustable Ventilation System ^TM (AVS) which allows the lens to tilt forward to create airflow or close down for a tight seal. ESS Eye Pro exceeds the most stringent military testing standards and is the only brand of eye protection issued to all branches of the U.S. Department of Defense. Law enforcement is an inherently dangerous profession. Trust your training. Trust your eyewear.