The solution

The critical design issue is to develop a range of protective eyewear that provides adequate ventilation and comfort while maintaining close fit. Other types of eye protection recommended in AS1366 could provide greater protection. These, however, are far less convenient and carry with them problems of restricted vision, fogging and lack of comfort.

Design improvements could include:

• a wider range of sizes and increased adjustability;
• provision of a lightweight strap or flexible ear pieces to increase stability and prevent slippage of spectacles;
• use of flexible materials which can conform to the face while permitting adequate ventilation;
• the use of mouldable plastics to permit individual fitting similar to the process used for mouthguards.