Improved Submariner Eyewear for Routine Wear and Emergency Equipment Use Underway

The purpose of this project was to investigate the possibility for prescription eyewear to replace the standard P3-submariner eyewear that is currently being issued to submariners. The wire framed eyewear, assessed in the present study, offers a more suitable option to submariners, which ensures a tight seal with a full face mask, greater viewing with the periscope and overall improved utility within the submarine environment. The wire framed eyewear were clearly favored by active duty submariners over all other options presently available. The wire-framed eyewear produced by Rochester Optical improved the levels of fit with the Emergency Air Breathing (EAB) mask and with the periscope. The new wire framed eyewear proved to be a significant improvement in safety and comfort for submariners who wear prescription eyewear with an EAB mask and with the periscope. Furthermore, we recommend that the tested wire framed eyewear replace current submariner eyewear and should be offered to submariners who wear prescription glasses underway. The original document contains color images.