See clearly in the dark

Night vision goggles (NVGs) are indispensable tools for military personnel, law enforcement officers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts, allowing people to see in low light or no light conditions. Being that many people are using some sort of firearm with their night vision goggles, people will often want to wear shooting glasses with them to avoid any injuries to the eyes. That being said, a common query among night vision users is whether shooting glasses, or even prescription glasses can be worn with NVGs, and if so, which shooting glasses are most suitable. This article delves into the compatibility of glasses with NVGs and recommends the FortKnight Optics 308 Ballistic Clear Glasses as the top choice for ensuring both clear vision and optimal performance.

Compatibility of Glasses with Night Vision Goggles

Image courtesy of Nightfall Optics

NVGs are designed to enhance visibility in low-light or even no-light conditions, but their compatibility with shooting glasses can affect their efficiency and the user's comfort and visibility. For a lot of glasses, the greenish color or white phosphor color that is emitted from the goggles can reflect in the lenses and cause visibility issues. 

Here are some important considerations when wearing shooting glasses with night vision goggles:

1. Design of the NVGs: Many contemporary NVGs are built to accommodate users with glasses. These goggles will attach to a tactical helmet and often will have enough space between the eyepiece and the face of the user to where shooting glasses could be worn. Night vision goggles also tend to feature adjustable eyepieces that can be adapted to different facial structures and eyeglass frames. However, although you may be able to wear shooting glasses with your night vision goggles, the level of comfort and field of vision can vary widely.
2. Type of Glasses: The design and size of the glasses play a crucial role in their compatibility with NVGs. Larger or bulkier frames might interfere with the fit of the goggles, while more streamlined and minimalist frames are generally more compatible.
3. Comfort and Fit: Wearing glasses under NVGs can sometimes lead to discomfort due to the added pressure on the nose and face. Ensuring a good fit and choosing the right type of glasses can mitigate these issues. Some NVG models come with built-in diopter adjustment, allowing users to fine-tune focus without the need for glasses.
4. Lens Coatings: Anti-reflective coatings on the glasses' lenses can significantly reduce glare and reflections, enhancing the overall performance of the NVGs by maintaining a clear and unobstructed view.

What are the Best Shooting Glasses to go With NVGs?

Now we wouldn’t talk about the compatibility of shooting glasses with NVGs without actually recommending a solid pair to go with your NVGs.

FortKnight Optics 308 Ballistic Clear Glasses: The Best Choice

Choosing the best glasses to wear with night vision goggles is crucial for maximizing both performance and comfort; you don’t want to spend long hours clearing rooms and shooting in the dark while being uncomfortable or having limited visibility. The FortKnight Optics 308 Ballistic Clear Glasses stand out for several reasons:

1. Slim Profile: The FortKnight 308 glasses are designed with a slim, low-profile frame that minimizes interference with the NVG eyepieces. This ensures a more comfortable fit and better usability, as the glasses do not obstruct the view or the functionality of the goggles.
2. Ballistic Protection: These glasses are built to meet ballistic protection standards, which is essential for military and law enforcement applications, as well as those who just enjoy shooting. Now while these glasses are not bulletproof, the durable lenses provide an additional layer of safety against potential impacts, making them suitable for high-risk environments.
3. High-Quality Optics: The FortKnight 308 glasses feature high-quality, Zeiss lenses that do not distort vision and provide an HD picture, even while wearing night vision goggles. This clarity is vital when using night vision goggles, as any visual distortion can significantly impede the effectiveness of the NVGs, and leave you in the dark (literally).
4. Anti-Fog Coating: The lenses are coated with an anti-fog layer, which reduces the chances of your lenses fogging up and improves visibility while using the NVGs with your shooting glasses. This coating helps to maintain a clear and unobstructed field of view, even in challenging low-light conditions.
5. Comfort and Fit: Designed with user comfort in mind, these glasses have a lightweight frame, reducing pressure on the face when worn under NVGs for extended periods. However, do not let that fool you as these shooting glasses are still very durable. The ergonomic design ensures that they sit comfortably and securely on the face.
6. Versatility: Beyond their compatibility with NVGs, the FortKnight 308 Ballistic Clear Glasses are versatile and can be used in various situations where eye protection and clear vision are essential. They are suitable for shooting, tactical operations, and even everyday wear.
7. Prescription: FortKnight Optics offers the option to get prescription shooting glasses right from the website. Just upload your prescription, select your frames, and you are good to go.

Additional Considerations

When using NVGs with glasses, it’s also important to consider:

• Environmental Conditions: Where you are shooting can affect how you perform. For example, humidity, temperature changes, and dust can affect both the NVGs and the glasses. Choosing glasses with anti-fog and dust-resistant coatings can help maintain clarity.
• Weight Distribution: Heavier NVGs can cause discomfort when used with glasses. That being said, ensuring proper adjustment and weight distribution can alleviate this issue and make sure that you are comfortable.
• Field of Vision: Ensuring the glasses do not limit the peripheral vision of the shooter is crucial. The FortKnight 308’s design ensures a wide field of view, essential for situational awareness and the best accuracy.

Conclusion

For those who need to wear shooting glasses, or even prescription glasses while using night vision goggles, selecting the right pair is crucial for both performance and comfort. The FortKnight Optics 308 Ballistic Clear Glasses emerge as the best option due to their slim profile, ballistic protection, high-quality optics, anti-fog coating, and overall comfort. These features ensure that users can maximize the effectiveness of their NVGs while maintaining optimal visual clarity and safety.

Whether you are in the military, law enforcement, or an outdoor enthusiast, investing in the FortKnight 308 glasses will enhance your night vision experience, providing the perfect blend of protection, comfort, and performance.