AR 670-1: 3-10. Eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses

3-10. Eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses

Note. This paragraph is punitive with regard to Soldiers. Violation by Soldiers may result in adverse administrative action and/or charges under the provisions of the UCMJ.

a. Eyeglasses and sunglasses.

(1) Conservative civilian prescription eyeglasses are authorized for wear with all uniforms.

(2) Conservative prescription and nonprescription sunglasses are authorized for wear when in a garrison environ-

ment, except while indoors. Individuals who are required by medical authority to wear sunglasses for medical reasons,

other than refractive error, may wear them, except when health or safety considerations apply. Commanders may authorize sunglasses in formations or field environments, as appropriate.

(3) Eyeglasses or sunglasses that are trendy or have lenses or frames with conspicuous initials, designs, or other

adornments are not authorized for wear. Soldiers may not wear lenses with extreme or trendy colors, which include, but are not limited to, red, yellow, blue, purple, bright green, or orange. Lens colors must be traditional gray, brown, or dark green shades. Personnel will not wear lenses or frames that are so large or so small that they detract from the appearance of the uniform. Personnel will not attach chains or ribbons to eyeglasses. Eyeglass restraints (to include bands) are authorized when required for safety purposes. Personnel will not hang eyeglasses or eyeglass cases on the uniform and may not let glasses hang from eyeglass restraints down the front of the uniform. Glasses may not be worn on top of the head at any time.

(4) Soldiers are authorized to wear ballistic spectacle eye protection issued by the Army, including lens colors or

logos that do not comply with paragraph 3–10a(3), in garrison or field environments unless otherwise directed by their chain of command.

b. Restrictions on contact lenses. Tinted or colored contact lenses are not authorized for wear with the uniform.

The only exception is for opaque lenses that are prescribed medically for eye injuries. Clear lenses that have designs on them that change the contour of the iris are not authorized for wear with the uniform. Contact lenses may be restricted by the commander for safety or mission requirements.