Should SM be allowed to wear color contact lenses in uniform as long as it looks like a natural eye color such as hazel or honey?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 22:08:32 -0400

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2022 8:30 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 08:30:57 -0400

Why? There is no benefit to the correction of vision so... In my opinion, cause I have no idea about the req, is no. I also base this off the idea that eye glasses are not allowed to be tinted any additional colors as well. Interested in hearing if there is a req for this though...

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Apr 1 at 2022 9:11 AM

CSM Chuck Stafford — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 09:11:23 -0400

If it's a natural color and unnoticeable - no problem--- If and when I notice, then it's a problem -- AR670-1 para 3-10... CSM's love to solve problems --- some have more empathy than others

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2022 10:06 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 10:06:39 -0400

Well...if one wants to be so stickler of biometrics in regards to what is listed in the systems as the eye color...sure, one could make a case. But, as long as it's a natural color, I personally see no issues with it. As CSM Chuck Stafford said, it becomes a problem when I notice it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2022 10:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 10:21:03 -0400

I would usually say yes, except that colored contact lenses look extremely distracting. In theory, it's just a different eye color. In reality, it usually makes people look like crazed were-cats in a bad Thriller remake. I'm sure in a few years contact lense technology will advance enough to actually look somewhat normal and it won't matter

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Apr 1 at 2022 10:30 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 10:30:24 -0400

I guess it depends on the contact itself and if it looks natural. The issue you run into is that many colored contact lenses aren't subtle and somebody wanting green eyes ends up looking like the Grinch with these unnaturally intense and brightly colored green beacons as eyeballs. The color of someones eye shouldn't look like a flat color with a glossy finish. That will draw the attenion you dont want.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Apr 1 at 2022 2:06 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 14:06:51 -0400

A proper pair of contact lens shouldn't look like You even have any inserted in Your eyes and they purpose is to help Your vision not be a accessory that changes a natural appearance. It it doesn't appear as anything natural then in uniform it should NOT be worn. AR670-1, for Army SMs states Tinted or colored lens are NOT authorized that also applies to any inscription or logo anywhere upon the lens. Aircrew member should NOT wear contact. Note: The very limited exception to tinting also is a medical reason authorized by Army Medical authority. All branches of the US Armed Force follow pretty much the same guidelines as to contact lens wear as well as appearance. Anytime Your not sure check the regulations, You don't have to have a hard copy, the information is available on line.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Apr 1 at 2022 2:30 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 14:30:45 -0400

Should they be or are they allowed? I think as long as it looks natural it's fine but what's the point? What's the point of changing your eye color at work? If it doesn't improve your vision - just wear it off duty.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Apr 2 at 2022 8:16 AM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Sat, 02 Apr 2022 08:16:04 -0400

The reason air crews are prohibited from wearing contacts is the potential for something getting under them and causing pain, or their "slipping" or rotating on the eyeball, either of which essentially disables the individual until he or she can remove and reinsert them. Same thing could happen to any wearer in a dusty/gritty situation. Has nothing to do with color, but wearer beware!

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Apr 2 at 2022 12:29 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sat, 02 Apr 2022 12:29:10 -0400

No they should not, eye color is a clearly visible observation point used to identify an individual. Your visible eye color is what you are born with, what your ID card depicts, and what is in your records.

Be trendy on your time off out of uniform.

Oh and AR 670-1, Para 3-10, 4b
"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."

https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN30302-AR_670-1-000-WEB-1.pdf

ARN30302-AR_670-1-000-WEB-1.pdf

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Apr 2 at 2022 4:58 PM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Sat, 02 Apr 2022 16:58:25 -0400

SFC Sherron,? I Simply Don't Know Why It Would Make Any Difference.
Living In Vegas, Were We Get Sunshine On A Daily Basis;
I Wish They'd Make Contact SUN GLASSES.....LOL

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Apr 2 at 2022 6:42 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Sat, 02 Apr 2022 18:42:13 -0400

Who gets to decide what is natural for each race? That will be a hot button topic right there.

Response by CSM William Everroad made Apr 5 at 2022 9:38 AM

CSM William Everroad — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 09:38:38 -0400

SFC Private RallyPoint Member, to answer your question, "*should* SM be allowed"?, I agree with CSM Chuck Stafford and MSG Private RallyPoint Member, as long as it is a natural eye color there really isn't anything to make a big deal about, much like dying hair.

However, SMSgt Lawrence McCarter is correct. AR 670-1 does prohibit it. "Restrictions on contact lenses. Tinted or colored contact lenses are not authorized for wear with the uniform."

I actively discourage contact lenses, for so many reasons. Additionally, Soldiers that do not need vision correction cannot acquire colored lenses from a optometrist. That means they are getting them from costume stores or some other retail establishment. Those lenses can actually damage your eyes.