Editing Paintball safety (section)

== Eye and face protection ==

Eye protection is one of the principal safety requirements in paintball.

Paintballs can cause serious eye injuries when a person is struck without suitable protection. Paintball-specific goggles are therefore worn during play and in other areas where markers may be discharged.

ASTM F1776 establishes performance requirements for eye, face and head protective devices designed for paintball. The standard includes testing of impact resistance, protection against projectile penetration, optical characteristics and field of vision.[1]

The standard recognises different categories of protection, ranging from eye protection to systems incorporating coverage of the face, ears and head.

Commercial playing fields and tournament organisations generally require participants to wear purpose-designed paintball goggle systems rather than ordinary spectacles, safety glasses or non-paintball protective eyewear.

The [[National Xball League]] (NXL), for example, requires approved paintball goggles to be worn in playing fields, chronograph areas and shooting ranges.[4]

Protective systems must be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Damaged lenses, frames or retention systems can compromise their protective function.