OC with contact lenses...bad idea?

[AG-EE]

I need to look into carrying some type of LTL deterrent, but I am concerned about getting OC spray under my contacts if I had to deploy it and got some of the spray myself. To give some background, I have something like 20/40,000,000,000 vision (well slightly better than that), but in any case I cannot function well without corrective lenses. If I got OC in my eyes with contacts, I imagine that would be bad. What other options are there?

[Paladin]

stun gun, taser, or hand-to-hand are options

[AG-EE]

I don't think a taser is very practical for most of us. The ones I have seen are rather large, and I am not going to open carry ataser around with me and put up with the incessant police stops when everyone calls them and says "man with a gun."

Is it advisable to let someone get close enough in an attack such that one could use a stun gun? (Strategic question there)

I have no hand-to-hand experience. I suppose getting me into a training program could allieviate that. But that brings back the question above...is it advisable to let an attacker get that close?

[txinvestigator]

I need to look into carrying some type of LTL deterrent, but I am concerned about getting OC spray under my contacts if I had to deploy it and got some of the spray myself. To give some background, I have something like 20/40,000,000,000 vision (well slightly better than that), but in any case I cannot function well without corrective lenses. If I got OC in my eyes with contacts, I imagine that would be bad. What other options are there?

I wear lenses too, and my vision is like yours. I am OC certified, meaning I have been sprayed. I was allowed to remove my lenses as they would be ruined by the OC.

In my car I carry an extra pair of lenses in the factory container, as well as glasses. If I get OC in my eyes, the lenses will have to come out, and hopefully I can access the car pretty easily.

I figure it is better than not having it and that causing a situation to deteriorate to a point where deadly force is my only option.

Civilian Tasers have a 15 foot range, and it is not so easy to deploy.

Stun Guns require contact as does hand-to-hand. I would rather use OC. ;)

[AG-EE]

Well maybe I had better just carry an extra set as well. I also hate to only be able to rely upon my firearm. Can't say that I want to be certified if it means getting sprayed myself though!

I was initially thinking that if I used OC, got it in my own eyes, and the situation continued to deteriorate, I would be probably be pretty well incapacitated trying to get my contacts out of burning eyes, much less being able to place a shot on anything smaller than a bus if need be.

[Boma]

The brand of OC I have shoots in a stream. I've sprayed it in my yard and haven't seen any back spray at myself. I wear contact lenses too.

[flintknapper]

I need to look into carrying some type of LTL deterrent, but I am concerned about getting OC spray under my contacts if I had to deploy it and got some of the spray myself. To give some background, I have something like 20/40,000,000,000 vision (well slightly better than that), but in any case I cannot function well without corrective lenses. If I got OC in my eyes with contacts, I imagine that would be bad. What other options are there?

Its a legitimate concern. Yes, if you get OC under a contact it will need to come out. Otherwise it will continue to burn. If you get any in your eyes or on your face, DO NOT RUB IT. If you use a stream or foam type delivery system rather than a fog, then your chances of cross contamination are less. Its pretty mean stuff.

If you're curious (and most people aren't) about how it feels to be sprayed, then buy a cannister of "Fox" brand "inert". It has the same propellant base as the regular OC but doesn't have the "Pepper" in it. But, you can feel it.

Caution: Do not do this if you have asthma or other respiratory problems!

Have a few damp and dry towels ready (a fan is good), don't wear contacts. The best way to relieve the eyes is to wash with water (don't rub) and then "strobe" your eyes (open and close repeatedly).

In most defensive circumstances you probably won't get much, if any, on yourself. But, all bets are off...if you soak someone down with the foam type, and then start wrestling him.

Stun guns are whole 'nother subject. Tasers are good (if used properly). I'm not a big fan of any of the others.


http://www.copsplus.com/inerttrainingspray.php

Fox Labs Mark 3 Cop Top 2oz. Inert Pepper Spray
contents are exactly the same as in our live units, except there is no "OC" in them. These are not water units. This is because our formulas are heavier than water, and if we substituted water it would not replicate the spray patterns faithfully. Additionally, don't be surprised if you get a "red" face when exposed to them...this is because the inert formula is not water. But if the formula has a "kick" without "OC" just imagine how it is when we add the fire!

[AG-EE]

Perhaps getting a stream is the best idea. But then you have to be sure you can hit the BG's eyes. How far does the foam spray? I would think you would want a method that was useful out to around 10-12ft, right?

[txinvestigator]

Well maybe I had better just carry an extra set as well. I also hate to only be able to rely upon my firearm. Can't say that I want to be certified if it means getting sprayed myself though!

LOL you do not have to be certified to carry OC. I got certified since I am an instructor.

[AG-EE]

LOL you do not have to be certified to carry OC. I got certified since I am an instructor.

I knew that, but...

Can't say that I want to be certified if it means getting sprayed myself though!

I know that also!!!!