The parameters of the RF energy that have been described in press releases lead me to estimate that this energy would not penetrate far beyond the eyelids, so closing one's eyes would probably be protection enough against damage to the cornea or lens. Since human eyes are recessed in the skull, the pain to the orbit would most likely cause a natural closing of the eyelids before damage to the structures in the eyeball could occur. Even if long-term damage occurs, such as cataracts, medical science has come up with a cure for this malady. Many people who have had cataract surgery see better afterwards than they ever did. The few dangers that exist in the use of ADS technology are dwarfed by the extreme dangers posed by the alternatives.
Rubber bullets can maim and kill.
Tear gas and pepper spray can damage the sensitive tissues of the eyes and lungs. If non-lethal electromagnetic weapons are used as designed, they are far preferable to the use of these other methods. The military also has proposed other positive applications for ADS technology. One of these is to form a portable invisible fence around sensitive areas. The suggestion has been made that surrounding ships in port with this energy might have prevented the October 2000 terrorist bombing of the USS Cole in Yemen.