Soldiers in the field are subject to a high risk of injuries involving eyes, eyelids, mouth and face. Eye injuries can destroy combat readiness and mobility. Even temporary visual impairment could significantly decrease effectiveness.

Ocular and periocular battlefield injuries could include blast injuries; thermal, radiation, laser and chemical burns; corneal/conjunctival foreign bodies such as debris, sand or dirt; and CS exposure. After donning protective gear and finding safe shelter, first aid for most of the above (except open globes) includes irrigation with sterile water. Dermal burns, including burns of the eyelid skin, require irrigation and moist bandaging since a lesser burn can become more severe if the tissue is allowed to dry out.

A personal, unit-issued eye and skin wash of sterile water, with a user-friendly application system, would have significant value to combat troops. Such a product could be carried on web gear for eye, face and skin protection. Water delivered as a mist would not require gravity to immerse the affected area. It could be applied in a crouched position in a foxhole. First aid mist applications could include initial treatment for corneal foreign bodies, ocular surface dust exposure, optical dryness, and exposure to most ocular irritants. It could also be used to hydrate burn injuries to the eyes, eyelids, mouth, face and any other injured skin surface. Nature's Tears EyeMist is the only product that meets these specifications.