It may sound obvious that a controlled explosion right next to your face needs protection. But because most sessions pass without incident, it is tempting to treat eye protection as optional. It only takes one moment for that to change, and it can happen without warning.
What Can Go Wrong
Case-head separations, out-of-spec ammunition, and equipment faults can all send debris back toward the shooter. None of these are common, but each one is serious enough to risk permanent eye damage if you are unprotected.
This is why Phoenix Rifle Club requires eye protection on the range at all times, for every shooter and every visitor. It is a simple habit that removes almost all of the risk.
See It for Yourself
The video below shows a real example of a round failing at the firing point. It is a good reminder of why the rule exists, even if you never expect to need it.