








AO Eyewear American Optical General Sunglasses – All Variants
Free Returns/Exchanges
Description
The sunglasses worn by U.S. military pilots since WWII. Favored by presidents and movie stars.
The AO General is the original military aviator — the iconic teardrop silhouette that has been standard issue for U.S. Air Force pilots for over 75 years. Made in the USA. Engineered to military specifications. Worn by Joe Biden, Tom Cruise, and generations of pilots who demand the best.
Why Choose the AO General Sunglasses?
- 100% UVA/UVB Protection — Full-spectrum UV blocking for long hours in the cockpit, on the water, or in the field.
- Anti-Reflective Backside Coating — Eliminates distracting glare from behind, so your vision stays sharp in any light.
- Smudge-Resistant Oleophobic Coating — Fingerprints wipe off cleanly. No streaks, no hassle.
- Impact & Scratch Resistant — Built to ANSI Z80.3 standards. Engineered to take a beating and keep performing.
- Comfortable Skull Temples — Designed for all-day wear. Stays secure whether you're in the cockpit or on the move.
- Made in the USA — Same manufacturer, same military-grade standards, since 1958.
Choosing Your Lenses: Glass vs. Nylon
Not sure which lens material to pick? Here's the short version:
| SkyMaster™ Glass | AOLite™ Nylon | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Maximum optical clarity | Active use, travel |
| Weight | Slightly heavier | Lighter on your face |
| Scratch resistance | Excellent | Good |
| Impact resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Price | +$30 to +$35 | — |
Most pilots prefer Glass for its unmatched optical clarity. Choose Nylon if you're active outdoors or want a lighter feel.
Choosing Your Lens Color
| Lens Color | Best For |
|---|---|
| Grey | True color perception, everyday use, bright sunlight — the most popular choice |
| Green (Calobar™) | Enhanced contrast, reduced glare, great for variable light conditions |
| Brown | Warm tones, excellent depth perception, ideal for driving and outdoor activities |
Note: All AO General variants are Non-Polarized — recommended for pilots, as polarized lenses can interfere with reading LCD cockpit instruments.
Finding Your Size
| Size | Best For |
|---|---|
| 55mm | Medium faces — the most popular fit |
| 58mm | Larger or wider faces |
Not sure? The 55mm is our most-ordered size and fits most adults comfortably.
Choosing Your Frame Finish
| Frame Finish | Style Notes |
|---|---|
| 23K Gold E.P. | The classic — timeless, warm, and unmistakably AO |
| Silver | Clean, modern, versatile — pairs with any lens color |
| Rose Gold | Warm, contemporary — a refined take on the classic aviator |
What's Included
- AO General Sunglasses
- Snap-Top Leather Case
- Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
Shipping & Returns
- Ships within 1–2 business days
- Free returns within 30 days — no questions asked
- Warranty registration available after purchase
![]() Veteran-Owned & Operated Founded and run by a U.S. military veteran. We know what pilots need. |
![]() Authorized AO Eyewear Dealer Buy with confidence. Full manufacturer warranty support and hassle-free registration. |
⭐ 4.9
Trusted by Pilots Since 2002Over 20 years of expert customer support. Real people, real answers. |
How To Determine The Right Size For You
Free Returns and Exchanges
Our return and exchange policy is simple.
If, within 30 days of placing your order, and for any reason, you wish to return or exchange an item, simply let us know and we will provide you with a free return label.
If it is an exchange, we will send you a free return label and ship to you, at no cost, the item you want to exchange for.
Shipping Policy
USA SHIPPING
Please note that we process orders Monday through Friday and ship usually within 3-5 days. This is because our inventory is stored at an eFulfillment center and it takes time to process, package and ship our orders.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
We currently ship to most countries through a third party processor. This means that we ship the package to a freight forwarder in the US who then ships the package to the purchasers home country.
You will be provided a tracking link to track your purchase; however, remember that it takes time to get to the forwarder, time for the forwarder to relabel the package, and then time to get to customs in your country.
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