We now have the ability to put a high power laser in a rifle style package. With a range of 1 or 2 miles and able to fire blinding shots permanently damaging eyes and blinding the enemy.
Wait, before you cast me into the fruit cake, which would you prefer, being shot dead or put out of commission with one or two eyes gone?
The rifle would have unlimited ammo and filtering goggles would not be a practical defence as they would blind the enemy while wearing them, rendering him ineffective.