I suspect some sort of bond between a rather thin
glass lens and the
face of the CRT itself comprises the needed protection (weren't the
early RCA versions of this called "Pan-o-ply"?). ?Without the bond,
an imploding CRT would likely shatter the lens also. ?So, while this
gets rid of the "cataract", I think there's a compromise in safety.
This does make sense, as that PVA stuff -- when dried -- is quite tough.