Vision Issues & Sight vs Optics

[freescopesdad]

Hi,

I'm just about ready to purchase my first AR15 (it will probably be a factory built DDM4) and have questions about whether to consider fixed sights or optics (holo or red dot).

2 years ago I had cataract surgery on my right eye which was only partly successful. To make a long story short I had retinal bleeds which have finally cleared up, but my distance vision is only about 20:50 (better than the 20:600 I started with). I've decided against similar surgery in the left eye, and wear a contact lens which gives me good distance vision (20:25). I am left eye dominant but don't feel comfortable shooting from my left shoulder.

I've shop tested a couple of red dot sights but not range fired with them. Anyone with similar vision issues have suggestions? Or maybe just a contact in my right eye just for shooting... Thanks in advance

Ron

[Ki6vsm]

Hi. I am no expert at any of this stuff. But is a right-eye contact not something you'd want to be using all the time anyway?

[freescopesdad]

Yes and no. Day to day it is not an issue at all so I've avoided the hassle of contacts in both eyes. But sighting a rifle is different so probably the way to go.

[laurelpark]

My vision isn't what it used to be either, and I've found that the holo and red-dot sights can be downright annoying at times. I first thought that I had a defective sight because the dot was so fuzzy, and then I had a friend with perfect 20/20 vision look through it - and he said it was sharp and crisp.

I've decided that, since I won't wear contacts and I can't count on having prescription shooting glasses all the time, I'm sticking with iron sights or scopes with diopter adjustment.

[1911ShooterPhil]

My recommendations, dealing with an eye injury...

Hi,

I'm just about ready to purchase my first AR15 (it will probably be a factory built DDM4) and have questions about whether to consider fixed sights or optics (holo or red dot).

2 years ago I had cataract surgery on my right eye which was only partly successful. To make a long story short I had retinal bleeds which have finally cleared up, but my distance vision is only about 20:50 (better than the 20:600 I started with). I've decided against similar surgery in the left eye, and wear a contact lens which gives me good distance vision (20:25). I am left eye dominant but don't feel comfortable shooting from my left shoulder.

I've shop tested a couple of red dot sights but not range fired with them. Anyone with similar vision issues have suggestions? Or maybe just a contact in my right eye just for shooting... Thanks in advance

Ron

Ron,

I have shrapnel in my right eye which caused a hole which has been operated on twice with Cobalt Laser. I still have a minuscule hole. That hole impacts my depth perception and 3-dimensional vision. I was previously a security contractor, working physical security contracts and protection details. Now, I'm just an analyst. The injury I spoke of happened in 2006. I was working those contracts 'til 2013. So, I had to deal with my vision issues because I was expected to hit my targets, reliably and under stressful situations (while also being timed) in order to qualify for my position. I used XS Big Dot sights on my pistols. I used red dot sights on my rifles and carbines. Particularly, I used Vortex StrikeFire Red Dots (http://www.cstactical.com/optics/red...t-red-dot.html) mounted in American Defense mounts (https://www.cstactical.com/optics/ri...d-mount.html); plus, the Bushnell TRS-25 (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/132...er-style-mount), mounted in an Alamo Four Star mount (http://www.alamofourstar.com/index.p...emart&Itemid=2). For distance, I used a Weaver K4 and Bushnell 3200 10x40 (Japanese glass). I used QD mounts by ARMS.

Coping with an eye condition can be very difficult and frustrating. Believe me, I know. I had the help from a knowledgeable and understanding gunsmith, Mark Bunach (www.ocgunsmith.com), who schooled me on a lot of things I did not know as an "end user." He educated me in to a lot of tips and techniques that greatly helped me overcome my disability and allowed me to continue working in my chosen field for an additional 7 years after that injury happened. I owe him for that. Now, I'm an analyst and I have a desk job. But, I still compete and hunt.

If you want to find ways to deal with an eye condition, it is possible. Gun accessories and optics are out there to help you do that.

PM me if you have specific questions or if you need recommendations. I'd be happy to help. Good luck! --1911ShooterPhil

[Rosebud22]

Red Dots are Gods gift to aging eyes. I use one on a buckmark pistol. Distance from eye to sight would be about the same as on an AR. I use glasses and the dot is crisp and clear with good view of target. Without glasses the dot is a little fuzzy, but still workable. I have a revolver with irons. Even with glasses I have harder time picking up the fixed sights. If you go to the range and see one on an AR, just ask to take a look through it. Most people will be glad to oblige (caus, they love them RDs) That is really the only way to tell if it will work for you.

[cop1211]

I'd say go with a 1-4, or 1-6 scope of good quality, stay away from the cheap ones.

[Webologist]

Hi,

I'm just about ready to purchase my first AR15 (it will probably be a factory built DDM4) and have questions about whether to consider fixed sights or optics (holo or red dot).

2 years ago I had cataract surgery on my right eye which was only partly successful. To make a long story short I had retinal bleeds which have finally cleared up, but my distance vision is only about 20:50 (better than the 20:600 I started with). I've decided against similar surgery in the left eye, and wear a contact lens which gives me good distance vision (20:25). I am left eye dominant but don't feel comfortable shooting from my left shoulder.

I've shop tested a couple of red dot sights but not range fired with them. Anyone with similar vision issues have suggestions? Or maybe just a contact in my right eye just for shooting... Thanks in advance

Ron

Not exactly the same, but I have mono-vision, where my left eye is good for distance and my right eye is good for close. The brain wires them together and I can see just fine near or far, without issue... Until I shoulder a rifle and try to aim at a target 25 yards or more distant.

Distant objects are fuzzy with irons or red dots, but magnified optics work just fine. As a result I have either low powered fixed magnification scopes, or variable powered scopes on all my rifles. It works fine for bench work and is passable, but not ideal for run and gun with both eyes open.

You gain some accuracy for distant targets but have some confusion moving fast with both eyes open using a 3X fixed. I have one DMR with a 4-12 scope and 45 degree irons. That's about the ideal setup to cover near and far targets effectively with my circumstances. Probably not the ideal home defense setup.

[OpticsPlanet]

Maybe 10 years ago I had to transition from a right-handed shooter to a left-handed shooter, as I developed a blood clot where the retina joins the optic nerve (the joys of diabetes). Right in the center of my right eye is a dead zone, right where things like iron sights, reticles and red dots are.

The transition with handguns went very well, but throwing a rifle up to your right shoulder for 50 years is a hard habit to break.

When using either of my EOTechs, I keep my glasses on. When used a magnified optic, i push my glasses up on top of my head and use the diopter.

I think you might be happier with a magnified optic, as you can make corrections with the diopter to some degree, but not with a reflex/red dot/holographic sight.

Mark H.

[freescopesdad]

I shot about 80 rounds yesterday with my new Eotech XPS2-0 mounted, and I have to say it makes a world of difference. After sighting it in, even with the larger 65 MOA reticle I was able to group within 3" at 50 yards. I know that doesn't generate a lot in bragging rights, but this was only my second outing firing a new weapon. My goal is develop confidence 25-50 yards and hope I never need to use it for anything more than paper. But