Eyesight issues, and options for shooters.

[bladeracer]

So, I've been having issues with being unable to see the front sight

I have posted about this before, but to summarise.

I tried all my iron-sighted rifles and was able to determine that if I can put the front sight 900mm forward of my eye or more, then I can actually focus it. I think I only have two or three rifles that this applies to, the majority are far shorter than this. The carbines that I mainly shoot with have 18" to 20" barrels, and short butt stocks, not the 29" barrels of the milsurps. For now, I'm still shooting reasonably well, I'm not getting frustrated because I can't hit what I'm aiming at, it's more that it takes a great deal of concentration to guesstimate where the invisible front sight would be in the rear sight, and place that over my target. I think a lot of it is mainly relying on a consistent cheek weld behind the rear sight. I have actually tried two rifles (JW25A and M96) with the front sight missing entirely and still grouped hardly any worse. On the other hand I also tried the JW21 with the rear sight missing and was still dinging the steels fine with just the front sight, but that was before I started noticing eyesight issues.

I also used the RPR (due to its removable cheek piece) to shoot right-eye/right-handed, left-eye/right-handed, and left-eye/left-handed off the bench. My vision in my left eye is excellent, zero issues at all, but my left-handed trigger control is abysmal, particularly when trying to shoot precision off the bench. It's less of an issue just practicing offhand on steel. I have pulled triggers right-handed for several hundred thousand rounds across rifles, guns and pistols, but shooting left-handed equates to probably just a few thousand rounds (we did a fair bit of weak-side in IPSC pistol shooting so I practiced a lot). Learning to shoot better left-handed is something I'm going to have to do, but it's going to take time.

My optometrist found a cataract starting in my right eye a few months ago. To 99% of people it would barely be noticeable, to a shooter it's an issue very early on. I saw an eye surgeon today to find out a bit more about it, and more importantly, how we fix it. My eyesight is excellent other than this cataract. I do wear reading glasses for close stuff. We can do a fairly simple operation to remove the existing damaged lens and insert an artificial lens, not difficult at all, but it does have potential drawbacks. Nothing he does will make my right eye as good as my left eye already is, apparently they only make the lens in half-diopters so he can only pick one that will get us close, it's unlikely it'll be perfect and match the natural left lens. Odds are about 20% that after the operation I would need to wear glasses for normal and long distances, and for driving. So, overall, my eyesight may well become an issue in general life that it currently isn't, it's only an issue for shooting. At some point in the next few years we will have to replace the lens, that's unavoidable, but I would hope that with each passing year the odds of negative side effects also reduces. So waiting seems the sensible option for me just now.

But waiting also means I need to find ways that will allow me to improve my shooting, or at least make shooting easier
While this is primarily an iron-sight issue, I'm finding it difficult to precisely focus scope reticules also, not as bad as iron sights, but enough to affect my group sizes on targets.

The obvious direction is prescription shooting glasses or contact lenses, which I will investigate. There are some optometrists in Oz that come up in a Google search for shooting optometrists, so I'll chase up their advice.

I've also seen a lens system that you mount on the rifle behind the rear sight, not cheap but perhaps worth the experiment also. This doesn't appear to be very useful when I shoot a variety of rifles though.

I know I'm not the first shooter to experience this, and perhaps other shooters are also starting to wonder if they have problems.

[Blr243]

I can’t help you blade , other than say Welcolm to the club

[Oldbloke]

I need glasses for both long and reading.
I looked into contact lenses and tried some for a few hours. They were fantastic.
But,,could never get the buggers in so now it's back to glasses. Glasses are a bastard in the rain

Go to an optometrist explaine why and try the contact lenses, the single use ones were very cheap. Worth a try.

[bladeracer]

I need glasses for both long and reading.
I looked into contact lenses and tried some for a few hours. They were fantastic.
But,,could never get the buggers in so now it's back to glasses. Glasses are a bastard in the rain

Go to an optometrist explaine why and try the contact lenses, the single use ones were very cheap. Worth a try.

Yes, I don't enjoy glasses at times. In the rain certainly, but also when working over something, like an engine bay, they flop up and down with my head movement, and are very annoying when sweat drips onto them.

My optometrist here has a guy that I've discussed this with in the past, but trying to speak to him is so difficult I can only assume he's avoiding me for some reason
But he doesn't specialise as a shooter's optometrist so I would like to talk to a specialist.

Contacts may be an option but I've been told many times that they're not great for farm work due to the dust we deal with.

[No1Mk3]

I use an Eagle Eye which attaches to my glasses, improves front sight visibility on my rifles a lot.

[Wm.Traynor]

I use an Eagle Eye which attaches to my glasses, improves front sight visibility on my rifles a lot.

I am not sure that that would be right for me, No.1. Can you post a link to it?
The Eagle Eye on my rifle was in front of the fore sight and magnified the target.

[Oldbloke]

"Contacts may be an option but I've been told many times that they're not great for farm work due to the dust we deal with"

But you could use them only when shooting/hunting. That was my plan.

[wanneroo]

I use 1 day Acuvue Oasys contacts. It's apparently the best technology. They work pretty well for dust and sweaty environments overall and if not I have a little bottle of contact lens rewetting drops for my eyes but I don't have to use it much.

The one days cost me more but it's great because I don't have to dick around with contact lens solution, cleaning them and all that and if I have a problem with one, I toss it out and put a new one in.

[cz515]

Contact lenses do cost, but if you are on private or health care card you might get them cheaper blade.

You have cataract developing, imho get it fixed. There are many people who wear glasses and are good shooters. The only time glasses should fog up is when you go from indoors to outdoors or wearing a mask. So maybe ask the optometry guys why your glasses are fogging up.

[bladeracer]

"Contacts may be an option but I've been told many times that they're not great for farm work due to the dust we deal with"

But you could use them only when shooting/hunting. That was my plan.

I generally don't plan my shooting, I do it when I find I have some free time or the wind is particularly quiet.
But it is a possible option.

[bladeracer]

I use an Eagle Eye which attaches to my glasses, improves front sight visibility on my rifles a lot.

I searched and found the US site but they appear to make glasses rather than something that clips on to your glasses.
Do you have a link at all?

[bladeracer]

Contact lenses do cost, but if you are on private or health care card you might get them cheaper blade.

You have cataract developing, imho get it fixed. There are many people who wear glasses and are good shooters. The only time glasses should fog up is when you go from indoors to outdoors or wearing a mask. So maybe ask the optometry guys why your glasses are fogging up.

No, I don't believe in health insurance and don't have a health care card, I'm happy to pay for a solution.

Agreed, that was my plan, fix the issue. However, the surgeon's view is that it's far too early for surgery. My eyesight is excellent in all normal life, the cataract is not an issue at all outside of when I pick up a rifle. The surgery can fix the cataract, but it won't return my vision to what it was pre-cataract, it can only get it within half a dioptre of my normal vision. And there is a very good likelihood that I would then need to wear glasses full-time, currently I only use glasses for reading. Without the operation there is no reason I would ever need to wear glasses outside of reading.

Not sure what you mean about fogging up glasses as that isn't an issue for me. Glasses are an issue when it's raining much the same as getting water on your scope lenses when hunting, likewise when sweat droplets fall onto them.

But he did say that glasses, or contacts, may not help. The cataract is an obstruction to light entering the eye, magnification may not help as the increased light still won't pass through the cataract. Noting that the obstruction is _miniscule_ and just enough to affect drawing a very fine sight picture on a target, something that is just not needed in anormal life.

[No1_49er]

My dispensing optician, who also happens to be a reasonably successful pistol shooter, found the beginnings of cataracts in my 'master' eye. My major drama was astigmatism which seemed to "wonder", so requiring frequent updates to my prescription lenses.
I did try contacts, but they were a totally unsatisfactory solution.
The optician, being aware of my own needs with regard to shooting, referred me to an ophthalmologist who successfully replaced my failing lens with an IOR that was an immediate success. After an obligatory wait of about a month, to be certain that the first operation was successful, I had the other eye fixed. Again, a huge success. I've now thrown the specs away, but sometimes have to resort to an "off-the-shelf" pair of readers.
BTW. The operation(s) take around 1/4 hour. The longest part of the "operation" is the preparation and pre-anesthesia. Absolutely no after effects; you are released from a semi-comatose state to instant awareness, enjoy a cuppa and a sammy, and you're on your way out of there. No driving for several hours though, so best to have transport organised.
You will see that I'm in Qld, but if you'd like more info' feel free to p.m. me.
She, the surgeon, practices (don't ya just love the English language) in Bundaberg.
And I don't "do" private health insurance either. I pay as I go. Insurance seems to be for the benefit of the shareholders, but that's another argument.

[bladeracer]

My dispensing optician, who also happens to be a reasonably successful pistol shooter, found the beginnings of cataracts in my 'master' eye. My major drama was astigmatism which seemed to "wonder", so requiring frequent updates to my prescription lenses.
I did try contacts, but they were a totally unsatisfactory solution.
The optician, being aware of my own needs with regard to shooting, referred me to an ophthalmologist who successfully replaced my failing lens with an IOR that was an immediate success. After an obligatory wait of about a month, to be certain that the first operation was successful, I had the other eye fixed. Again, a huge success. I've now thrown the specs away, but sometimes have to resort to an "off-the-shelf" pair of readers.
BTW. The operation(s) take around 1/4 hour. The longest part of the "operation" is the preparation and pre-anesthesia. Absolutely no after effects; you are released from a semi-comatose state to instant awareness, enjoy a cuppa and a sammy, and you're on your way out of there. No driving for several hours though, so best to have transport organised.
You will see that I'm in Qld, but if you'd like more info' feel free to p.m. me.
She, the surgeon, practices (don't ya just love the English language) in Bundaberg.
And I don't "do" private health insurance either. I pay as I go. Insurance seems to be for the benefit of the shareholders, but that's another argument.

Rose's mother just had her right eye lens replaced last week, with astonishing results, she's having the left eye done next month. The surgeon I saw yesterday is an ophthalmologist. I now want to discuss my situation with Rose's mother's surgeon, if only to get a second opinion.

I do need an excuse to visit Qld so I'm not against travelling to find the best result.

I'll PM you for details.

[No1_49er]

Rose's mother just had her right eye lens replaced last week, with astonishing results, she's having the left eye done next month. The surgeon I saw yesterday is an ophthalmologist. I now want to discuss my situation with Rose's mother's surgeon, if only to get a second opinion.

I do need an excuse to visit Qld so I'm not against travelling to find the best result.

I'll PM you for details.

PM sent

[Blr243]

I have contacts that need replacing g every two weeks. Some last a month some are daily. They can be shaped to correct astigmatism. I’m a carpenter and have lots of dust. Dust is never an issue with my contacts. I live super close to my optometrist.. my optometrist is amazing.. when Deisel caught a small ginger boar at Cunnamulla I butchered it and shared some of the meat with my optometrist

[No1Mk3]

I use an Eagle Eye which attaches to my glasses, improves front sight visibility on my rifles a lot.

I am not sure that that would be right for me, No.1. Can you post a link to it?
The Eagle Eye on my rifle was in front of the fore sight and magnified the target.

Strictly speaking I shouldn't have called it an Eagle Eye, that's just what most of us have called it over the years. It is an attachable variable iris for your normal glasses, the one I use is a Gehmann 390 I bought at Bendigo VRA shop some time ago.

[bladeracer]

I use an Eagle Eye which attaches to my glasses, improves front sight visibility on my rifles a lot.

I am not sure that that would be right for me, No.1. Can you post a link to it?
The Eagle Eye on my rifle was in front of the fore sight and magnified the target.

Strictly speaking I shouldn't have called it an Eagle Eye, that's just what most of us have called it over the years. It is an attachable variable iris for your normal glasses, the one I use is a Gehmann 390 I bought at Bendigo VRA shop some time ago.

I have seen things like that.
Does it actually magnify or does it just work as an aperture?
It works the same whether you're using aperture or open sights?
It does look like it would be impractical for hunting though.
This would be in addition to getting prescription shooting glasses made?

[Wm.Traynor]

I use an Eagle Eye which attaches to my glasses, improves front sight visibility on my rifles a lot.

I am not sure that that would be right for me, No.1. Can you post a link to it?
The Eagle Eye on my rifle was in front of the fore sight and magnified the target.

Strictly speaking I shouldn't have called it an Eagle Eye, that's just what most of us have called it over the years. It is an attachable variable iris for your normal glasses, the one I use is a Gehmann 390 I bought at Bendigo VRA shop some time ago.

Thank you for your reply No.1 Now I know what you are talking about

[mickb]

I know what its like blade. I have keracotonus in my right eye. Thought my astigmatism was getting worse, certainly was, my cornea is going cone shaped. Eventually it will be too short sighted to correct and the next step is a corneal transplant. I havent been able to shoot irons well for many years. I run red dots( or rather red multiple L-shaped starry slashes across the field of view which is what I see in the sight picture ) and scope everything else. I shoot both eyes open to give the left eye a chance to add some brain resolution power to the right, which does have an effect.

[bladeracer]

I know what its like blade. I have keracotonus in my right eye. Thought my astigmatism was getting worse, certainly was, my cornea is going cone shaped. Eventually it will be too short sighted to correct and the next step is a corneal transplant. I havent been able to shoot irons well for many years. I run red dots( or rather red multiple L-shaped starry slashes across the field of view which is what I see in the sight picture ) and scope everything else. I shoot both eyes open to give the left eye a chance to add some brain resolution power to the right, which does have an effect.

My brother has keratoconus in both eyes. They operated when he was sixteen on the left eye successfully, but he fell shortly after the operation and smashed it, detaching the retina, so he only has the right eye now. The right eye has 6% vision so he is legally blind I believe.

[mickb]

I know what its like blade. I have keracotonus in my right eye. Thought my astigmatism was getting worse, certainly was, my cornea is going cone shaped. Eventually it will be too short sighted to correct and the next step is a corneal transplant. I havent been able to shoot irons well for many years. I run red dots( or rather red multiple L-shaped starry slashes across the field of view which is what I see in the sight picture ) and scope everything else. I shoot both eyes open to give the left eye a chance to add some brain resolution power to the right, which does have an effect.

My brother has keratoconus in both eyes. They operated when he was sixteen on the left eye successfully, but he fell shortly after the operation and smashed it, detaching the retina, so he only has the right eye now. The right eye has 6% vision so he is legally blind I believe.

What a thing to happen for a 16 year old mate. I was in my mid 40's when I was diagnosed,

[Blr243]

At the end of the day if the docs can’t help us we have to learn how to do everything as best we can with what we have .. part of growing older

[ob1]

The information that you have been given about cataract lens replacement is incomplete or out of date. There are new lenses that give extended depth of vision. I had to use a red dot on my handguns and scopes on my rifles because iron sights were blurry due to developing cataracts. Cataract replacement with a Vivity lens has resulted in clear vision at near, mid and far. Iron sights are now very clear and I have no need for glasses to read and vision is clear from about 15cm to far distance and is 20/20 on the eye chart. Different people have different results, but technology has improved lenses. Do a lot more research on cataract lens replacement, there are several new options available.

[bladeracer]

I know what its like blade. I have keracotonus in my right eye. Thought my astigmatism was getting worse, certainly was, my cornea is going cone shaped. Eventually it will be too short sighted to correct and the next step is a corneal transplant. I havent been able to shoot irons well for many years. I run red dots( or rather red multiple L-shaped starry slashes across the field of view which is what I see in the sight picture ) and scope everything else. I shoot both eyes open to give the left eye a chance to add some brain resolution power to the right, which does have an effect.

My brother has keratoconus in both eyes. They operated when he was sixteen on the left eye successfully, but he fell shortly after the operation and smashed it, detaching the retina, so he only has the right eye now. The right eye has 6% vision so he is legally blind I believe.

What a thing to happen for a 16 year old mate. I was in my mid 40's when I was diagnosed,

Indeed, but he rarely lets it slow him down, still drives, rides and shoots

[bladeracer]

At the end of the day if the docs can’t help us we have to learn how to do everything as best we can with what we have .. part of growing older

Yep, some of us go through sickness and injuries when we're young that brings this home to us before we even get older

[bladeracer]

The information that you have been given about cataract lens replacement is incomplete or out of date. There are new lenses that give extended depth of vision. I had to use a red dot on my handguns and scopes on my rifles because iron sights were blurry due to developing cataracts. Cataract replacement with a Vivity lens has resulted in clear vision at near, mid and far. Iron sights are now very clear and I have no need for glasses to read and vision is clear from about 15cm to far distance and is 20/20 on the eye chart. Different people have different results, but technology has improved lenses. Do a lot more research on cataract lens replacement, there are several new options available.

Yes, this is what I figured and is why I'm chasing other opinions from other doctors.

[Wm.Traynor]

The information that you have been given about cataract lens replacement is incomplete or out of date. There are new lenses that give extended depth of vision. I had to use a red dot on my handguns and scopes on my rifles because iron sights were blurry due to developing cataracts. Cataract replacement with a Vivity lens has resulted in clear vision at near, mid and far. Iron sights are now very clear and I have no need for glasses to read and vision is clear from about 15cm to far distance and is 20/20 on the eye chart. Different people have different results, but technology has improved lenses. Do a lot more research on cataract lens replacement, there are several new options available.

I think I need that VIVITY LENS and I don't have anything like cataracts.

[N.Field]

At 73 I have similar issues and for all my open iron sighted shooting I use one of these Merit optical attachments, it brings the rear sight, front sight and target into clear focus.



https://gunblast.com/MeritOptical.htm

Lyman was making something similar but the aperture size wasn't adjustable. They're now producing these:
https://www.lymanproducts.com/eyepalr

[bladeracer]

At 73 I have similar issues and for all my open iron sighted shooting I use one of these Merit optical attachments, it brings the rear sight, front sight and target into clear focus.



https://gunblast.com/MeritOptical.htm

Lyman was making something similar but the aperture size wasn't adjustable. They're now producing these:
https://www.lymanproducts.com/eyepalr

The Merit is just an aperture isn't it? Is there much improvement over this when my eye is only a couple inches from the rear sight aperture already? Does it work okay with scopes as well?

The Eyepal is easy to find, and available here for half the price of ordering it directly from the US. I'll post here what I think of it when I get it.