Aging eyes

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commygun

commygun

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Well, at the range today I finally had to accept that I simply can't see a black front sIght clearly against a black target. Clear as a bell with reading glasses but then, of course the target is a blur. I know this issue has been discussed here before with some members strongly recommending certain vision aids. I don't remember what they were (I wasn't interested at the time) and I'm not finding anything via the search function. Any thoughts or experiences that would help me address this problem?
 
A blurry target is fine. If you are truly focused on the front sight, the target is going to be blurry regardless of how good or bad your vision is. The difference is that with good vision (if I remember correctly ) when you look up at the target, it is clear, but stays blurry when wearing glasses. Just put that front sight in the middle of that blurry target, or at 6 o’clock if that’s what’s needed, and have fun.
 
Rifle or pistol? I have an adjustable rear aperture on my rifle; change from middle to smallest aperture brought front sight into focus, still see the target at 100 yds. Effectivelly changes the f stop of my eye.

Pistol...find readers that work.
 
Geauga Bob said:
Go to the drug store and buy a pair of readers 1/2 the strength of your regular reading glasses.

I have a pair like that I used for the computer monitor and discovered they very well for shooting.

Bob
Click to expand...
The cheapest solution. Works great for pistol, so-so for rifle at stationary targets, not good for shotgun.

Progressive glasses work also, you do have to hold the head up higher-easy enough with a pistol, tougher with rifle or shotgun.

ColtPythonElite said:
Multifocal contacts work for me
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Which type, CPE? center distance, center reading, or 'progressive' Multifocal contacts. I am curious so I can possibly recommend one type over others to shooters. (I am an optician)
 
Entropy....no clue in what kind other than they say multifocal on the box. The only thing I do know is I don't need readers and can thread the smallest of needles...lol
 
This may pain you, but you could apply a bit of nail polish or neon modeling paint. Something really bright,easy to see and washable; You may also want to see if colored sights for your firearm of choice are available to buy
 
Nail polish or similar; but for ME, spending more decades shooting shotguns, I focus on the target with the sights being in the blur of the peripheral vision. Since my 20-15 went away a long time ago when I hit 40, I wear glasses for distance so in a real world scenario, I would have them on anyway - might as well practice with what you're most likely to be wearing (talking about handguns for SD anyway)
 
Guess I'm one of the lucky ones, 67 and still have 20-20 vision. Of course like to attribute it to eating lots of carrots and deer meat.....but there is a down side. Once and while I have the urge to jump the neighbors fence and rub my head on trees.
 
Yup get a less strong pair of glasses. Go to a dollar store. They have a rack of them. I use 1.00 diopter for open sights on rifles and I'm good out to 100yds for standard shooting. Buy a couple strengths and try them.
 
Rembrandt said:
Guess I'm one of the lucky ones, 67 and still have 20-20 vision. Of course like to attribute it to eating lots of carrots and deer meat.....but there is a down side. Once and while I have the urge to jump the neighbors fence and rub my head on trees.
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You must have really long arms. Presbyopia spares no one.
ColtPythonElite said:
Entropy....no clue in what kind other than they say multifocal on the box. The only thing I do know is I don't need readers and can thread the smallest of needles...lol
Click to expand...
Even the brand will help.
 
If you can't see the front sight clearly, get different front sights!

Solutions can include XS Sights Big Dots; fiber optic front sights to really make it "glow"; or adding a red dot sight to your firearm.

I suffer from monovision with my weak side being dominant so I have tried all of the above on many of my regular shooters; I like fiber optic front posts for pistols and red dots for long guns.
 
My vision is shot.
Orange paint helps a little but not much.

Fiber optic sights help a lot! They really pop. Highly recommend. They are usually affordable too.

Red dot sights too.

For ccw, invest in a laser. Get a strong green one that pulses. Without my glasses I can’t read the top letters of the eye chart, but I can see a blinking green laser at defensive distances. (Not that I’d ever go without my glasses)
 
CWL said:
If you can't see the front sight clearly, get different front sights!

Solutions can include XS Sights Big Dots; fiber optic front sights to really make it "glow"; or adding a red dot sight to your firearm.

I suffer from monovision with my weak side being dominant so I have tried all of the above on many of my regular shooters; I like fiber optic front posts for pistols and red dots for long guns.
Click to expand...
Adding a red dot really hampers trying to carry IWB.
I tried without my distance correction where the front sight was clear and the target a total blur - no thanks. Couldn't hit the side of the barn from the inside that way. Using my glasses for distance, all shots COM within 2-4" depending on distance - I'll take that every time.
 
Black on black is hard to see IMO no matter how old you are. Outdoors I love fiber optic sights, simple and illuminating. Inside a laser light combo is what I have for the nightstand.

That in mind, please get your eyes checked by a good doctor yearly. I'm younger, and they found I had macular degeneration already. Taking AREDS2 and hoping to keep my vision, but you can't save what you don't know you need to be taking care of.
 
Getting ready for my Appleseed shoot last March really brought the aging eyes thing home to me.

Painted the front sight pin fluorescent orange using Testors paint from the hobby shop. No problem seeing it now.

Worked for me.
 
Keith G said:
A blurry target is fine. If you are truly focused on the front sight, the target is going to be blurry regardless of how good or bad your vision is. The difference is that with good vision (if I remember correctly ) when you look up at the target, it is clear, but stays blurry when wearing glasses. Just put that front sight in the middle of that blurry target, or at 6 o’clock if that’s what’s needed, and have fun.
Click to expand...

What he said! That's how I normally shoot.
 
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