Shooting and Rx glasses
- Thread starter Patriotme
- Start date
- Status
M2 Carbine
member
Keep in mind that if you ever had to use your gun for protection, you will be wearing your every day eye wear, not whatever you might use just for shooting at the range.
So, practice enough using your normal glasses.
Also practice some without your vision correction. Actually you might be surprised how well you do when those sights are so blurred you can't hardly see them.
So, practice enough using your normal glasses.
Also practice some without your vision correction. Actually you might be surprised how well you do when those sights are so blurred you can't hardly see them.
SwampWolf
Member
So where do you get these things at? Thanks.
As M2 said unless it's a permanent fix, they won't likely be available if you need to pull your pistol in self defense. The contact lens I have heard from several folks works well, either just 1, or 1 for close up, and one for distance if needed. You wear them all the time. The problem with specialized equiptment is you must have it with you. Contacts on the other hand you put in either once a day or once a week and that's the end of it. And they do have them for astigmatism now.
ExtremeGunCare
Member
I am ABO Certified and Manufactured Glasses.
Hello All,
I have been a certified ABO Optician and physically Manufactured glasses for numerous years. With in the past two months, I step out of the field. I worked for two of the top 15 Optical Companies in the nation and took pride in being one of their top Opticians dealing in Shooter RX.
I have contemplated in creating my own lab to just service the Shooter Industry. I am a shooter, and until 2008 when I had Lasik, I wore glasses since I was 5. I was OD -2.00 -1.75 axis 180, OS -1.75 -1.50 axis 70.
I was the go to person in my company in dealing with Shooters. Pending on your RX and what base cure you had been accustom to would dictate the kind of wrap/base curve you could go into for shooting glasses. Also pending your RX would dictate the kind of base material one should use. As far as tint, that is strictly a personal preference.
A very good rule of thumb is: If you have the means, always choose your thinner option in plastics. There are High Index Plastic Lenses, typically a 1.56, 1.60, 1.66, 1.67, 1.74. Single Vision should always go for the 1.66 because it is the most durable out of all the high indexes. A high end Progressive lens, say Variloux series, go for the 1.74 option. Your Line Bifocal, most of the time, comes in the 1.60.
I am always a fan of Polycarbonate because of the impact resistant capabilities it has. I say that because most people tend to be very hard on their shooting glasses. But the draw back with Polycarb is there could be a slight aberration pending script, or if you're a poly non-adapt and poly do not take well to tints. There is Trivex, but not worth the weight issues it can bring.
What ever you decide on, please do not choose your basic plastic lens. If you are going to buy shooting glasses, bit the bullet and go with a High Index Lens!
Now if you are a Progressive wearer, you know who you are. Do not go with one of the more economical lenses because the technology in that lens make-up takes away your peripheral. Try a lens like Accolade, Kodak Unique or Varilux Physio 360. Progressive Lenses needs to be measured the same as if they were your daily wears.
I might not suggest using a Progressive Lens for shooting, where a Line Bifocal may meet your needs. There are a few options in Line Bifocal. They have 22 round, 25 Straight Top, 28 Straight Top, 35 Straight Top, Trifocal 7x25 or 8x35 (Please Note Trifocal should be treated like Progressive).
Have the Optician measure right below your lower eyelash. Then take another 3 mm below that. Keep in mind that you should have at least 10mm of vertical space for your reading area. If you do not at least get 10mm of vertical reading, then pick a bigger lens/frame with a "B" Measurement. You will tilt your head back a little bit for reading, but it is a catch 22. You either have the Line Bifocal in your normal set and it could be a distraction or lower it to keep it mostly out of your peripheral.
The Best Option, in my opinion is just do Single Vision. SV comes in basic plastic, polycarbonate, aspheric polycarbonate (thiner option than regular poly), high index 1.56, 1.66, 1.74. It isn't like you are reading a book while you are out there shooting. You already know your gun, or you at least should. You are not taking score while you shoot. Less distraction with Single Vision.
Single Vision is a bit more diverse, especially with your larger lens shapes. SV will always be cheaper then any multi-focal. I would rather see a person choose a SV 1.74 than a Line Bifocal Basic Plastic Len.
Please contact me at ExtremeGunCare if you have any questions. I will give you my honest opinion in regards to your glass needs. We can talk about various options in regards to frames, lens options to meet your needs.
Good Shooting,
Jason Lumetta
ExtremeGunCare
PS. I am not here to sell you anything, but you need a good optician to ask numerous questions in like regards to your stance, kind of shoot, other needs you may have for the glasses, etc.
Hello All,
I have been a certified ABO Optician and physically Manufactured glasses for numerous years. With in the past two months, I step out of the field. I worked for two of the top 15 Optical Companies in the nation and took pride in being one of their top Opticians dealing in Shooter RX.
I have contemplated in creating my own lab to just service the Shooter Industry. I am a shooter, and until 2008 when I had Lasik, I wore glasses since I was 5. I was OD -2.00 -1.75 axis 180, OS -1.75 -1.50 axis 70.
I was the go to person in my company in dealing with Shooters. Pending on your RX and what base cure you had been accustom to would dictate the kind of wrap/base curve you could go into for shooting glasses. Also pending your RX would dictate the kind of base material one should use. As far as tint, that is strictly a personal preference.
A very good rule of thumb is: If you have the means, always choose your thinner option in plastics. There are High Index Plastic Lenses, typically a 1.56, 1.60, 1.66, 1.67, 1.74. Single Vision should always go for the 1.66 because it is the most durable out of all the high indexes. A high end Progressive lens, say Variloux series, go for the 1.74 option. Your Line Bifocal, most of the time, comes in the 1.60.
I am always a fan of Polycarbonate because of the impact resistant capabilities it has. I say that because most people tend to be very hard on their shooting glasses. But the draw back with Polycarb is there could be a slight aberration pending script, or if you're a poly non-adapt and poly do not take well to tints. There is Trivex, but not worth the weight issues it can bring.
What ever you decide on, please do not choose your basic plastic lens. If you are going to buy shooting glasses, bit the bullet and go with a High Index Lens!
Now if you are a Progressive wearer, you know who you are. Do not go with one of the more economical lenses because the technology in that lens make-up takes away your peripheral. Try a lens like Accolade, Kodak Unique or Varilux Physio 360. Progressive Lenses needs to be measured the same as if they were your daily wears.
I might not suggest using a Progressive Lens for shooting, where a Line Bifocal may meet your needs. There are a few options in Line Bifocal. They have 22 round, 25 Straight Top, 28 Straight Top, 35 Straight Top, Trifocal 7x25 or 8x35 (Please Note Trifocal should be treated like Progressive).
Have the Optician measure right below your lower eyelash. Then take another 3 mm below that. Keep in mind that you should have at least 10mm of vertical space for your reading area. If you do not at least get 10mm of vertical reading, then pick a bigger lens/frame with a "B" Measurement. You will tilt your head back a little bit for reading, but it is a catch 22. You either have the Line Bifocal in your normal set and it could be a distraction or lower it to keep it mostly out of your peripheral.
The Best Option, in my opinion is just do Single Vision. SV comes in basic plastic, polycarbonate, aspheric polycarbonate (thiner option than regular poly), high index 1.56, 1.66, 1.74. It isn't like you are reading a book while you are out there shooting. You already know your gun, or you at least should. You are not taking score while you shoot. Less distraction with Single Vision.
Single Vision is a bit more diverse, especially with your larger lens shapes. SV will always be cheaper then any multi-focal. I would rather see a person choose a SV 1.74 than a Line Bifocal Basic Plastic Len.
Please contact me at ExtremeGunCare if you have any questions. I will give you my honest opinion in regards to your glass needs. We can talk about various options in regards to frames, lens options to meet your needs.
Good Shooting,
Jason Lumetta
ExtremeGunCare
PS. I am not here to sell you anything, but you need a good optician to ask numerous questions in like regards to your stance, kind of shoot, other needs you may have for the glasses, etc.
Last edited:
Thanks for that very usefull info , "Extreme", I am in the market for a change in the way I vision area, and your post has some good info on it. I was going to go with the lasix also, but was told by a couple folks that it didn't turn out all that well for them. I spend 8 hours a day on the computer so all of my glasses are set for that distance, a 2 1/2 feet away instead of closer for reading. My distance is fine, I have a slight prescription for it, and seperate distance glasses, but never use them. I am going to try thr contacts again, a few years ago they were still having trouble getting them right with the astigmatism. I had tried twice and given up, also they were very expensive, like over $1000.00 a year. I still would have done it if they worked, but my glasses were clearer both for reading and distance. It seems if they make them clear for close up you loose the distance clarity, and vice versa. If I tuned them in for the computer, when I looked away, it was no good. Perhaps they are better now.
brotus2
Member
bump to save
climbnjump
Member
Here is one source, there are probably others:
http://optx2020.com/p-38-hydrotac-stick-on-bifocal-2-pair-offer.aspx
They are easy to trim to size. I trim mine to fit in the upper left corner of the right lens of my shooting glasses. This allows me to shoot with my head tilted in a more "normal" angle than trying to find the "sweet spot" in my progressive trifocals. (My shooting glasses are wrap around style that fit over my regular glasses.)
oldfool
Member
been wearing progressive lenses for >20 years now, progressively thicker
don't know what will work for you, but what M2 Carbine said works for me
for some of us, it's maybe just getting over ourselves (and keeping prescriptions updated every other year) and practicing with what is in front of our retinas every day,
vs. looking for tech fixes or pills
reasonably "up close and personal" doesn't really depend on 20/20 the way it no doubt does for world class comp shooters, but COM at 10-15 yards ain't all that small, specs on or off (fuzzy will do with a handgun you shoot enough), and setting a 20X scope to your own focus and consistent head position isn't as tough as some suppose, if you don't out think yourself
or maybe not.. nobody sees thru your eyes except you
foolish to suppose otherwise
don't know what will work for you, but what M2 Carbine said works for me
for some of us, it's maybe just getting over ourselves (and keeping prescriptions updated every other year) and practicing with what is in front of our retinas every day,
vs. looking for tech fixes or pills
reasonably "up close and personal" doesn't really depend on 20/20 the way it no doubt does for world class comp shooters, but COM at 10-15 yards ain't all that small, specs on or off (fuzzy will do with a handgun you shoot enough), and setting a 20X scope to your own focus and consistent head position isn't as tough as some suppose, if you don't out think yourself
or maybe not.. nobody sees thru your eyes except you
foolish to suppose otherwise
Last edited:
SwampWolf
Member
Thanks climbnjump. I'll check them out.
bhk
Member
I use progressives and they work just fine for handguns, less so for rifles. With handguns, I just tilt my head a little until the front sight comes into perfect focus. I have been doing this for so long that it is now automatic for me. Most of my long guns have scopes and focusing the scope for my long distance vision is no big deal. My scopes my look blurry to you, but they are perfect for me.
Long guns with a traditional notch year sight are a problem. Adding a rear peep really helps. Not as good as a scope, but better.
Long guns with a traditional notch year sight are a problem. Adding a rear peep really helps. Not as good as a scope, but better.
doubleh
Member
I'm on my second set of progressive lens. I love 'em. Don't get me wrong. No glasses can compare with good eyesight but with age comes farsightedness. I didn't like lined bifocals and absolutely hated trifocals so I went to progressive lenses. In my case there is no comparison to lined lens and I got the ability to use iron sights back. Not everyone can wear progressives. My wife can't.
I consulted a shooter/opthamologist. The answer for me was "cockpit trifocals" a very exaggerated center lenses with the focus more-or-less at arms length. A style apparently favored by professional pilots. I have worn this style for three years, front sight in good focus, acceptable fuzz front and rear.
I recommend any over fifties check it out.
I recommend any over fifties check it out.
The stick on lenses are Fresnel lenses and usually the optics aren't what people want let alone what shooters want.
M2 Carbine
member
Yes, I've had the center lens for some years not. I called it my instrument panel or shooting lens.
Funny story.
Before I needed to wear glasses full time I carried a pair of cheap "granny" "reading glasses" while flying. I didn't need them yet to see the instruments but did need them for reading close up.
One morning, without knowing it, I dropped my glasses when getting in the helicopter.
When I got in that evening I asked the Lead Pilot if anyone had found a pair of glasses on the ramp. I said I missed having them today.
The Lead Pilot was a serious type of guy and said, wide eyed, "You been flying all day without your glasses?
I said, "No problem. When I needed to, I'd just ask the passengers, "What does that instrument read now, or "If that needle gets close to the Red line you let me know".
I will throw in my $0.02
We have been making polycarbonite custom high curve lenses for athletes and shooters for over a decade. Back before the industry said it could be done our Owner, Bret, decided he needed to figure out the solution. Our formulas are proprietary and our machines are custom build by us, for us.
We make ANSI z87.1+ high velocity impact resistant lenses (not inserts) that fit directly into the best shooting frames on the market.
For example, our lenses for the Rudy Project Rydon Z87.1 frame replace the ImpactX factory non prescription lenses and are virtually indistinguishable from an off the shelf pair of sunglasses. The difference is we hand sculpt the lens and finish it to any style you like, and it's been independently certified ANSI z87.1+ in the Rx format. We can do heavy prescription in high curved frames as well WITHOUT using inserts.
A review from the industry magazine 20/20 in 2005 well after we had perfected the high curve lens technique. http://www.2020mag.com/ViewContent/tabid/136/content_id/240/Default.aspx
and a review from the cycling industry where eye protection is also a must. http://pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=2963 - this guy REALLY loved our product.
Bret and I are both shooters and recently returned from the SHOT show in Las Vegas. We were again looking at the best possible options for shooting glasses. Does your Optician go to the SHOT show every year to look at optical stuff? We do.
We can make ANYTHING that has been mentioned in this thread. We are a true custom shop and make our own lenses in-house. If you want in inverted bifocal with an adjusted reading Rx, we call that our "almost" lens and it's included in our shooting glasses. (check the pricing page)
We stock Rudy Project, WileyX, Smith Optics Elite Division, Numa Sport Optics, and 5.11 tactical among others.
We are running a web special right now on the MIL-PRF (ballistic rated) WileyX Romer II with our Rx ANSI z87.1+ lenses. Buy the Romer II as single vision prescription sunglasses, and get a free set of Rx interchangeable clear lenses. $274 http://www.tacticalrx.com/page23.php
Feel free to IM or email me with any questions.
Greg
greg at tacticalRx dot com
www.tacticalrx.com
Is this your sight picture?
We can change it to this.
www.tacticalrx.com
We have been making polycarbonite custom high curve lenses for athletes and shooters for over a decade. Back before the industry said it could be done our Owner, Bret, decided he needed to figure out the solution. Our formulas are proprietary and our machines are custom build by us, for us.
We make ANSI z87.1+ high velocity impact resistant lenses (not inserts) that fit directly into the best shooting frames on the market.
For example, our lenses for the Rudy Project Rydon Z87.1 frame replace the ImpactX factory non prescription lenses and are virtually indistinguishable from an off the shelf pair of sunglasses. The difference is we hand sculpt the lens and finish it to any style you like, and it's been independently certified ANSI z87.1+ in the Rx format. We can do heavy prescription in high curved frames as well WITHOUT using inserts.
A review from the industry magazine 20/20 in 2005 well after we had perfected the high curve lens technique. http://www.2020mag.com/ViewContent/tabid/136/content_id/240/Default.aspx
and a review from the cycling industry where eye protection is also a must. http://pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=2963 - this guy REALLY loved our product.
Bret and I are both shooters and recently returned from the SHOT show in Las Vegas. We were again looking at the best possible options for shooting glasses. Does your Optician go to the SHOT show every year to look at optical stuff? We do.
We can make ANYTHING that has been mentioned in this thread. We are a true custom shop and make our own lenses in-house. If you want in inverted bifocal with an adjusted reading Rx, we call that our "almost" lens and it's included in our shooting glasses. (check the pricing page)
We stock Rudy Project, WileyX, Smith Optics Elite Division, Numa Sport Optics, and 5.11 tactical among others.
We are running a web special right now on the MIL-PRF (ballistic rated) WileyX Romer II with our Rx ANSI z87.1+ lenses. Buy the Romer II as single vision prescription sunglasses, and get a free set of Rx interchangeable clear lenses. $274 http://www.tacticalrx.com/page23.php
Feel free to IM or email me with any questions.
Greg
greg at tacticalRx dot com
www.tacticalrx.com
Is this your sight picture?
www.tacticalrx.com
Better late than never. I had two pair of Rx shooters made. One has no bifocal & is used for skeet/trap only. The second pair was made with the (lined) bifocal moved up on the lenses & is used for pistol shooting so I can see the sights better than I see the target. The optometrist says he makes them this way for plumbers, electricians and others who do a lot of work over their heads. Keeps my head down and comfortable & has improved my scores at the range.
84B20
Member
I recently ordered these from Opticsplanet.com. I have been wearing progressive lenses since they were offered and could not do without them. I tried bifocals once and they nearly drove me crazy. I paid about $60 for the ESS ICE 2X / ESS ICE 2X NARO Interchangeable Eyeshield Safety Glasses Kit (http://www.opticsplanet.net/ess-ice-sunglasses-2x.html) and about $160 for the prescription lens insert (http://www.opticsplanet.net/ess-ice-and-profile-rx-insert-lab.html). The site indicates about $90 but since mine were progressive they were more expensive. I priced them at a local Sams Club as well as a couple of local optometrist and they were about $200 more.
The trick is to first order the insert (which comes with a plastic dummy lens) and the kit. Then take the insert with the eye shield to an optometrist to measure your Pupil Distance and have them mark the plastic dummy. Then send the insert to Opticsplanet to make the lenses. By the way if you use coupon code bx5sm9s you get a 5% discount which will make up for some of the extra shipping charge when you send the insert back.
The trick is to first order the insert (which comes with a plastic dummy lens) and the kit. Then take the insert with the eye shield to an optometrist to measure your Pupil Distance and have them mark the plastic dummy. Then send the insert to Opticsplanet to make the lenses. By the way if you use coupon code bx5sm9s you get a 5% discount which will make up for some of the extra shipping charge when you send the insert back.
Attachments
Last edited:
We have made many sets of the inverted bifocals for plumbers, mechanics, and shooters.
www.tacticalrx.com
www.tacticalrx.com
- Status
