Last Updated on May 13, 2023 by Dwayne Easton
For hunters with astigmatism, a condition that affects vision and can cause blurry or distorted vision, having the right equipment is essential. However, hunting gear designed for non-astigmatic hunters is not your only option. Below are tips on how to get started on your hunt while still maintaining your safety and enjoyment in the outdoors:
1. Choose a Suitable Scope
Astigmatism impacts how well some shooters can or cannot use specific optical sighting systems, like a red dot or holographic sights. For example, the red dot might appear blurry, smeared, like a starburst, or just twisted due to the issue.
Choose one suitable scope with a large field of view so that you can see more through it and hunt down your target. A scope with a large exit pupil will also help you in this regard and make it easier to spot your prey. When choosing, ensure that the scope has excellent lens quality along with high-quality optics and coatings so that the light passes through them without distortion or reflection.
Additionally, consider using an astigmatism shooting gun scope because these scopes have been designed specifically for people with astigmatism eye conditions like yourself. It is essential to choose a red dot sight that is known to be highly effective.
These weigh around 13.6 ounces and have a great variable-intensity reticle that is crisp and clear, especially in daylight. It allows hunters to adjust their sights easily without having trouble focusing on their targets.
2. Ensure You Shoot with Both Eyes Open
One of the biggest mistakes you can make while hunting is to close one eye and shoot. Believe it or not, you often explore the surrounding details while trying to shoot with both eyes open. In many cases, hunters will place a piece of tape over one eye so that they can focus on the other one.
It is not a good idea because you are now missing valuable visual information that could help you make a better shot. Instead, it’s best to learn how to shoot with both eyes open and practice doing so until it becomes second nature.
3. Take Breaks During the Day
There are a few reasons why you should take breaks during the day. First, paying close attention to how your eyes feel as you hunt is essential. If they become tired or strained, stop what you’re doing and give them a break. Second, taking breaks will help prevent eye strain in the long run, as well as eye strain-related headaches or migraines. They can occur after an evening of hunting and maybe even during the day.
Taking frequent breaks helps hunters with astigmatism keep their eyes in good shape because it gives them time to rest and recover from fatigue or irritation. In addition, it is crucial when hunting at night. It’ll allow your eyes time to adapt back into focusing properly before returning out there.
4. Use Lens Cleaner
Lens cleaners can help remove dust and dirt from the lens. According to Transparency Market research, in 2021, the market for lens cleaning products was worth USD 999.3 million.
One of the main factors propelling the worldwide cleaning fluids market is the rise in the number of people who use power glasses or contact lenses. In addition, people with astigmatism who go hunting can be one such factor who use it for cleaning purposes.
It is used to clean contact lenses, power glasses, and goggles, especially when traveling in nature. Lens cleaner comes in liquid or gel form and can be used on both prescription and non-prescription glasses.
Lens cleaners are available over the counter at your local pharmacy or drugstore. Some people even prefer to make their homemade solution using cotton balls soaked with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol.
5. Wear Eyewear
As per WHO, at least 2.2 billion individuals worldwide suffer from near or distant vision impairment. Astigmatism is a part of this problem that needs to be dealt with. For those who want to be a hunter but have astigmatism coming ahead of them as a hindrance, the first thing they need to do is wear eyewear designed especially for them.
The eyewear you choose must be tested and approved by your eye doctor or optometrist, as they will know what kind of lens works best for your vision correction needs.
Your eyewear should also include a special coating that reduces glare from sunlight, headlights, and other bright lights when hunting in daylight hours.
If possible, look for glasses with a tinted lens color that reduces glare even more than regular anti-reflective lenses do. They already help reflect light. For example, a green or yellow tint can help reduce glare even further than standard sunglasses. It is because these colors tend to absorb more light than blue or brown lenses do.
6. In Case of Emergency, Use an Alternative Vision Method
In an emergency, it’s worth considering using a different vision method. The most obvious alternative is to use a red dot sight. If you’re familiar with shooting sports and have seen pictures of professionals aiming for their targets, chances are you’ve seen them using this type of scope.
Another option is to use a laser sight. Instead, it allows for increased accuracy as quick target acquisition in low-light conditions. Another option is a lighted scope. It will allow you to see better at night or during foggy conditions than other hunting methods that don’t require special equipment or skills like crossbows or shotguns.
7. Don’t Shoot Anything You Can’t See
Knowing how far you can see with your astigmatism-corrected vision is vital before hunting. If you can see the target, but it looks blurry, don’t shoot. Likewise, don’t adjust your vision by squinting or blinking because this will only worsen things. There are many other ways to improve on your shot without making things worse for yourself.
If you are having trouble seeing the target, try moving closer to it until you can focus on it clearly and then aim at its vital organs, e.g., the heart. If that doesn’t work, try waiting until dusk so that ambient light helps illuminate them better, but remember that nighttime is when most predators come out.
Try These Tips if You Have Astigmatism and Want to Improve Your Accuracy When Hunting
Astigmatism is a huge issue, so much so that in the human eye. As per NCBI, it almost entirely accounts for 13% of refractive defects. If you are suffering from it and are into hunting and want to keep yourself on track with your hunting goals, these tips may help you.
Try using both eyes together instead of only one at a time. Take breaks during the day. Your eyes need a break once in a while. However, you don’t want them to become too tired.
Wear eyewear when hunting or shooting targets. It will protect your eyes from debris and dust particles blowing around in the wind. Plus, it makes for an awesome fashion statement as well. Use lens cleaner wipes to ensure everything is clean before returning to action.
