Eye issues...

BernardG

Member
Joined
Apr 5, 2026
Messages
38
Reaction score
16
Location
Uppingham Rutland
I'm waiting for permanent correction to double vision and have a temporary prism in the the dominant right eye lens of my specs. While I prefer shooting with both eyes open I simply can't until this is corrected. Has anyone any experience and suggestions for an eye patch over my left lens? Can I improvise and make it myself? Or should I get shooting contact lenses with a 'pirate' type patch rather than cover the lens of my specs? I know it's an individual thing but just want to understand the pitfalls...

Many thanks, folks.

PS: Also want to get my meaningful posts up to 50 and learn along the way from folks rather than the painful way without guidance.
 
As your eyes will change after the correction, I wouldn't be spending any money.
Try a white patch on your left lens if you shoot with specs on. Other wise a white card on the side of your scope.

If that doesn't work try a hole in the card the size of a paper punch hole.
Tricky to get in the right position.
 
As your eyes will change after the correction, I wouldn't be spending any money.
Try a white patch on your left lens if you shoot with specs on. Other wise a white card on the side of your scope.

If that doesn't work try a hole in the card the size of a paper punch hole.
Tricky to get in the right position.
Good advice, especially about the hole in the card. Will wait for the correction - NHS appointment in July for botox while I wait for surgery.
 
I suffer with keratoconus which gives multi images. I have had a cornea graft in my left which has improved my lot. I shoot with my right eye with left eye closed, I tried left but found it awkward. I do get times when I need a rest from the scope which is when I will reload mags.
 
Shooting, like so many other sports and activities, can fall victim to the latest trends that arise, and are amplified and perpetuated by the widespread and rapid availability offered by the internet.

I know that shooting with both eyes open is normal and correct when using a shotgun - in this case full binocular vision and un-blinkered - but in every other shooting discipline it is perfectly OK (even preferable) to close the non-aiming eye, and the results and scores should not suffer in any way.

I know that target shooters, both rifle and pistol, do (and are probably coached to) keep both eyes open, or use a blinder on the non-aiming eye and keep both open, and if that works for you then great. But it's not the be-all-and-end-all of shooting. Shooters have been closing one eye and hitting what they aimed at for centuries.
 
Shooting, like so many other sports and activities, can fall victim to the latest trends that arise, and are amplified and perpetuated by the widespread and rapid availability offered by the internet.

I know that shooting with both eyes open is normal and correct when using a shotgun - in this case full binocular vision and un-blinkered - but in every other shooting discipline it is perfectly OK (even preferable) to close the non-aiming eye, and the results and scores should not suffer in any way.

I know that target shooters, both rifle and pistol, do (and are probably coached to) keep both eyes open, or use a blinder on the non-aiming eye and keep both open, and if that works for you then great. But it's not the be-all-and-end-all of shooting. Shooters have been closing one eye and hitting what they aimed at for centuries.
Yes, that sounds reasonable and I've seen many folk closing one eye. It's how I started, but I've read that if you're stalking prey that may move, then it's best to get the full sight picture. At night, I guess that won't work because of the thermal scope but if stalking by day, then don't we want a full sight picture with good depth perception?
Not sure I know what I'm talking about but that's why I'm here... :)
 
Bit of tape over the lens
Don't overcomplicate things
It seems that so much of what I read in mags/books tends towards complication when there's a simple option offered by folk on the forums. One tends to relieve me of my hard earned cash whereas the other is the voice of experience. Thanks for that.
 
I'm fortunate enough to have good vision and used to shoot with my left eye closed but now try and shoot with both eyes open.
This video made me think about what I'm doing:

 
I used to use a bit of semi opaque plastic cut from a milk bottle. Cut to same shape as glassed lens but 1cm bigger top and bottom. Cut a slit top and bottom so it 'clips' over your glasses. Semi opaque is better than solid as it still allows light to get to the eye you are not using. Block that eye too much and both pupils (aiming eye as well) will open up and that's not helpful! This allows you to shoot both eyes open and is a common approach in 10m shooting which is where I did it.
 
I used to use a bit of semi opaque plastic cut from a milk bottle. Cut to same shape as glassed lens but 1cm bigger top and bottom. Cut a slit top and bottom so it 'clips' over your glasses. Semi opaque is better than solid as it still allows light to get to the eye you are not using. Block that eye too much and both pupils (aiming eye as well) will open up and that's not helpful! This allows you to shoot both eyes open and is a common approach in 10m shooting which is where I did it.
Can you post an image please so I can see the slits at top and bottom. I don't understand how that would work - I'm useless at practical stuff...
 
Yes, that sounds reasonable and I've seen many folk closing one eye. It's how I started, but I've read that if you're stalking prey that may move, then it's best to get the full sight picture. At night, I guess that won't work because of the thermal scope but if stalking by day, then don't we want a full sight picture with good depth perception?
Not sure I know what I'm talking about but that's why I'm here... :)
As I said, just because you read it doesn't make it right.
When stalking/walking up your prey you would have both eyes open or using binos. Just like being out for a walk. When it comes to taking the shot, your full concentration should be through the sights, whatever their type, and nothing else. Anything outside that view is an unwanted distraction.
 
I'm fortunate enough to have good vision and used to shoot with my left eye closed but now try and shoot with both eyes open.
This video made me think about what I'm doing:

I subscribe to the channel but haven't seen that one. I use the body orientation technique but didn't know about the wind test with an open eye. Will try that as well as the high magnification for the wobble. Thanks a ton.
 
As I said, just because you read it doesn't make it right.
When stalking/walking up your prey you would have both eyes open or using binos. Just like being out for a walk. When it comes to taking the shot, your full concentration should be through the sights, whatever their type, and nothing else. Anything outside that view is an unwanted distraction.
OK but would you see if something moves in the wrong direction - the prey or something else? I'm learning about reading without critical thinking and asking questions. These forums have saved me a huge amount of time!
 
Back
Top