So, you’ve purchased your red dot sight, excitedly unwrapping it only to look through it and discover that, to your horror, there is no red sight visible through the scope. Is your scope broken? Possibly. But there may be another reason.
Astigmatism is a common problem with a lot of people throughout America. It’s when the eyeball itself is irregularly shaped, causing the lens of the eye to distort which will obstruct your vision.
Take a picture through your red dot sight and see if you can see a clearer red dot in the resulting image. If the picture of the red dot is blurry or funny-shaped, then the chances are that it’s your sight rather than your eyesight that is broken.
You can also try lining up your iron sight, if that's blurry too then this might also be another indication that your eyesight is bad.
If you have performed these simple tests and still see no red dot, then the chances are that you have astigmatism. But don’t worry, this is quite a common condition and there are certainly ways around it that won’t negatively affect your shooting or hunting game.
Thankfully, a lot of gun accessory manufacturers have realized that this condition is affecting their customers and have designed a wide range of sights to increase visibility if you suffer from astigmatism.
With a red dot sight for astigmatism, you won’t notice any significant decrease in your aim.
But where can you find the best red dot sights for astigmatism? What features and capabilities do you need from a red dot sight for it to provide you with a reliable aim and a steady shot? How much can you be looking to spend on a top-quality red dot sight if you do have this particular eye condition?
Well, if you do have astigmatism, then you don’t have to suffer in silence any longer, because we’ve compiled a list of some of the best red dot sights for astigmatism currently available on the market.
We’ve also got a buyer’s guide that will help you find the perfect red dot sight for your particular needs, as well as some frequently asked questions by shooters who do suffer from astigmatism.
OUR TOP PICK
Our first rifle scope is prismatic, which are similar to traditional scopes in that they use a glass-etched reticle that will allow you to focus on the real physical object in front of you rather than simply a reflection.
This sight has a dual magnification and it is great for people who suffer from blurred vision due to astigmatism - introducing the Vortex Optics Spitfire 1x Prism Scope.
The dual magnification gives shooters a much more crystal clear vision when it comes to lining up your target.
Even if you do experience double vision or blurring in your eyesight, this scope gives you a very fast target acquisition, allowing you to aim and fire in super-fast time.
This multi-coated lens is also weather-proof, which will come in very handy when hunting in stormy and rainy conditions where visibility is low anyway.
The anti-reflective coatings certainly improve your view, even in the lowest lit conditions, again, this is invaluable for anyone who has poor vision.
Pros
- The construction - with a strong durable body and a multitude of lenses, you can count on this lens for delivering clear sight every single time.
- The prism in the sight gives you a much clearer view of the object you are tracking, which will be crucial when trying to cultivate those dead straight shots every time.
- There is both red and green illumination that will combat a lot of the blurriness that people have experienced with astigmatism.
- The body of this scope is very durable, perfect for all different types of weather, shielding your scope from conditions that will further obscure visibility.
Cons
- Some users have complained of having material in their sight upon purchase that they are unable to dislodge.
EDITORS CHOICE
Our next red dot sight is one that has been manufactured by a trusted gun accessory maker, coming with a 1MOA dot and a 68 MOA ring around it.
When it comes to having increased visibility, having a larger MOA dot and ring is very important, as is enhanced weather durability - introducing the Eotech 512 Holographic Weapon Sight.
This sight has been proven to work best with people who have corrected their astigmatism with corrective lenses or contacts.
The holographic sight improves visibility by some margin, with the MOA ring and dot giving the user very clear and high-quality sight, allowing you to get your target centered before taking the crucial shot.
This mount is very steady on this gun scope, which again will be ideal for getting your sight nice and straight.
Wobbly, off-center sight placement is one of the main causes of a lopsided bullet trajectory. This has a holographic lens, which actually helps correct curved sight patterns in the eye.
Pros
- The MOA dot and ring are very pronounced, remaining visible to people who have astigmatism that causes them blurred vision.
- The mount and build quality of the sight is perfect and durable, capable of withstanding even the toughest weather conditions.
- The holographic component of this scope will automatically correct natural anomalies in the vision.
- The price - this is one of the better-priced scopes on our list, coming with plenty of high ratings on Amazon, it makes this product a real steal!
Cons
- Some users have complained that there is very little customer service for this product, with no contact telephone number listed on the manufacturer’s website.
BEST VALUE
Our next sight has been considered a world leader when it comes to gun accessories, being an affordable unit with a reliable red dot sight and efficient target acquisition.
This is a great scope for hunting fast-moving targets, with a patented reticle that gives you crystal clear vision even in rain or fog - introducing the Holosun Holographic Red Dot Sight.
The lighting options in this scope are extremely versatile, you can set it to very high if you have vision issues or are shooting in low light conditions.
It has over 12 illumination settings, some of which are compatible with NVD, which means you can aim and shoot at targets that are further away.
It has a 2 MOA dot, which is extremely generous for a unit in this cheaper price range.
It has 4 positioning points on the scope, which increases your accuracy. If you are experiencing vision blurriness, this sight will do everything to accommodate you.
Pros
- This is a great sight for hunting fast-moving game in low light conditions - the number of reticle options and illuminations makes picking out your target all the easier.
- The red dot sight is larger than most, which will be crucial if you’re shooting with obscured vision.
- This sight is water and dust resistant - you can submerge the Holosun sight in up to a meter of water for over half an hour without it getting damaged. This will be extremely useful if you’re out hunting in extreme weather conditions.
- This red dot sight has over 50 hours of battery life - this will come in very handy for when you’re out in the undergrowth and don’t expect to encounter a recharge point any time soon.
- The price - this is one of the more generous units available on this list, perfect if you want premium sight technology on a budget.
Cons
- Some users have complained that the POS in this sight will not hold at zero.
RUNNER UP
Our next rifle scope looks a little different in terms of its design, but it’s nonetheless an essential scope for anyone who suffers from eyesight discrepancies.
It has a clear glass reticle with true tracking and the ability to finely adjust the POS with a 6x magnification that makes it great for long-range shooting - introducing the Primary Arms SLX Rifle Scope.
This sight certainly has more than its fair share of technological augmentations that will really help you up your shooting game, with or without astigmatism.
The magnification is extremely powerful, allowing you to acquire fast-moving targets operating at a distance. It has moving target leads and a range estimation system to help with these too.
The illumination is also great, with over 11 brightness settings, you can crank this one up to the very highest and guarantee yourself a clear red dot.
It also has upwards of 60 hours of battery life, making it a great sight for you to use when you’re out in the wilderness and don’t expect to encounter a power point at the next tree.
Pros
- When it comes to hunting with astigmatism, this is one of the best sights on our list. The sheer range of technology that this scope offers, from the magnification to the illumination, will improve your sight with amazing results.
- The brightness settings - with 11 different options, you’ll certainly be able to track and dispatch most targets, slow or fast, near or far.
- The range estimation really helps inform you of the movement of your target, which will help you determine the trajectory of your bullet.
- The aluminum body of this sight is also waterproof and weatherproof, allowing you to operate in even the most stringent of weather conditions.
Cons
- Like our previous sight, some users have complained that this scope does not hold zero very well.
RUNNER UP
Our final sight is one that gives you plenty of indicators for shooting, with reference marks on the glass, bullet holds over long distances, as well as being primed for optimal shooting at both dawn and dusk, this one won’t let you down.
It holds zero easily and has true tracking for increased accuracy - introducing the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescope.
The Strike Eagle has a very high level of speed, accuracy and versatility, allowing you to set it to a maximum level of 6x magnification to cover greater distances.
It has a multi-coated lens that protects it from extreme weather conditions, giving you a crisp and clear image that is ideal for low lighting conditions.
You can also amend the reticle brightness on this scope to give you the added benefit in low lighting conditions.
With 11 different combinations of brightness, you can adapt this scope to whatever level of vision that you happen to be operating at.
This kind of versatility is exactly what you need when you are experiencing blurriness from astigmatism.
Pros
- If you are shooting in dawn or dusk or simply experiencing low vision, this scope has enough technological bells and whistles, such as sight markers and true tracking, to give you that extra helping hand.
- This 6x magnification gives you the option of tracking your targets across larger distances.
- The accuracy of this sight is second-to-none, with reference indicators and the ability to change the brightness levels, you can be sure of a reliable shot every time.
- The build quality of this sight is both weatherproof and dustproof, resulting in a sight that will last you for years to come.
Cons
- The price - with so many technical plus-points, it is hardly surprising that this sight comes with a hefty price tag. This will deter shooters who simply want a clear sight without all the trajectory-enhancing entrapments.
Best Red Dot Sights for Astigmatism Buying Guide
So, the big question you’ll probably be asking yourself at this point is: do you have astigmatism or not?
How can you tell if you have astigmatism or whether your lens is simply faulty?
Well, there are a few ways that you can check this out before deciding whether you’ll need to go out and book an appointment with your doctor.
How Does Your Red Dot Sight Look with Astigmatism?
You’ll notice straight away whether your red dot sight looks slightly different to the usual red dot.
Here are a few of the common signs that either you have astigmatism or that your sight is malfunctioning:
- Your dots has a tail, looking like an apostrophe or comma
- There is a double dot
- There are a cluster of dots or grapes
- The dot looks like a starburst
- The dot is blurry
Taking a Picture of Your Sight
If you want to take your own eyes out of the equation, then take your camera phone and take a picture through the lens.
Your camera will take a true representation of what your red sight dot actually looks like. If your red dot sight appears in any of the above shapes on the camera, then the chances are that your sight is indeed faulty.
If not, chances are that there is an issue with your eyesight.
Get a Friend to Look Through the Lens
One other way of testing to see whether your lens is faulty is by getting a friend to look through it. There's a high likelihood that they will not have astigmatism and might be able to see a more true representation of your red sight dot.
However, astigmatism is common and this method might not be the most reliable, but the more pairs of eyes you can get to look through your lens, then the more accurate the result will be.
Test Another Sight
Using another sight will be a better way of testing the eyes rather than the lens.
If you see a smear or a starburst effect through another lens, then the chances are that it’s your eyesight that is the common factor, rather than it being an issue with your latest scope.
Rotating the Red Dot
If you rotate the red dot in your sight and the tail or pattern of the dot changes as you rotate, then this is a good indication that the problem is within the lens itself.
However, if you smear remains more or less in the same position, then it most likely will be the result of astigmatism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Way to Use a Red Dot Sight with Astigmatism?
One of the better ways to use a red dot sight if you do have astigmatism is by lowering the brightness of your scope itself. If your red dot sight is too strong on a brighter light setting, the chances are that it might appear distorted, with bleed or a halo effect on it.
With a lower brightness setting, the red dot should appear a lot crisper and clearer. If not, this could be a sign that your astigmatism is a lot more severe than usual and you might have to invest in a new scope to correct it.
What is Better: Green or Red Dot Illumination?
Some sight users who have astigmatism have reported that green sight actually distorts a lot less than red dot sights.
However, this might also be due to an issue with the manufacturer of your sight. If your scope is of poorer quality, the color of the dot won’t matter one little bit.