Optics for aging eyes

[Joe Hooker]

My eye doctor just prescribed me 3 Swarovski's. I hope my HSA account covers the cost.....

 

[Moki]

I'm 60 this month = I don't have an issue with seeing thru scopes yet my issue is when shooting iron/ghost ring sights my eyes just won't focus clearly on them anymore.

 

[brotherbear67]

I've dealt with vision issues since childhood (keratoconus) and have owned and looked thru a lot of different glass/scopes. Leupold VX6HD and the Mark5HD have looked pretty solid the little bit I've been able to use while out a range(my buddy uses em). I myself run either the NF ATACR 5-25x56 or the Zeiss V6 5-30x50. Have a couple of each on different guns. They seem to perform the best for my eyes. I've taken a peek thru a Kahles and liked it, but was in a store where everything looks good. The other ya might check out is S&B. I've shot over a couple of em and they were crisp, bright but still had good contrast. Good luck and good shooting.

 

[Chaplain242]

Long time lurker here.

I have seen posts identifying with a lot of cataract development and eye degradation.

May I suggest taking Bilberry supplements? Bilberry has many anti-oxidants that target the eyes and if cataracts aren't too hardened/significant can even make these cataracts disappear.

Just use pure Bilberry capsules one in morning, one at night. Takes three to four weeks to start seeing the difference but often less developed cataracts are gone in six to seven weeks. After about ten weeks there is usually little improvement to be gained by continuing course.

Once eyes cleared up drop to one a day, or three a week...

If vision starts to deteriorate again go back on intensive course.

Works for your dogs too.

A lot cheaper than changing glass or surgeries/optometrist visits...

 

[tony d willIiams]

This discussion is troubling for me. I shoot competition at 600 yds at age 70. Off a concrete bench with a 60x variable power scope I'm expecting to hold all rounds under 1moa. Now we have the question of what scope for cataract eyes to hit an 8inch kill zone at 900 yards (less than 1moa) while sitting (presumably) on a stool in a box blind propping his rifle stock on a window ledge.... What's wrong with this picture? At 900 there's a lot more to worry about than what reticle to look through. 1moa wind marks? You gotta be kidding!

First thing....get those cataracts removed and get those store bought eye lens!!! I did and couldn't believe the difference. The colors really popped with vividness and vibrancy. No more glasses or contact lens for distance or reading. Could see in low light again....probably not like when I was 20, but way better than before surgery. (Do not buy the "they aren't bad enough yet" story. Tell your ophthalmologist that the cataracts are adversely impacting your quality of life...the criteria for insurance to cover the surgery!!! If he doesn't agree, get another ophthalmologist. Cataracts don't get any better, and the benefits of the surgery don't get better by waiting longer. You only lose the benefit while waiting.) You cannot appreciate what you have slowly lost over the years. Life is short, don't miss it. Do a little research on how optics really deliver performance. The more you understand, the more you will be able to evaluate the best solution for your needs. One aspect to consider is look for a scope that provides exit pupil size near 4mm which is about older eyes maximum opening even in low light. A larger exit pupil wastes light not reaching the eye. Too small of exit pupil also doesn't optimize viewable available light on the retina. This becomes more critical as aging occurs. Exit pupil diameter in mm = objective lens diameter in mm divided by scope power setting. (ie. 56mm/25 power = 2.2mm exit pupil....not optimum light utilization. 50mm/5power=10mm exit pupil....also not optimum. 44mm/10mm=4.4mm exit pupil....pretty close. 50mm/12.5 = 4mm....better choice.....gathers more light and optimizes exit light utilization at higher magnification. Also, an illuminated reticle that can be dimmed in low light is helpful in distinguishing dark object targets in shadows from the black reticle. Too bright reticle tends to wash out the darker target. Particularly for older eyes. For selecting which brand/model scope, everyone has an opinion based on their experience....and their eyes. Only your eyes will give you the best answer. In optics, beauty (clarify, resolution, etc.) is truly in the eyes of the beholder. You must actually see the scope in the field under actual conditions to accurately judge for yourself. That means going to a shooting range and making personal connections that will allow you to view their actual scopes under actual conditions. Scope opinions are like buttholes....very one has one, but it really only benefits the owner. Including me.

Well put. I have been reading thru these posts, a lot of information and opinions, all good. Your post is helping me put all the data in order.

 

[tony d willIiams]

This......total waste of time trying to find a low light, long range scope at close range under artificial lights. In store comparos work good for finding an indoor range scope, not much else.

When I am comparing scopes or rangefinders I ask the salesman to escort me outside with the devices. If he is not able to my business goes elsewhere. Most salesmen are willing when the prices are high enough, and your questions and observations show that you are learned and not just a lookyloo.

 

[tony d willIiams]

In this statement, you didn't say if you wear corrective lenses or not. If you do or not check with an eye doctor, preferably one that shoots, they can do wonders. Just take you favorite optics with you an tell the Doc. what you want. You'll be suprised.

The last time I saw an eye doc he said to come in later and he'll fix me up with shooting glasses. He said the everyday glasses are good but shooting glasses are a special set up. sounds like a plan.

 

[5.56×250]

When I am comparing scopes or rangefinders I ask the salesman to escort me outside with the devices. If he is not able to my business goes elsewhere. Most salesmen are willing when the prices are high enough, and your questions and observations show that you are learned and not just a lookyloo.

I use to get asked that alot. The water tower was 600yds and had enough detail in the railings and revits to tell if a customer had a piece of glass that would work for them.
We had this stock looking thing that had plastic rings you could snap the scope into for steadying up on a truck hood.

 

[John 264]

The last time I saw an eye doc glashe said to come in later and he'll fix me up with shooting glasses. He said the everyday glasses are good but shooting glasses are a special set up. sounds like a plan.

I have been using shooting glasses for years and they are great but you need to find a eye doctor that knows about them a eye doctor that shoots is best

 

[Don A Parsons]

I kinda cheat these days.

The optic lens game I call it... Ha

I wear glasses, so I use the far sighted part of my glasses as the mains to look threw the scope,,, of course I set the parallax on all of my optics for my vision...

https://www.longrangehunting.com/articles/what-is-parallax.1175/

You can thank me later once you get a chance to look threw this glass. LOL

https://hi-luxoptics.com/collections/hunting-rifle-scopes

Happy eyes is what its all about you known

 

[Mt rummy]

I agree with JE. My hunt platform go to is a nxs8x32. But to be fair my mk4 has a slight edge. However, I too like and use the moa scale for " milling" and wind calls.

Last year for the first time I did use the illuminated cross hair. Thats nice.

 

[BKM]

I have the same issue of aging eyes as many of u.
Used to hunt with Swarovski scopes then found myself shooting longer ranges and switched to NF because of their dial up.
I have a couple of NXS's and an ATACR.
Recently purchased an X5i and have been shooting it now for a few weeks.
Of all the scopes i have owned it has the best glass hands down.
If clarity and resolution are ur goal i don't think u can go wrong.

 

[tony d willIiams]

I use to get asked that alot. The water tower was 600yds and had enough detail in the railings and revits to tell if a customer had a piece of glass that would work for them.
We had this stock looking thing that had plastic rings you could snap the scope into for steadying up on a truck hood.

Went to a store once that had one of those. The window was so dirty the scope couldn't see through the grime. The salesman escorted me to the back parking lot. A sale was made.

 

[skipglo]

Guys, Looking for advice from you old guys. As we age our eyes change. I've noticed my eyes require better and more expensive scopes with better resolution to see well as I am getting older. I am having a new beanfield rifle built and need to choose a scope. We hunt big fields and the ranges can be pretty far. 900 is not unusual at all. Deer here are hunted hard and nearly nocturnal. Shots always come in poor light, usually just before dark. Have a little cateracts, and don't see as well in poor light as I used to. All that being said, looking for a scope with excellent tracking, 1min wind marks, and really great glass that stands out in class in low light. Needs to top out around 25X. Cost really isn't an issue as much as trying to get the most out of my old eyes, but would like to stay around $3k or so. The options are mind boggling. I do know a Vortex Razor won't cut it anymore so don't go there.

The age old question...or old age question...IMHO..I would suggest that you go to the stores and gun ranges and look thru them All. What I find you may not...what you think is clear I may not....clarity is in the EYE of the beholder! If you're willing to spend 3 k personally look thru every available model you can. That's why I have 5 Different brands...can't prove to myself if any One is best...keeping within the same budget..1100.00. - 2850.00