If you’ve just unboxed your new red dot sight, excitedly switched it on, and peered through it only to find a distorted sight—whether it’s a starburst, a smear, or even a doubled dot—chances are, it’s not the sight that’s the issue.
It could very well be your eyes.
Astigmatism, a common eye condition, might be interfering with your ability to use red dot sights effectively. But fear not! In this article, I’ll guide you through some top-notch optic recommendations tailored to address astigmatism.
But first,
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common vision issue that results in blurred eyesight. It occurs due to an irregular shape in the cornea or lens of the eye, causing light to improperly focus on the retina, the eye’s light-sensitive surface. This blurriness can affect vision at any distance and may lead to discomfort and headaches.
In simpler terms:
Astigmatism blurs your vision. So, if you notice the red dot from your sight appearing blurry, smeared, resembling a starburst, or distorted in any way, it’s likely due to astigmatism.
Astigmatism doesn’t solely affect those with poor vision—it can also impact individuals with seemingly perfect eyesight.
To solve this, consider acquiring an optic specifically designed to accommodate astigmatism.
Handling astigmatism
Addressing astigmatism while using firearms optics varies based on the severity of the condition. For mild cases, no action might be necessary, while severe astigmatism could pose significant challenges.
Different optic types or simple adjustments like using green illumination could potentially mitigate issues caused by astigmatism.
Holographic sights– often favored by many shooters with astigmatism due to their clearer visibility compared to the double dot or blurry appearance of reflex sights.
Despite the debate over whether holographic sights fall under the red dot category, they tend to offer better clarity owing to the distinct reticle display methods.
Prism scope– Another option is prism scopes, available at 1x magnification akin to reflex sights or slightly higher magnifications like 3x or 4x.
While prism sights might be bulkier and heavier, some models closely resemble the size and weight of red dots. These optics offer more flexibility in eye positioning and often exhibit better image quality.
Green illumination-Opting for green illumination instead of red can also alleviate astigmatism issues for many users. However, green illumination generally drains batteries faster than red, potentially reducing overall battery life.
Larger dot– For some individuals, a straightforward fix involves choosing a reflex sight with a larger dot size, like opting for a 6 MOA over a 2 MOA red dot.
This change may reduce the smudging or distortion of the dot for improved visibility. Yet, altering dot size after purchasing a red dot sight might necessitate acquiring a new optic.
Okay, let’s dive into our suggestions of the Best Red Dots for Astigmatism
- HOLOSUN HS510C REFLEX SIGHT-Best Red Dot for Astigmatism
- EOTECH 512-Holographic Sight for Astigmatism
- Vortex Optics Razor AMG UH-1 Gen II -Holographic Sight for Astigmatism
- Trijicon RMR-Best Pistol Red Dot for Astigmatism
- MEPROLIGHT M21 Reflex Sight-Pistol Red Dot for Astigmatism
- Vortex Spitfire-Best AR Red Dot for Astigmatism
- VORTEX SPITFIRE 3X-Best Prism Sight for Astigmatism
HOLOSUN HS510C REFLEX SIGHT- Best Red Dot for Astigmatism
Unlike conventional red dot sights that project the dot onto the lens, a holographic sight places the dot inside the glass.
Since the dot isn’t reflected into your eye, it tends to appear clearer and less distorted, offering an alternative for those struggling with astigmatism.
If standard red dots aren’t ideal for you, exploring the best holographic sights might be the solution for managing astigmatism.
The Holosun HS510C reflex sight stands out as a notable gem in the optics realm, garnering praise and acclaim from users and buyers alike. Its durability, rapid functionality, and reputation as a top-tier red dot sight within its price bracket have earned it widespread recognition.
Setting itself apart from competitors, this open-style reflex sight offers an impressively spacious viewing area, eliminating the typical tunnel vision associated with many red dot sights. The expansive lens provides exceptional clarity, devoid of any distracting tint.
The incorporation of Holosun’s Multiple Reticle System is a standout feature, offering three reticle options: a versatile 2 MOA dot within a 65 MOA ring, known as the Holosun Circle Dot. This feature enables quick engagements at close range while maintaining precise targeting with the central 2 MOA dot, catering to individual preferences effectively.
The Holosun 510C boasts an impressive battery life of 50,000 hours on a single CR2032 battery. It also offers 10 daylight brightness settings and 2-night vision settings, ensuring adaptability to various lighting conditions.
Moreover, the integrated solar panel eliminates the need for a battery during daylight hours.
A notable feature is the “Shake Awake” functionality, ensuring constant readiness. It automatically powers down during inactivity and activates swiftly upon detecting movement, ideal for urgent situations like emergency home defense scenarios.
Built with durability in mind, the 510C sports a robust aluminum housing and a protective titanium hood for the lens. Its waterproof construction of up to 1 meter ensures reliability even in wet conditions, making it a dependable companion in diverse environments.
Pros
- Multiple Reticle System featuring 3 reticles
- Shake Awake
- Solar cell and high-capacity battery
- Durable
- QD mount
- Large Window
- Clear Sight Picture
- Easy operation
Cons
- Coating Reflections
EOTECH 512-Holographic Sight for Astigmatism
The EOTECH 512 Red Dot Sight stands out as an exceptional selection for anyone struggling with astigmatism.
EOTECH enjoys a strong reputation in the optics domain, highly trusted by professionals for its superior holographic weapon sights.
While their pricing might be on the higher side, the performance they offer validates the investment.
For newcomers entering the world of red dot sights, the EOTech 512 model serves as an excellent entry point. It holds the title as their best-selling sight, earning recognition for its consistent excellence.
Powered by 2 AA batteries, the EOTECH 512 does add some weight, and its battery life typically spans from 600 to 1,000 hours, depending on your choice between lithium or alkaline batteries.
To conserve battery usage, the EOTECH 512 allows for an automatic power-down after either 4 or 8 hours of inactivity. Unfortunately, this model lacks support for Night Vision Devices, necessitating exploring other alternatives if this feature is a necessity.
Featuring an open 68 MOA circle with a 1 MOA dot at the center, this setup is optimized for close-range engagements and rapid-fire scenarios.
Crafted to meet the rigorous demands of tactical use, the EOTech 512 is rugged and resilient, boasting water and fog resistance for durability in diverse environmental conditions.
Moreover, it showcases superior glass optics and coatings, ensuring a crisp and precise view of your target.
Pros
- Excellent glass
- 20 brightness levels
- Auto-off
- Rugged construction
- User-friendly
- Quality
- AA Batteries are cheap and easy to find and change.
Cons
- Short battery life
Vortex Optics Razor AMG UH-1 Gen II -Holographic Sight for Astigmatism
The Vortex Razor AMG UH-1 stands out as a reliable holographic sight, especially for individuals dealing with astigmatism.
When relying on a tactical optic for peak performance day or night, the AMG UH-1 Gen II steps up to deliver. This close-quarters solution boasts an exceptionally rapid holographic display, perfect for conquering every close-quarters scenario.
Now equipped with four night-vision compatible settings and a dedicated night-vision button, it ensures adaptability in various lighting conditions.
Featuring a spacious viewing window, it enhances speed, while its sleek, snag-free design ensures excellent maneuverability. The lightning-quick EBR-CQB reticle is specifically crafted for close-quarter dominance, and the FHQ technology is geared to minimize stray light emissions, enabling stealthy shooting.
With duty always on the clock, the AMG UH-1 Gen II stands ready to illuminate your path forward. Its reticle remains clear and sharp without the typical ‘starburst’ effect or distortion, owing to its single fused holographic element design.
Battery life isn’t a concern, given its micro USB port for charging. And it boasts impressive durability.
However, it does come with a downside – its considerable bulkiness. Weighing at 1.15 pounds, it’s notably heavier compared to the Holosun HS510C, which weighs 8.3 ounces.
Pros
- Brightness Settings
- Unlimited Eye Relief
- Night-Vision Compatibility
- Durable
- FHQ Technology
- Good battery life
- Easy Mount
- Very clear
Cons
- Weight
Trijicon RMR-Best Pistol Red Dot for Astigmatism
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 stands out as an exceptional choice, especially for individuals dealing with astigmatism.
Its precise control with eight brightness settings and adaptive auto mode ensures the reticle matches surrounding light conditions perfectly, offering effortless target acquisition without straining the eyes, whether in bright outdoor or dimly lit indoor settings.
Tailored for demanding long-range shots, the 3.25 MOA dot size of the RMR maintains clarity and sharpness, particularly beneficial for those with astigmatism.
Unlike larger dots found in other red dot sights that might appear cluttered, the RMR’s dot size provides rapid visibility, aiding quick target acquisition while ensuring precision for accurate aiming—striking a fine balance between speed and accuracy for users with astigmatism.
Crafted for durability, the RMR’s rugged aluminum housing and scratch-resistant tempered glass lens are additional assets that cater well to users dealing with astigmatism, providing resilience against water submersion up to 20 meters.
Moreover, the RMR’s impressive battery life, lasting up to four years with a single CR2032 cell, relieves the worry of frequent battery changes for those focusing on refining their shooting skills.
Pros
- Super rugged and reliable
- Long-lasting battery life
- Easy to install
- Versatile brightness settings
- Quick target acquisition
- Easy windage and elevation adjustments
- Crystal-clear glass
- Auto-brightness feature
- Variety of reticle options
Cons
- Battery replacement requires dismounting the optic.
Meprolight M21 Reflex Sight-Pistol Red Dot for Astigmatism
The Meprolight M21 proves to be an excellent choice, especially for individuals dealing with astigmatism. Its compact and lightweight build, weighing 13.6 ounces, makes it a favorable option for AR pistol optics.
However, the standout feature is its reticle, particularly the triangle reticle. The triangle reticle offers a crisp and defined view, especially in bright conditions, despite slight bleeding in low-light situations.
The Meprolight M21 Self-Powered Reflex Sight utilizes light for aiming without relying on batteries. It harnesses daylight using a fiber optics collector system and employs tritium radioluminescence for nighttime aiming.
While it doesn’t provide high-quality night vision, it can be paired with a night vision lens for enhanced capabilities.
Featuring a sizable 30mm diameter lens, it enables rapid targeting with both eyes, catering to quick acquisition.
Developed in collaboration with the Israeli special forces, this sight integrates military-grade technology, marking it as the world’s inaugural close-combat lens.
Its Picatinny steel mount ensures a consistent zero on quick release, heightening its precision and accuracy.
The glass provides clear visibility with a broad field of view.
Pros
- Crystal clear glass
- Lightweight design
- Offers a broad field of view
- Exceptional energy efficiency for prolonged use in battlefield conditions
- High-quality glass
- Cutting-edge sight technology
- Features light aiming without the use of batteries
Cons
- Diminished performance in low-light environments
Vortex Spitfire 1X-Best AR Red Dot for Astigmatism
The Vortex Optics Spitfire stands out as an excellent choice for specific needs as a red dot scope, especially for individuals dealing with astigmatism. It offers a fixed 1x magnification, not intended for long-range shooting applications.
This scope boasts user-friendly rear-facing controls, ensuring easy access for adjustments in power and dot illumination, providing immediate visibility.
Equipped with the Vortex Spitfire 1x Prism Scope, users can opt for a red or green reticle, with five illumination levels available, guaranteeing optimal visibility in various lighting conditions.
For those seeking a straightforward and user-friendly red dot scope, the Spitfire emerges as an intelligent option. It operates on easily available AAA batteries, ensuring convenient sourcing and replacement. Its clarity and adaptable illumination settings make it particularly beneficial for individuals managing astigmatism.
Pros
- Affordable
- 10 intensity levels
- Easy to use
- Easy to replace AAA batteries
- Rugged construction
- Clear and accurate
- Can function with no battery
- Two reticle options; red or green
Cons
- Flaring up at maximum brightness
Vortex Spitfire 3X-Best Prism Sight for Astigmatism
The Vortex Optics Spitfire 3x Prism Scope excels in delivering rapid and accurate shooting capabilities within close to medium-range scenarios. Its compact prism-based design ensures optical quality without compromising on size.
Featuring fully multi-coated lenses with anti-reflective properties, this scope guarantees clear visibility, even in low-light conditions. Its lenses offer exceptional brightness and clarity, accompanied by a wide field of view for enhanced situational awareness.
Moreover, equipped with a red/green illuminated reticle offering five brightness levels, the Spitfire ensures adaptability to various lighting conditions.
The etched reticle directly onto the prism ensures a consistently clear point of aim, even without illumination.
Adjusting focus is effortless with the fast-focus eyepiece, allowing quick and precise targeting. Built robustly, the Spitfire can endure recoil and impacts seamlessly.
Its fogproof and waterproof features, achieved through nitrogen purging and o-ring seals, enhance its durability.
In essence, this scope emerges as a superior option due to its robust construction, optical clarity, and adaptability in various lighting conditions. Its clear and etched reticle design is particularly advantageous for individuals dealing with astigmatism.
Pros
- Eliminates ‘starburst’ or blurry dot issues
- Quick and precise focus
- Clear and precise etched reticle
- Offers both Green and Red illumination options
- Short-to-medium range targeting
Cons
- Eye relief can be tight
Conclusion
Astigmatism can often be addressed with corrective lenses, whether it’s through prescription glasses, contacts, or even polarized glasses. These options can significantly mitigate astigmatism-related issues, potentially resolving concerns associated with red dot sights.
Exploring polarized glasses at local stores is a no-cost way to test their effectiveness in managing astigmatism. If that approach doesn’t suit you, consider trying the red dot sight options mentioned earlier. Conduct thorough research to ensure the chosen sight aligns with your specific requirements.
Remember, aside from addressing astigmatism, other critical factors come into play when selecting a red dot sight. Consider aspects like low-light performance, reticle design, and form factor. Additionally, contemplate the type of sight—whether it’s a reflex red dot sight, holographic sight, or prism optic—as each offers distinct features that might cater to your needs.