Millions of people in the US have Astigmatism. This common condition can be extremely frustrating for an avid hunter or someone who just loves to shoot. Dot sights are known to significantly improve the shooting accuracy of people with this condition. However, not all dot colors are the same. In this article, we’ll teach you how to choose between red vs green dot sights for people with Astigmatism.
Which Is Better: Green Dot vs Red Dot for Astigmatism
Green dot sights are generally better for people with Astigmatism. The illumination of a green dot tends to distort less than red, making it easier for your eye to focus on the target. They are generally easier to see in low-light conditions.
- Green Dot Sight: Optimal for people with Astigmatism
This doesn’t mean that you absolutely have to use a green dot sight. If you find a red dot sight that has superior quality then go for it. We’ll talk later in this article about how you can optimize your performance with a red dot sight with Astigmatism.
Red Dot vs Green Dot: Pros & Cons
If you are trying to decide between red and green sights, there are a few key differences to be aware of. Here are the major pros and cons of each.
Pros of using a red dot sight:
- Usually cheaper
- Good battery life, so you don’t have to worry about them going out in the middle of a hunt
- Compatible with night vision, so you can still see your target even in low light conditions
Cons of using a red dot sight:
- Can experience issues with refractive light
- Less effective for people with Astigmatism
- Usually requires a higher brightness setting
Pros of using a green dot sight:
- Usually has better visibility
- Green optics perform better in a wider range of lighting conditions than red dots
- Less eye strain
Cons of using a green dot sight:
- Usually more expensive
- Battery life is worse when using higher dot intensity
Definition of Astigmatism
Astigmatism is an imperfection in the curvature of your eye’s cornea or lens. This imperfection causes light to be distorted as it enters your eye, which results in blurred vision. Unfortunately, Astigmatism is a very common condition. So if you are considering choosing a SIG P365 with red dot or green dot, you need to consider this information.
There are two forms of Astigmatism:
- Horizontal Astigmatism: If your eye is naturally wider then it is tall.
- Vertical Astigmatism: If your eye is naturally taller then it is wide.
People with Astigmatism often have trouble seeing objects that are far away, which can obviously affect a shooter’s accuracy. In our experience, Holosun makes the Best red dot with astigmatism on the market today.
Tips To Use A Red Dot with Astigmatism
Nearly 1 in 3 people in the United States have Astigmatism [1]. If you are one of those people, there is no need to panic! Follow these 4 tips to improve your shooting performance.
1) Pick Dot Color
As we already mentioned, choosing between green & red dot sights will make a significant difference for people with Astigmatism. Green light stimulates more cones in the human eye which creates a more clear visual image. If you have this condition, a green dot optic is the way to go.
2) Special Glasses
If you have the budget, I recommend you invest in polarized glasses. Polarized glasses can help focus the light entering your eye, making it easier to see your target. They’re not a magic bullet, but they can definitely help if you have Astigmatism.
3) Adjust The Dot Intensity
After you have your polarized lenses & chose between red and green dots, there is still another trick to test out. Play around with the brightness settings. Check out my Holosun 507c review if you want an optic with great adjustability.
More specifically, adjust your red dot sight intensity. Try using a lower intensity setting. It might sound counterintuitive, but the highest brightness can actually history the shape of the dot for people with Astigmatism.
4) Talk To A Doctor
This goes without saying, but if you suspect you suffer from Astigmatism you should speak with a doctor. In fact, this should be the very first step you take. A doctor may recommend a specific type of glasses or even surgery that can significantly improve your eyesight.
Astigmatism or Broken Red Dot Sight?
As we already mentioned, Astigmatism is very common in the United States. And for this reason, many people tend to self-diagnose their own condition. However, there are a few things you can do to ensure you actually have a health condition & not a faulty red or green dot sight.
1) Use Your Phone
Take a picture of your red or green dot sight with your cell phone. Your eyes may be distorting the reticle shape, but the cell phone will not. If the cell phone picture shows a clear & crisp red dot image…your eyes are the problem.
2) Ask Someone
Ask a family member or friend for some help. If your friend takes aim with your sight and sees a blurry or deformed red dot…then your sight may be broken. If not, your eyes are the problem.
3) Use Your Iron Sights
Align your red dot & back up rear iron sight on a target. If the red dot shape still is not right, then your eyes need to get checked by a doctor.
4) Adjust The Dot
Take aim at a target with your red or green dot sight. Then slowly move the gun side to side with your eye still fixed on the dot. If the dot moves irregularly when you rotate the weapon…then your sight may be broken.
Best Red Dot Sights For Astigmatism
There are plenty of great options when it comes to picking a red dot sight for someone with Astigmatism. To make things easy, check out our article on the Best red dot for ar 15! It really depends on your specific budget and preferences. If you happen to own a Buckmark, check out our post on the best Buckmark upgrades that I’ve tested.
Does A Red Dot Sight Improve Accuracy for People With Astigmatism?
Red dot sights do improve accuracy for people with astigmatism & people with no eye conditions. They are most effective for shooting accurately from close to medium range. However, green dot sights may be more visible and create less shape distortion for people with astigmatism.
Are There Other Types Of Optics That People With Astigmatism Can Use?
Yes, there are other types of optics that people with astigmatism should consider using, such as LPVO (Low Power Variable Optics) scopes. LPVO scopes offer variable magnification options, typically ranging from 1x to 6x or higher. This lets shooters optimize for both close-quarters engagement and longer-range shots.
These types of scopes have etched reticles, that can be more visible for individuals with astigmatism. Shooters can even test LPVO optics with illuminated reticles for shooting accurately in low lighting conditions.
Best Dot Size For Astigmatism
When it comes to picking the best MOA dot size, I normally recommend 6 MOA or 3 MOA dot sights. However, when it comes to people with Astigmatism, I have a simple rule. Go with any dot larger than 4 MOA. Small dots may be better for precise shooting from long range, but they will be very hard to see for people with this common eye condition.
FAQs – Green vs Red Dot
Does the military use red dot sights?
Is shooting with a red dot easier?
What distance are red dots good for?
Does red dot work at night?
Why is green red dot more expensive?
Do police use red dot sights?
Is a red dot good for home defense?
Is it worth putting a red dot on a pistol?
Do you have to zero a red dot sight?
The Bottom Line
There you have it. Now you’re an expert on green and red dot sights. This condition does NOT mean you can never shoot accurately again. If you are one of the many people who have Astigmatism, we recommend at least testing out a green dot sight. For most people, this is the best option. Let us know which dot sight works best for you!
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