How to Fix Blurred Vision When Sighting a Rifle

Blurred vision during shooting is a common problem, especially outdoors. It can have a variety of causes, from wind to bright sunshine to eyestrain, and it can be a real problem in timed events or when trying to sight in a rifle. There are a few tricks for getting rid of it and getting on with the shoot.

Things You'll Need

• Shooting glasses (optional)
• Artificial tears (optional)

Instructions

Identify the Problem

1. Take your finger off the trigger and try to discover if anything is different if your eyes blur or start to water in the middle of a match or after you have established a sight picture.

2. Analyze the conditions around you. Has the sun shifted? Did a wind just come up? Is there smoke, dust or any strong chemical smell that could be causing it? Has anything changed on the range in the last few minutes? Is there extreme heat haze between you and the target?

3. Examine your equipment. Is it the scope or your eyes?

Steps to Try in Place

1. Close your eyes for 5 to 10 seconds without squeezing them shut. Let your eyes relax and refocus.

2. Try rubbing gently beneath each bottom eyelid with one finger. This stimulates the tear ducts and will lubricate your eyes, and is a better method than squeezing your eyes shut.

3. Blink away any excess tears generated by Step 3.

4. Close your eyes again for a few seconds, then try regaining your sight picture.

5. Do not stare fixedly at the target. Blink naturally, and even exaggerate your blinks to rest your eyes a bit longer each time. This should help keep your vision from blurring.

6. Look around the scope or gun sight at the target occasionally to refocus your eyes and let them rest.

7. Don't squint for long periods even if it helps clear the blurriness, as it will be more likely to return.

8. If you do not normally wear shooting glasses, consider using them to cut the glare and wind.

Other Things to Try

1. If you cannot fix the problem without getting up, clear your weapon and leave the firing point.

2. Check the sun's angle and adjust your firing position if possible.

3. Try angling your body to the wind, or putting up a barrier to shelter your face if the wind is in your eyes and causing them to tear.

4. Rehydrate your eyes by splashing or dribbling clean water from a water bottle into them.

5. Carry a bottle of artificial tears with you to use if your eyes become too dry and keep blurring when you look through the sights.

6. If the problem keeps returning, have your eyes checked by a qualified physician.