Have you ever looked through a red dot and seen it blossom into what looks like a star?
Or maybe it looks like a comma, blurring badly?
If so, you might have astigmatism.
(We’re not ophthalmologists here, so if the above applies, you might want to head to your friendly eye doc and get it checked out.)
And if you know you have astigmatism, then you definitely relate to how difficult it is to find a decent optic that you can actually shoot with.
Luckily, you’ve got us, and we’re here to help. Leveraging our expertise, we’ve rounded up several optics that tend to work well for wonky-eyed folks.
Stick with us, and by the end of this article, you’ll have a better idea of which optics might just work with your astigmatism.
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Holographic Sight
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Best Value Holographic
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Best Sight for Astigmatism
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Best Budget Option
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Editoru0026#39;s Pick
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Best Pistol Optic
Table of Contents
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How We Chose the Best Optics for Shooters with Astigmatism
Input for this article came from the editorial staff and freelance writers at Pew Pew Tactical, a couple of whom suffer from astigmatism.
We have hands-on experience with each model on the list, ranging from full reviews to recreational use to hunting and field use.
Models on this list were selected based on features, price, value, durability, reticle usability, and user-friendliness.
Best Holographic Sights for Astigmatism
Holographic optics are famously one of the better options for those plagued with astigmatism. This is due to their reticle design, which typically uses a larger circle surrounding a smaller dot.
While they may appear somewhat blurry if you focus solely on the reticle, focus past the reticle and onto the target, and it will clear right up.
1. EOTech EXPS3-2 – Best Holographic Sight
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Works extremely well with night vision
- Extremely durable
- Great reticle design
Cons
- Lower battery life
Specs
- Sight Type: Holographic
- Magnification: 1x
- Reticle: 68 MOA outer ring, two-1 MOA center dots
- Illumination Color: Red
- Weight: 11.2 oz
- Battery Life: 1,000 hours
- Brightness Settings: 20 daylight brightness settings, 10 NV settings
EOTech is the primary name in the game of friendly reticles for those with astigmatism.
Decades ago, they came up with their original reticle featuring a 68 MOA ring and a single MOA dot in the center. They later offered an updated “-2” reticle, which uses the same 68 MOA ring, but with two dots.
While it remains astigmatism-friendly, the EXPS3-2 provides two dots tuned to 5.56 and a second dot for 500-yard shots.
Beyond the two dots, the bottom of the reticle can be used as a third aiming point for super close-range shots to compensate for mechanical offset.
EOTech’s reticle is quite diverse and allows for range estimation as well. The ring size is rather specific, and at 100 yards, an average man will fill the reticle from top to bottom.
So, when a man fills the reticle, he is at 200 yards; when he fills from the bottom to the center dot, then he’s 200 yards away. It’s rather handy.
Special Operations often choose EOTech optics for a reason. They are rugged and reliable, compatible with night vision optics, and resist water and shock with little effort.
It’s one of the toughest optics on the market and well-proven on carbines and rifles.
2. Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen 2 – Best Value Holographic
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Large viewing window
- Works well with night vision
- Easy access buttons
Cons
- Lower battery life
- Slight blue tint to glass
Specs
- Sight Type: Holographic
- Magnification: 1x
- Reticle: EBR-CQB
- Illumination Color: Red
- Weight: 11.6 oz
- Battery Life: 1,500 hours
- Brightness Settings: 15 daylight brightness settings, 4 NV settings
Following up the EOTech is the Vortex AMG UH-1.
It’s one of the few other true holographic optics on the market. A segmented circle reticle kicks off the chains of astigmatism and provides a clear, easy-to-see close-quarters reticle.
Vertically the reticle measures 81.5 MOA long and 65 MOA wide. The big reticle is easy to see — shooting fast and accurately is all about seeing your reticle.
In the center, a 1 MOA red dot makes precision shots easy. While large, the segmented design ensures your field of vision is not overly crowded.
The UH-1 features four-night vision settings and 15 total brightness settings.
Rear-placed ambidextrous controls make navigating your brightness levels easy. A dedicated NV button allows an instant switch to night vision compatibility.
Water presents no threat due to the optic’s IPX-8 waterproof rating, and shock is shaken off without a second thought.
This is, without a doubt, a pro-grade optic that capitalizes on the durability and versatility of holographic optics.
Plus, it looks cool, and looking cool is half the battle.
Best Prism Sights for Astigmatism
Prism optics feature fixed magnification using a prism instead of two objective and ocular lenses.
These optics used reticles that are etched directly onto the glass, instead of projections. The etched reticle plus the fixed magnification make prism optics the best optics for those suffering from astigmatism.
3. Primary Arms SLx MicroPrism – Best Sight for Astigmatism
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Etched reticle
- Compact form factor
- Affordable
Cons
- Not as much eye relief as red dots or holographics
Specs
- Sight Type: Prism scope
- Magnification: 1x, 3x, 5x
- Reticle: ACSS Cyclops, ACSS Raptor, ACSS Griffin, ACSS Aurora, ACSS Gemini
- Illumination Color: Red, Green
- Weight: 7.6 oz – 8.5 oz
- Battery Life: 25,000 – 50,000 hours
- Brightness Settings: 13 daylight brightness settings, 3 NV settings
Primary Arms are the current kings of the prism optic world. They gained massive popularity thanks to their quality and affordable optics, as well as their excellent reticles.
Their MicroPrism scopes are roughly the same size as a small red dot optic, keeping things ultra-compact.
These optics are available in 1x, 3x, and 5x magnification. Being able to squeeze 3x and 5x magnification in a package that small is impressive.
Reticle options include 5.56/.308, .300 BLK/7.62x39mm with the ACSS Raptor or ACSS Griffin designs. The 5x model uses the ACSS Aurora reticle, and the 9mm ACSS Cyclops reticle is also available in the 1x models.
The glass quality and clarity on these scopes are superb and the illumination is daylight-bright.
Primary Arms knocked it out of the park with these compact prism optics, and the combination of size, quality, and value makes them tough to beat.
4. Swampfox Blade – Best Budget Option
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Etched reticle
- Shake awake technology
Cons
- Heavy for a 1x prism
Specs
- Sight Type: Prism scope
- Magnification: 1x
- Reticle: Bullet Rise Compensating
- Illumination Color: Red, Green, Amber
- Weight: 13.1 oz
- Battery Life: 3,000 hours
- Brightness Settings: 10 daylight brightness settings, 2 NV settings
If you don’t want to deal with a red dot but want a close-range capable optic, then the Blade is for you.
This 1x prism optic provides you with an excellent home defense design. Not only does this optic replace a red dot, but it’s better in some ways.
On top of that, the Blade has a specialized reticle for close-range shooting. Swampfox calls it the Bullet Rise Compensating reticle.
The Blade also sports auto-on Shake N’ Wake technology, meaning no button presses are needed for the illumination to kick on. Simply pick the gun up, and it senses the movement and turns the optic on.
Swampfox built four aiming points into the Blade. Your first aiming point is for your normal 50/200 zero.
Beyond that, you have aiming points for shots at 15, 10, and 5 yards. You can compensate for mechanical offset and be quite accurate at close ranges.
A budget-friendly price tag is tacked onto the optic, and it’s rather robust for its design.
It can withstand 800Gs of vibration and submerge up to a meter for half an hour. It is plenty tough for home defense and competition.
Best Red Dots & Reflex Sights for Astigmatism
5. Holosun 510C – Editor’s Pick
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Ultra-crisp reticle
- Shake-awake technology
- Great battery life
- Multi-reticle system
Cons
- Open emitter area can accumulate debris
Specs
- Sight Type: Reflex
- Magnification: 1x
- Reticle: 65 MOA outer circle, 2 MOA center dot
- Illumination Color: Red, Green
- Weight: 4.94 oz
- Battery Life: 20,000 – 50,000 hours
- Brightness Settings: 10 daylight brightness settings, 2 NV settings
If you want a more budget-friendly option than the above two, the HS510C might be for you.
This is not a holographic optic but a red dot featuring Holosun’s multi-reticle system. The reticles include a 2 MOA dot, a 65 MOA circle, and a combination of the circle and dot.
These big reticles are perfect for shooting with astigmatism. Users can opt for red or green illumination, and choice is always great for those who have trouble seeing illuminated sights.
A 65 MOA reticle might be a little smaller than the EOTech but works for the same range-finding purpose.
Holosun packs these optics full of features, including a solar panel for battery backup. So even if the battery fails or you reach the crazy 50,000 hours of battery life, the sun has your back.
Check any forum and you will see how many people claim that Holosun is one of the only red dot manufacturers that has ultra-crisp reticles. One of our editors has three Holosun 510Cs just because of how well they work for him and his astigmatism.
Plus, the optic adopts a Titanium construction for increased durability. It can withstand submersion in up to a meter of water and vibration up to 1,000Gs. This is a tough optic, at least when you consider the budget-friendly design.
Have you tried the Holosun 510C? Rate it below!
6. Holosun 507C – Best Pistol Optic
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Ultra-crisp reticle
- Great battery life
- Shake awake technology
- Multi-reticle system
Cons
- Red dot may still be tough to see depending on the level of astigmatism
Specs
- Sight Type: Reflex
- Magnification: 1x
- Reticle: 32 MOA outer circle, 2 MOA center dot
- Illumination Color: Red, Green
- Weight: 1.5 oz
- Battery Life: 20,000 – 50,000 hours
- Brightness Settings: 10 daylight brightness settings, 2 NV settings
Since red dots on handguns are all the rage, you may be asking yourself, “Can I partake if I suffer from astigmatism?”
Well, maybe. Astigmatism varies in severity, and some shooters have had luck with the 507C.
The Holosun 507C comes with a multi-reticle system that includes a 32 MOA circle and 2 MOA center dot.
As discussed, these circular reticles tend to be better suited for those with astigmatism. Here that big circle is easy to use on handguns but works for PCCs and shotguns.
Like the 510C, the 507C has a solar backup panel in addition to its crazy high battery life.
Additionally, it uses the Trijicon RMR footprint, so it’s easy to attach to the various factory systems and aftermarket slides.
It’s tough enough for duty and proven by guys like 1911 custom manufacturer Joe Chambers and firearms instructor Aaron Cowan.
Best LPVO for Astigmatism
Low-powered variable optics are, without a doubt, the most versatile optics on the market.
Sure, they are bigger and heavier compared to other options, but they can provide you with adjustable magnification from 1x to 10x on the fly.
All standard-style “riflescopes” with adjustable eyepieces are suitable for use with people with astigmatism, but LPVOs have close-range ability, which is why we included one on this list.
7. Primary Arms SLx Gen IV ACCS Nova – Best LPVO
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Ultra-bright fiberwire Nova reticle
- Etched reticle
- Good glass clarity
Cons
- Bulkier than red dots, prisms, or holographic sights
Specs
- Sight Type: Low power variable optic
- Magnification: 1-6x
- Reticle: ACSS Nova Fiber Wire
- Illumination Color: Red
- Weight: 17.9 oz
- Battery Life: ~500 hours
- Brightness Settings: 11 daylight brightness settings
- Focal Plane: Second focal plane
Since nearly all traditional riflescopes are suitable for use by those suffering from astigmatism, this section could go on forever. However, we decided to pick a single optic for this category to keep things slim and trim.
As mentioned before, Primary Arms is known for their crossover between quality and value. Like their prism scopes, their LPVOs feature their sweet ACSS reticles.
Their SLx 1-6x Gen IV scope boasts great light transmission, with the middle portion of the glass producing a sharp image.
The big draw here is the ACSS Nova reticle, which is laid out well and easy to use. This newer Nova reticle is extremely bright at the highest setting and has no issue cutting through even the harshest Texas high-noon sun.
Having illumination this good, combined with a solid reticle, can be beneficial. Scopes with poor illumination sometimes leave you in a position where the first 6 or so settings do nothing or only the highest setting is useable and is too harsh.
But with the SLx Gen IV Nova, under normal lighting conditions, you can adjust the brightness to just the right level to where the illumination bloom is minimized.
A competitive price, daylight bright illumination, and quality glass make the Primary Arms SLx 1-6 Gen IV a serious contender for those with astigmatism who are looking for a well-priced and flexible optic.
Check out our full review here!
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a type of refractive error that impacts the eye’s ability to focus light. Basically, people plagued with astigmatism do not focus light evenly on the retina.
That’s according to WebMD. Again, we’re not doctors.
Where astigmatism can get tricky for gun owners and shooters is in the world of red dot optics.
While I might not be a doctor, I do know a thing or two about optics and finding the right ones for astigmatism.
If you attempt to shoot with a traditional variable optic, you shouldn’t have an issue. Conventional variable optics aren’t as great at close-range shooting, though.
So, when I chose these optics, I kept their ability to be used at close and moderate ranges in mind.
Final Thoughts
Our eyes are pretty freaking great, right? Sadly, not all eyes work the same, and astigmatism can be challenging for gun owners looking at optics.
Hopefully, our above suggestions have something that works for your needs.
Remember, there’s no perfect option for every task. But we are lucky enough to have an industry that offers a multitude of options for every task.
If you have astigmatism and some optics suggestions, drop them in the comments below! Ready for more optics? Check out our articles on the Best Red Dots and Best Scopes & Optics.
Latest Updates
June 10, 2024: Removed Lucid P7, Trijicon Accupoint TR24R, Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10, Trijicon ACOG TA31F, Primary Arms SLx Gen III 1-6x. Added Primary Arms Gen IV ACSS Nova 1-6x, Primary Arms Gen II MircoPrism. Added supplemental data and media for each product. Also, added information on how we chose the optics on this list.
25 Leave a Reply
Found this article because my astigmatism causes my pistol's Red dot to drive me utterly insane. It's terrible unless I wear my glasses.
Disappointed to see that of any pistol dots recommended, the very one I'm looking to replace, the Holosun 507C X2, is one of the few that's recommended on this list...
Did anyone actually test this device, or just going by it "working for some(one else)"?
On my AR, I also have a Romeo5 and Juliet 5 combo and they work FLAWLESSLY, so sad to see the Romeo5 not listed, but I suppose being more expensive makes the other listed options better.
I know shooters who are pushing 60 and are just know getting diagnosed with astigmatism, but probably had it their entire life. It’s important to visit a competent optometrist every couple of years or so. The good thing is astigmatism is fixable with prescription glasses and contacts.
"Input for this article came from the editorial staff and freelance writers at Pew Pew Tactical, a couple of whom suffer from astigmatism."
It's nice you guys did this.
Bur not everyone's astigmatism is the same. 'Blurry' looking dots is the least common type actually, not rare but least common. The two most common types are dull color or star burst/mis-shapen dots. And it ranges also within the least to most common.
A sight that's good for one person's astigmatism may not be good for another person's astigmatism.
Altbough the sights in this article are good sights for some types of astigmatism, in the end the correct sight is the one thats right for you.
"Do blurry red dots plague your shooting adventures?"
A "blurry" dot or dot color seems dull/subdued (does not seem 'bright'), its not always an astigmatism issue. If the dot looks "blurry" or the color is dull/subdued (does not seem 'bright') it can be indicative of other vision or health or (sometimes) 'life style' (e.g. excessive nicotine intake from smoking or vaping, frequent alcohol drinking) issues that you may not notice normally until your eyes are trying to focus on or see that dot.
I used an EOTech 552 for years with no issue. I carried and deployed my rifle day and night in all weather conditions and the EOTech 552 ensured I’d be on target every time. Then I got older. My astigmatism worsened. I put an EOTech G33 to help. It didn’t. The red dot was a blurry comma. Distance shooting beyond 25 was a “is close good enough” gamble I couldnt take. A teammate recommended the Steiner P4Xi 4-1. I ordered it, mounted it, and love it. The dot is crisp and clear. Zero issue focusing with or without my corrective lenses. I had thought I was compromised until the Steiner. If you have a significant astigmatism, this scope will work. At least it did for me.
I get the star look on the red dots, I want a perfect circle when I look at it on a pistol 22lr for my indoor range, what is the best of the best for a pistol for a guy with the eye problem
I was a little dissapointed not to see my Burris 336 up there. After purchasing my 1st one, I had to get a 2nd for my other AR. 3x fixed is perfect for me and my 5.7 x 28mm AR platforms. They were a game-changer for sure since red dots look like red stars when looking through them.
Interesting. The title seems pretty misleading though. "Best Pistol & Rifle Optics" implies that the article will actually mention a couple of pistol optics, but everything appears to be for rifles.
507c is a pistol optic
I have astigmatism and have tried many different optics. I recently got a Primary Arms Raptor 1-6 and put it on my rifle. It's pretty great overall and very comfortable with an ADM tall mount. I also have an Eotech EXPS and a couple of inexpensive red dots. I put each one in front of the Raptor at 6X to see what it looked like. The Eotech looked good, the center dot was perfect. Each of the LED red dots had a comma effect to different degrees.
If you have a magnified optic or magnifier put it behind the red dot to be able to see what it really looks like to your eye.
The Swampfox Kingslayer also has a larger "ACOG" style reticle (3 MOA Center Dot
65 MOA Ring) that can help with astigmatism
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the ACOG had a fiber optic cable on the top for the daylight brightness and tritium for low light.
You are right. When I read that it made me doubt everything else in the article
Correct. But hey, it was written by an ex Crayon Eater-- I mean, ex-Marine!
They weren't always like that.
I competed with the Primary Arms ACSS 3x32 300blk this weekend and it was amazing. Normal red dots star burst so badly for me even with contacts or glasses, but the ACSS is crisp and clear.
The most surprising Red Dot that offers me excellent clarity even with astigmatism. The Trijicon MRO HD. I picked one up at a local gun store, something about their new reticle options crisps up the center dot similar to the Holusun 510c, and it’s in a more hard use optic. The dot isn’t a perfect circle, but there is zero bloom to my eye, I could actually aim with that reticle.
Holosun 510 in Green works awesome for me, it seems Green helps my eyes pick up the reticle quicker / easier - going green for all my optics now.
AOC approved
I’ve got the Burris 3 power with etched/illuminated reticle that works very well for me and my astigmatism price was around $350 as I recall. Worth a look.
The Primary Arms micro prism optics look very promising
If you wear corrective lenses, in contacts or in you shooting glasses and everyday glasses, is this an issue?
Not an issue for me.
Try the ACUVUE OASYS contacts. Reduces the star burst effect.
For me, yes. Even wearing my glasses I still see the star burst. It's definitely worse without my glasses, but it never completely goes away for me even with corrective lenses.