Shoot with both eyes or one closed?

[Travis Bertrand]

Also I haven't seen it mentioned, for depth perception, your brain must have an input from both eyes.

 

[squeekieslayer]

Squeeks - I agree that relaxation of the facial muscles is another major benefit to both eyes open that I failed to mention. I have always read - even in medical information that visual acuity is reduced with monocular vision - albeit mildly. I may have drawn my own conclusions about the cause & effect being due to pupil size - though I'm almost certain I've read this as well. Can you provide some references? I would certainly be interested in reading/learning more.

Thanks!

Coop

1) Visual acuity is not necessarily reduced simply by being monocular.... But the reason that vision is clearer with both eyes open is quite simple.... 2 eyes open, 2 times the amount of information to the brain, 2 times the amount of light entering the pathway, and stereo vision. simply put, 2 eyes are better than one.

2) pupils react the same whether one eye or two. shine a light in one eye, both pupils react the exact same. The information is processed in what is called the "edinger Westfall" nucleus in the midbrain and the information is communicated to both eyes at the same time. This is how we test that the pathway is intact, shine a light in one eye, and monitor the other eye's reaction. A breakdown in this system causes the eyes to dilate or constrict differently. Thus, having one eye open or both does NOT effect the size of the pupils. Also, as the pupil is controlled by the autonomic nervous system (i.e. parasympathetic,) it is under direct control by things such as stress. Simply focusing on the pins will cause the pupil to constrict through what is called the "near triad." I am not trying to sound pretentious or talk over anyones head... I am simply stating that the size of the pupils has nothing to do with it, it is too variable. Can pupils size effect vision and amount of light entering the eyes? absolutely, BUT it has nothing to do with one or two eyes being open.

3) Your logic is incorrect regarding large pupils and more light causing poor vision. More light into the eye is better is nearly any situation. That said, the smaller the pupil the larger the depth of focus. This is why target archers can clear the pins and the target with very small peep sight apertures. Regardless, as we have established above, the size of the pupil does not have anything to do with it.

A great and simple (relatively) reference would be "clinical anatomy and physiology of the visual system" by Lee Ann Remington. Very organized book. I actually had Dr. Remington as a teacher for a few classes in Optometry school.

Joe

 

[justin davis]

Both eyes open is key to accuracy with a bow

 

[Ridge Ghost]

I am right handed and left eye dominant. I started out shooting my bow right handed with my left eye closed. Two years ago I switched to left hand specifically so I could shoot with both eyes open. After getting used to shooting lefty, I now shoot much better than I ever did right handed. It especially helps in hunting situations (depth perception, following a moving target, low light conditions, etc).

 

[Nick Muche]

Both eyes open!!

 

[squeekieslayer]

I am right handed and left eye dominant. I started out shooting my bow right handed with my left eye closed. Two years ago I switched to left hand specifically so I could shoot with both eyes open. After getting used to shooting lefty, I now shoot much better than I ever did right handed. It especially helps in hunting situations (depth perception, following a moving target, low light conditions, etc).

I can say that about 90% of people would shoot better if they switched hands, regardless of eye dominance. Not that 2 eyes doesnt help, but now that you know what shooting is like, what you are supposed to do, and how a good shot is executed.... when you start over you get it right the first time. essentially pushing the reset button and learning it right the second time. PLus, being less coordinated that way you have to rely on getting your form better. I have seen others do it for no reason other than they couldnt find a left handed bow that they wanted and scores were way better after only a few months

Joe

 

[vcb]

Coop thanks for the advice. I have always shot with one eye closed but I will experiment with both open this spring!

 

[velvetfvr]

I shoot with my left eye closed and always have. And I shoot pretty good if you ask my competition, also my scores prove it too. I won't switch to left hand even though I am left eye dominant. I just shoot fine to where I don't need to and if I shot a bow left hand, I could only shoot about 40lbs. Lol