Understanding Shooting Eye Dominance

What is Eye Dominance?

Eye dominance, or ocular dominance, is the tendency to prefer visual input from one eye over the other. This concept is crucial for shooters, as aligning your dominant eye with your sights can significantly improve accuracy.

 

Types of Eye Dominance

1. Dominant Eye: The eye that provides a slightly clearer and more precise image.
2. Non-Dominant Eye: The eye that plays a secondary role in visual tasks.

Most people have a dominant eye, much like they have a dominant hand. However, some individuals are cross-dominant, meaning their dominant eye is opposite their dominant hand.

 

Determining Your Dominant Eye

There are several methods to determine your dominant eye:

1. The Miles Test:
   • Extend your arms forward and create a small triangle with your thumbs and forefingers.
   • Focus on a distant object through the triangle like an outlet, light switch, etc.
   • Close one eye at a time. The eye that keeps the object centered in the triangle is your dominant eye.
2. The Porta Test:
   • Extend one arm and point at a distant object.
   • Close one eye at a time.
   • The eye that keeps the object in line with your finger is your dominant eye.
3. Thumb Pointing Test:
   • With both eyes open, point at a distant object with your thumb.
   • Close one eye at a time.
   • The eye that keeps the thumb aligned with the object is your dominant eye.
4. The Modified Miles Test:
   • Extend your arms forward and create a small triangle with your thumbs and forefingers.
   • Focus on a distant object through the triangle like an outlet, light switch, etc.
   • With both eyes opened, and focused on the object, start to pull your hands back to your face.
   • Continue to pull your hands back until you are touching your face, and the triangle created with your hands will drift to your dominant eye.

 

Why Eye Dominance Matters in Shooting

1. Accuracy: Aligning your sights with your dominant eye allows for a more precise aim.
2. Comfort: Using your dominant eye can reduce eye strain and make shooting more comfortable.
3. Speed: Proper eye alignment can improve target acquisition speed.

 

Addressing Cross-Dominance

If you are cross-dominant, there are several strategies to adapt:

1. Adjust Stance: Modify your shooting stance to align your dominant eye with your firearm sights. For example, right-handed shooters with a left-dominant eye can slightly tilt their head to the right.
2. Close One Eye: Closing the non-dominant eye while aiming can help focus the dominant eye on the target.
3. Train the Non-Dominant Eye: Some shooters train their non-dominant eye to improve coordination and comfort.

 

Tips for Training with Eye Dominance

1. Consistent Practice: Regular practice with proper eye alignment helps develop muscle memory.
2. Seek Professional Guidance: Instructors can provide personalized tips and corrections to enhance your shooting skills.

 

Conclusion

When determining your eye dominance, I am a fan of the Modified Miles Test.  Understanding and utilizing your dominant eye can significantly improve your shooting accuracy, comfort, and speed. Whether you are naturally aligned or cross-dominant, adjusting your techniques to accommodate your dominant eye will help you become a more proficient shooter. Practice consistently and consider professional guidance to refine your skills further.