January 17, 2009

from G.Z. of Hungary:

"Dear Coach,
 
Thanks for your kind answer. I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy new year! and I would like to ask a question.
 
I would like to know if there is any difference between the one eye aiming and the two eye aiming. I mean what are the pros and cons of each of them, and what do you think is the better for a top archer?
 
thanks a lot! "

The short answer to your question is to shoot with both eyes open. If one eye is closed it will weaken your concentration and strain your facial muscles. Further, both pupils contract and dilate together and if one eye is closed or covered with a dark patch, the pupil of the aiming eye will open wider, a reflex action, and admit more light. This creates glare in the retina and lessens visual depth.
 
Now, if people can't aim with both eyes open, which is usual the case if the dominant eye is on the opposite side of the dominant hand, called contra-lateral dominance, the dominant eye can be trained to stay open. However, it should be covered up with a translucent lens for about three month, if shooting with the dominant hand and aiming with the non-dominant eye. After about 3 months the brain should have been sufficiently trained to accept aiming with the non-dominant eye and both eyes can then be kept open.