Difficulty focusing eyes

[submassabielle]

I recently went on my first survey trip. I found that I was slowed down by having a hard time focusing when I looked into the compass and clinometer. When I would first look in, it was crystal clear. Then after a few seconds, my eyes would bug out and I couldn't even make out the numbers. If I looked away at a distant object and then looked back again, I could again see clearly (but that took a second also b/c of the dark). I really felt it slowed me down. Has anyone else had this problem? Do I need to see an optometrist? Am I doing something wrong? The only other trouble I have ever had focusing is on headlights late at night and blue LED Christmas lights. Thanks in advance.

[Scott McCrea]

Were you closing one eye? You should close the eye you're not reading with. Read and sight with the same eye.

[Carl Amundson]

Were you closing one eye? You should close the eye you're not reading with. Read and sight with the same eye.

I like to keep both eyes open when I'm reading instruments. It allows me to look at the numbers and survey station that's lit up.

[submassabielle]

Were you closing one eye? You should close the eye you're not reading with. Read and sight with the same eye.

I like to keep both eyes open when I'm reading instruments. It allows me to look at the numbers and survey station that's lit up.

I was closing one eye. I am pretty sure I am right eye dominant, but I was still worried that if I opened both eyes the location of the black line might be distorted. It was also complicated because there were formations everywhere and felt a bit contorted, with the result that the more I looked, the harder it was to stay steady (which forced me to look even more). I am hoping that more experience might help (e.g. getting a feel for which direction is positive and which is negative on the instruments), so that I can get the sighting before my eyes go blurry.

[Chads93GT]

Take the instruments home and practice. ITs very hard at first for beginners, Its really a lot like looking through a high powered scope of a rifle. Keep at it and dont get frustrated. Its a new exercise for your eyes, and they arent used to it yet, and neither is your brain. practice.

[Scott McCrea]

The one eye vs two was previously discussed with lots of great info: LINK

[GroundquestMSA]

The eyepiece on Suunto instruments can also be focused a bit by turning. That may help. It's been difficult for me to read instruments that are adjusted for another persons eyes.