For quite a long time I have been trying to develop accuracy at 25 yards. I am okay at 20 yards, but can't seem to hold a proper group at 25. I recently realized that at 20 yards, I can still pick out and hold on a specific spot. At around 25 yards, these old eyes don't seem so sharp. I think I am picking a specific spot at 20 yards but only am able to pick an area at 25. Could this be a likely reason for not being able to shoot acceptably well at the longer distance?

Many if not most of the historically famous archers were reported to have above average eyesight.   You're most likely correct in your observation.

It may be that you have to have above average eyesight to be a champion archer.  However, I'm not sure that's true about being a "good" archer at 25 yards.  Assuming you have good enough eyesight to identify the target at 25 yards, but it's a little fuzzy, you should be able to pick a spot in the middle of the fuzz that you want to hit.

We all have a cone of accuracy, which means that if we are shooting the best we can, the best we can do is to hit somewhere inside a circle that grows with distance.  My cone of accuracy is about a 3" circle at 10 yards, which grows to a 6" circle at 20 yards, which grows to about a 10" circle at 30 yards.  Then a funny thing happens: my cone of accuracy stays at about 10" from 40-50 yards, since my point-on distance is about 45 yards, and I'm more accurate close to my point-on distance.  Then it begins to grow again past 50 yards. 

I like to practice out to 80 yards, because I enjoy shooting the long shots, but I really can't see well enough to shoot at those distances.  But I still hit pretty well!  Sometimes, a friend will tell me, "Wow, that was a great shot, Dave, you're either in or just outside the bullseye," when I can't even see where the arrow is in the target.  Confidence and good form goes a long way.

So keep trying.  You may surprise yourself one of these days.

Sam, I feel your pain!  I'm developing cataracts and in the last few months it's gotten worse. I have the same trouble being able to focus on a specific spot.  I have the same trouble even trying trying to shoot groups at the rifle range. 

My shooting is still decent at my hunting distance ,15-18yds, but beyond that it goes downhill quickly.  I shot better a year ago for sure.

Dr. said they aren't ripe enough for surgery.  I have an appointment coming up next week and he and I are going to serious discussion.

Zeebob, in 2021, I had cataracts in both eyes fixed. Unfortunately, it didn't make any real difference. The only archery benefit has been that colors are much more vivid. I'll still practice at 25 yards, but I don't think it will ever become an effective hunting distance.

Sam, Sorry to hear that! Ive heard mixed reviews on cataract surgery.  I hope mine helps, and I need it ...I'm tired of looking at everything fuzzy..

Pine, I'm going to try that bottle cap trick..sure couldn't hurt..

Z

Mt cataract surgery was the best thing I've done.  I can see better than I have in I don't know how many years.  I wore glasses for about 47 years. I had mine done in 2013 and I'm very happy with no glasses and good eyesight.

Try some eye vitamins "areds". I have macular degeneration and my eye doctor got me on the ared vitamins. The vitamins have helped me with the disease and has improved my sight to a certain level.

Caught, I already take the "areds". When the doc followed up after cataract surgery, it was discovered that I have macular degeneration in my left eye. So now, about every 6 weeks, I take a shot in my left eyeball. Thank God I don't have to foot the bill, because every shot costs around $4,200.00. It really helps a lot. I don't think it plays into my shooting, because the left is not my dominant eye. So, unless, it disrupts my binocular vision, it should not be a factor.

You know your old when you know what AREDS are lol. It could be an eye issue or it could be the further the target it the wider the backdrop is and harder to focus

Cone of accuracy and age, plus if you think of distance in 5 yard increments it's kind of like thinking of having sights on your bow. I truly do understand what you are going through, but I  try for myself to eliminate the thought process of thinking of the distance and try to replace that with complete focus, remove the idea of distance. I know that sounds crazy but, if you think about this. Look at the distance a compound has between the separation of the archers sights, it's nuts less than an inch between twenty and sixty yards depending on the bow. That's crazy but it goes to show you the difference of point of aim is very small. Just for a simple experiment, try shooting without thinking of distance at all, shoot in an area you are not familiar with and completely let your brain do the calculations without thinking of how far the target is. You may be pleasantly surprised
I am 58 and also have lost more of my sight than I care to admit, what I have done is use the gap method the older I get. Some archers claim every archer uses the gap method if you are not using sights.