Eye conditions like glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, cataracts, and other eye conditions may cause significant vision loss. Patients with low vision often use several low vision aids and devices throughout their day to assist with various tasks. Magnifiers are one such low vision aid, and they come in many styles with nuanced differences to accommodate the user’s needs.
Below, we’ll outline the different types of magnifiers and their specific purpose.
Handheld magnifiers are small, portable magnification devices that can help people with low vision read menus, food labels, and appliance dials. They come in a variety of sizes, with or without a handle.
Some handheld magnifiers can be worn as pendants around the patient’s neck for easy access. Some come with a built-in light for additional illumination.
Handheld magnifiers are popular because they are:
The field of view is small with handheld magnifiers, so you’ll only be able to see a few words at a time. For people who are unable to hold a handheld magnifier steady, stand magnifiers may be a better option.
Stand magnifiers are designed for extended reading use and are among the most commonly prescribed aids for patients with low vision.
Some stand magnifiers are meant to be placed over a page or book and have four legs for hands-free support. Other, smaller versions may have a handle, but can be rested over a page without being held in the hand. This type of stand magnifier usually comes with a light, which helps people see more clearly through its illumination.
The stand's height automatically positions the text at the correct focusing distance for that magnifying lens. This means that all you have to do is place the magnifier on the page and start to read, without adjusting any further settings.
Stand magnifiers are ideal for patients with shaky hands or reduced motor skills, or for those who find it difficult to hold objects steady.
Stand magnifiers are available in a range of sizes, magnifications, and shapes.
CCTV or video magnifiers provide low vision support for a full range of visual needs. These devices are powered and use cameras to enlarge what you are looking at.
Video magnifiers use a stand-mounted or handheld camera to project a magnified image onto a video monitor, a TV screen, or a computer monitor. Cameras with zoom functions provide variable magnification.
In many of these systems, magnification level and focus can be adjusted after selecting a comfortable, functional working distance between the camera and the viewing material.
More sophisticated systems use an autofocus camera, while other video magnifiers use fixed-focus cameras that cannot alter magnification.
At Bissell Eye Care, we help patients with low vision to live full and independent lives, despite having vision loss.
During a low vision consultation, Dr. Bissell will determine which low vision aids and devices best suit your needs and lifestyle.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an eye disease or condition that causes vision loss, contact us.
If you have any questions or concerns, speak with our staff at Bissell Eye Care and schedule a consultation. Let us help enhance your central vision and help you find the best way to enjoy a higher quality of life.