The Macular Degeneration Partnership: Low Vision Aids

Help for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Low Vision Aids

If you are losing sight, here are some simple things you can do on your own to improve your ability to see.

Improve the lighting in your home and office. This may not necessarily mean that you should increase the lighting or the brightness. Glare is often a problem for people with low vision. You'll need to experiment to see what works best for you. Special lights are available through many catalogs.
Use high contrast for reading and writing. Write in large letters with a broad felt tip pen on white or light paper.
Use a hand held magnifier.
Find large print books (most libraries have a section of these).

If you need to go beyond these easy remedies, the most valuable thing you can do is to investigate the use of low vision aids. For links to low vision resources, go to Low Vision. Some good sources are: Braille, Lighthouse and Center for the Partially Sighted.

In the beginning, you may find some help at your local drug store by trying out the various small hand-held magnifiers available. If one of them helps your vision, you should certainly use it. But if it does not help or over time helps less and less, it's time to seek a professional consultation. These specialists can evaluate your vision, prescribe special lenses or attachments to your glasses and even show you exactly what kind of lighting you need to use. You can find Low Vision Specialists through The American Academy of Optometry or American Optometric Association.

Don't become discouraged! You will probably need to try out multiple devices before you find one that works for you. These range from magnifiers that are held in the hand or suspended on a stand to devices that attach to your glasses or computers that help you to read. Many people have received help and can perform normal daily tasks that were impossible without the use of assistive devices.

Many organizations that offer low vision devices also have comprehensive programs to assist you with quality of life issues. Training in independent living skills, counseling, and library services are available. Thousands of books, magazines and even daily newspapers have been recorded on tape. Ask your eye doctor for a referral to a low vision specialist near you. Or go to Related Links for a comprehensive list of sites related to low vision, assistive devices and other services.

Products To Assist With Low Vision

Hand Held Magnifiers

Often known as "Magnifying glasses", hand-held magnifiers come in many shapes and sizes, and provide magnification between 1.5-20 times. Some styles can be folded up for easy transport in a pocket or handbag, and some are equipped with battery operated lights. Hand-held magnifiers may be difficult to use if your hands tire easily or tend to shake.

Stand Magnifiers

Stand magnifiers can be helpful for weak or shaky hands. They are mounted on stands and must sit flat above the page being viewed. These devices can magnify between 2-20 times, and can be moved across the page to see each line. Illuminated stand or hand-held magnifiers can be plugged into an electrical outlet or fitted with batteries.

Monoculars/Telescope

Monoculars are mini telescopes used for seeing things at a distance. Magnification ranges from 2.5-10 times, depending on the telescope's size.

Binoculars

Binoculars are similar to monoculars, but allow you to use both eyes to view things at a distance. Many sizes and strengths are available.

Spectacle-mounted "Magnifiers"

Spectacle-mounted telescopes for distance, or spectacle-mounted microscopes for close-up, can significantly improve visual abilities. These devices protrude from the spectacle frame, and can be used with one or both eyes. When using spectacle-mounted microscopes, objects must be held much closer to your eyes than normal. This type of spectacles are somewhat like bifocals in that they allow a person to switch to the telescope lens for improved distance vision, and back to the spectacle lens for general orientation. These devices must be prescribed by an eye doctor.

Video Magnifiers (CCTVs)

A Video Magnifier (CCTV) uses a stand-mounted video camera to project magnified objects onto a video screen. These devices are very useful for reading, writing, looking at photographs and catalogs, or doing crafts.

Magnification varies with the model and manufacturer. CCTVs are available in black-an-white as well as color models, and come in various sizes. Some include special features such as underlining and shadow masking for easier reading. Others can be used in conjunction with a personal computer.

Reading Machines with Voice Output

Reading Machines (Scanners with voice output) can be used to transform printed material into spoken words. Type-written text placed on the device's scanning surface is read aloud. Some devices can be hooked to a personal computer. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software can be used to turn a personal computer into a "reading machine".

Absorptive Lenses

Absorptive lenses regulate the amount of light transmitted through to the eye, and can often be worn over prescription glasses. By eliminating harmful sunrays, reducing glare, increasing contrast, and helping with the transition between light and dark surroundings, these lenses can increase both comfort and safety.

Other adaptive Devices

There is an impressive range of adaptive devices available. Devices with large print, high contrast colors or "talking" features that say information out loud are designed to make life easier for people with impaired vision. Other items include talking watches, large print phones, writing guides and magnified makeup mirrors.

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