A wide variety of magnifying glasses and devices is now available to assist you with reading and other close work such as sewing. These devices range from the simple and inexpensive, such as hand-held or freestanding magnifiers, to more expensive high-tech products, such as computer screen reading software and special magnifying screen monitors that can be used with your computer or television.
Simply carrying a hand-held magnifying glass with you at all times can contribute a great deal toward your daily independence; allowing you to read labels on medicine bottles, mail, price tags in stores and restaurant menus.
Initially, some visually impaired people feel self-conscious about using a magnifier in public. But before you rule out this option, you should ask yourself, “Would I rather be able to go shopping or eat out whenever I want to, or wait until I have someone to go with me and help me?”
There are many styles of magnifiers, many of them discreet, that can be found at your drug store, a medical supply store or ordered through low vision product catalogs. Magnifiers that also provide illumination usually work best for macular degeneration patients, who need extra illumination as well as magnification. These can be easily operated with batteries, and there are many styles available.
Inexpensive, freestanding magnifying glasses can be kept at different places in your home near where you typically do close work such as threading needles or addressing envelopes. They can also be used to apply makeup or for doing your daily grooming.
A freestanding magnifying screen can be purchased through a medical supply store or catalog and placed in front of your television to magnify the image. Other magnifiers come in the form of glasses or clip onto your glasses to free your hands to do other things.
Reviewed on 2/14/2008