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Different magnifying aids

Jayne Kempster, David Kinshuck, Bruce Fisher
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Types of Magnifiers

Magnifiers, often called magnifying glasses, fall into several categories. They can be either

1.    Spectacle mounted
2.    Held in the hand
3.    Hung around the neck so the hands are free.They can have a light inside or on the outside; some are provided with a stand to keep the magnifier still to help produce a large still image.

Use the good eye

With magnification it can become hard to use both eyes together because your nose gets in the way.Therefore with more magnification, put the lens in front of your best eye. If you use the right eye only for instance, hold the the object directly in front of your right eye.When you use both eyes hold the object in front of your nose.

Is it tiring?

olding a book or sewing 5-6" (15cm) away from the eyes becomes extremely tiring. If you use a "ribbon sling" your hands care supported and it can be more comfortable. This is a piece of ribbon or scarfthat is tied in a loop. Tie the ribbon, and thread each hand through the loops. This takes the weight off your arms and and keeps the right  working distance. You need to experiment to find the correct length of ribbon.

reading avoiding tired arms

Hobbies & Interests

your low vision specialst needs to know your hobbies

Different tasks require different degrees of magnification, and also different types of magnifier. It is therefore important that your optometrist (or whoever provides your magnifying aids) knows what you need to do and what your hobbies are.

piano playing with poor old site

If you have an unusual hobby, show your optometrist how you like to work. Your optometrist must know the ‘working distance’: this is the distance from the eyes to the book, newspaper, painting, piano music, or sewing held in your hands etc.

Stand Magnifiers

If greater magnification than 2 x is required, then hand held magnifiers are usually more versatile. Stand magnifiers that are internally illuminated (like a map reader …with a light inside) should be used with standard reading glasses.
Sometimes it is helpful to move the book rather than the magnifier.

reading with fixed distance magnifier
A small stand magnifier suitable for reading a telephone directory or bill. This one has a ‘high magnification’, but remember only a few words will be visible at one time.
These usually give the best results when held near your reading spectacles, and resting it on whatever you are reading.
reading with a stand magnifier glass
A stand magnifier suitable for reading a letter.
This one has a ‘low magnification’, so many words are visible at one time, but the letters may not be large enough for everyone to read.

 

How to use a  magnifier

There are a many way of using a hand held magnifier, whether illuminated or not. There are no particular rules, but lighting is critical, even with an internal light.

As mentioned, if you have one good eye, even if one eye was dominant when you were younger, it is important that you hold things in front of your better eye. This may mean changing habits of a lifetime, which can be very frustrating.

small stand magnifier
An small fixed distance magnifier that is easy to carry around.
Good lighting is needed (see text).
electric magnifier
electric magnifier close up
An illuminated fixed magnifier, with batteries or a transformer that will plug in. These are very popular: close up picture right .

small stand magnifier stand magnifiers can be very helpful
A small magnifier, very portable. Close up on left, in use on the right.

Large supported magnifier (floor or wall mounted)

 

An illuminated magnifying glass on a stand resting on the floor. These are expensive but very useful for sewing, reading or other hobbies for many people. The sewing is held about 5" (12cm) behind.

 

large stand illuminated magnifier, floor mounted

  a illumminated magnifier suitable for hobbies and work
spectacle mounted spectacle magnifier

Spectacle aids

There are many different types of spectacle aid. They have to be fitted by a specialist Low Vision optometrist or expert. Some use one eye, some use both eyes.Some newer devices use a type of television camera and are electronic and very expensive. If you are ages 85 years, you may not be able to get used to such a device. If you are younger they can be extremely effective.

 

Monoculars

These can be helpful for distance sight, perhaps seeing a lecturer.

a monocular telescope is very portable
a monocle magnifier..carrry it everywhere
Monocular telescopes may help in and out of the house. Use with the good eye

 

a standard light, amazon

Good lighting is essential

This is discussed in detail . When reading, the light should come from behind. A very bright room light may not be helpful..it is better to have a light shining from behind, like an angelpoise light.

These can be very expensive. It would be best to borrow one from a friend and try it out before buying, or ask you low vision specialist to show you them.

For walking round the house, good lighting helps, but should not be too bright.

Electronic Aids

As with everything electronic, there are new versions each month, and they are getting cheaper. You really need expert advice from a low vision expert, and there are departments in most eye clinics and outside the clinic , and many optometrists can help.

 

Computerised screen readers

Again, there are new versions each month, and they are getting cheaper.

 

 

Suppliers of magnifiers

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