Guide to Buying Low Vision Magnifiers

If you are among the growing numbers of people with low vision, you may find that a low vision magnifier can assist with tasks such as reading fine print, sewing or viewing classroom presentations.

Increased demand for low vision devices means many more choices are becoming available. More than 3.3 million Americans older than 40 already have blindness or low vision â€" and that number is expected to increase to 5.5 million by 2020, according to the National Eye Institute.

If you need a low vision magnifier, consider visiting a low vision specialist for expert guidance in ordering just the right device for your specific needs, especially if you already have substantial vision loss.

An expert will ask preliminary questions such as:

• If you are older, do you have memory loss and a decline in cognitive function? If so, you probably need to stick with less complex devices.
• Do you drive and want to continue driving? Some states allow individuals to use a bioptic telescope for reading signs and seeing traffic lights, but an evaluation by a low vision clinician is required to see if you are a candidate for this option.
• Do you have an occupation or hobby that requires you to see fine detail? If so, devices that provide greater magnification might be more helpful for you.

Before buying a low vision magnifier or consulting with an expert, take the time to explore the array of choices available in lenses, video camera magnifiers and lighting.

Think carefully about your goals, your budget and what features various devices offer so that you can better communicate your needs to a low vision expert.

Types of Low Vision Magnifiers

Just as some people with a disability need a wheelchair or a hearing aid, a person with low vision needs extra help beyond what ordinary eyeglasses or contact lenses can provide.

"If you have low vision, you should understand that there are no magic glasses," says vision rehabilitation specialist Mary Lou Jackson, MD, of the Harvard School of Medicine affiliate Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston. Dr. Jackson also is chairperson of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Vision Rehabilitation Committee.

If you are an avid reader, you will find that simple magnifiers are inadequate to help you sustain the concentration needed for an extended time period.

A small, handheld magnifier greatly enlarges a few words or sentences on a page. But reading something like a novel requires an expanded field of view and the ability to scan ahead in order to see and process information quickly.

Another limitation of handheld magnifiers is that they can't be used for task-specific activities such as knitting, which requires both hands to be free. In this case, you would need a magnifier on a stand that can be easily positioned where you need it.

If you are buying a handheld magnifier or a magnifier on a stand, you might be interested in extra features such as:

• Built-in lighting that can help you see better.
• "Gooseneck" attachments in stand magnifiers that can be easily moved and adjusted to whatever position you need.
• Various lenses and powers in the same device, so you achieve just the right magnification at the precise distance you need.

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http://www.allaboutvision.com/buysmart/magnifiers.htm