Magnifying glasses such as magnified reading glasses and full diameter magnifying glasses can help low vision patients with reading and other important tasks.
Being able to easily read whatever’s in front of us, be it a book, something on a screen, or a label in the supermarket, is something we all take for granted until it’s suddenly a challenge for us.
While all corrective lenses provide some measure of magnification, patients with low vision tend to need significantly more help, particular for reading. Fortunately, there are things that can help low vision patients be able to do those important and enjoyable tasks again.
For most people, regular corrective lenses (glasses and contact lenses) are sufficient when it comes to correcting their vision. However, as people age, or as they suddenly lose some measure of vision due to a disease or injury, things get more complicated. Patients with low vision need help beyond what glass and contacts can provide. In age-related conditions, this is often due to a gradual degeneration of light-sensitive cells in the retina, where vision processing takes place.
Regular lenses can’t correct for permanent blind spots (scotomas) in the visual field which are caused by issues like macular degeneration.
While the damage caused to the eyes by low vision conditions cannot be repaired in most cases, that doesn’t mean patients can’t regain the ability to do things that they love.
Specialized magnifiers that help compensate for an area of vision lost tend to be focused on a particular area or focal distance. Some are designed for patients with peripheral vision loss, with others for those with central vision loss.
Several design types of magnifiers for low vision patients include:
Low vision reading glasses: These are much like regular reading but with prismatic lenses that provide enhanced magnification and focus the vision on a comfortable focal point. However, because of the high power of these lenses, they may require the wearer to work on tasks at closer distances since they reduce field of view. While this may require some adjustment on the part of the wearer, it usually does not take long for patients to adapt.
Magnifiers which are mounted on regular glasses: These allow for some additional versatility, as they can be easily put on when required for close tasks and removed for other activities.
Stand magnifiers: These types of magnifiers are generally used for reading newspapers, books, and other larger texts. They are free-standing, and can be placed on a table or desk, and the text is placed under the lens for easy reading.
Electronic magnifiers: These are devices that can magnify both text and images and can be used for reading printed materials, viewing pictures, or watching TV. They come in a variety of styles and can be handheld or mounted on a stand.
Low vision magnifiers provide significantly more magnification than even the most powerful glasses or contact lenses. They also help compensate for damage to the eyes by helping patients use more of the healthy retina around the part with more damage while reading.
Due to aging, and other factors, important light-sensitive cells in the retina can degenerate, particularly in the center, the portion required when reading small letters. Some magnifiers can also help in the area of contrast, which also plays a role in reading.
Low vision magnifiers for reading can be handheld, or mounted, depending on your needs. For example, a hands-free device can enable a patient to freely do tasks they enjoy such as reading, writing, or playing the piano, which low vision can make all-but impossible. Handheld magnifiers, conversely, are easy to carry around to places like supermarkets, to help read labels on products.
Everyone who experiences low vision does so differently. Because of this, it’s important to make sure you get the right magnifier for your needs. Doing some research and, more importantly, speaking with a low vision optometrist, is highly recommended before you purchase a low vision magnifier.
The first step is determining what type of magnifier you need. This will depend on your specific needs and what tasks you will be using the magnifier for. Oue low vision optometrist can help you determine the right type of magnifier for your condition and needs.
They can also help you select the right magnification level and size of lens. A higher magnification level is usually needed for those with more severe vision loss, while a smaller lens size may be more comfortable for those with more peripheral vision.
It's also important to consider the type of lighting and the environment where you will be using the magnifier. Some magnifiers work better in low-light conditions, while others are better for outdoor use.
Finally, it's important to try out different magnifiers to find the one that works best for you. Some optometrist offices offer a selection of magnifiers that you can try out before making a purchase.
By considering these factors, you can find the right magnifying glasses for reading for your low vision needs and regain the ability to enjoy the things you love.
Magnifying glasses designed for low vision patients can be extremely helpful for improving quality of life for those who are having trouble reading due to conditions such as macular degeneration. As when making any purchase of an eye care device, it is highly advised to speak with a low vision optometrist to make sure you get something that can provide the most help for your unique situation. To make an appointment for a low vision eye exam at American Family Vision Clinic, give us a call at (360) 491-2121. Patients with low vision visit our clinic from all over Washington, and we are proud to be a leading provider of low vision services for patients from Olympia, Lakewood, Tacoma, and Lacey.
Such a nice optician. My grandson is only 4 and needs glasses. We were so sad, but he explained the issues, and we will follow up as he suggested.
I had such a good experience with the clinic. Very friendly staff and doctor, did not have to wait for long to be called, and was treated respectfully. Thanks, American Family.
Dr. Zurcher has gone above and beyond what any other eye doctor has ever done to figure out what is going on with my eyes. Very happy with American Family Vision.
Family Vision Clinic changed our lives! My daughter was frequently car sick, and she was getting headaches every day, often painful enough that they brought her to tears. We saw a string of doctors and therapists, but we made no progress. Finally, we found Dr. Levi Zurcher and his eye therapist Rain. After ten weeks of eye therapy my daughter no longer gets headaches, and she no longer gets car sick. Daily tears are a thing of the past. I really can’t say enough about this clinic. It was fascinating to watch Dr. Zurcher work. For the first time, someone who knew what they were doing was intently studying my daughter, really trying to figure out all of her eye issues, and his therapist Rain is one of the most patient and lovely people that I’ve ever had the good fortune to meet. We’re finished with eye therapy—yay!—and I have switched to American Family Vision Clinic for all of my family’s other eye health needs.
Very professional, yet kind and helpful. They do what they can to make the appointment comfortable. I was running a bit late, I made sure ti call. They were able to switch me with a patient who was already there, they treated me with respect, and helped my son have confidence by getting him the eye care he needed that day. Thank you so much! Would recommend to anyone. It's a blessing that they care enough to work with people who have all different types of insurance from work to state coverage.
The staff is friendly. The Doc is very knowledgeable. The office is family friendly and everyone is so patient with the little ones.
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