Low Vision

One of the most difficult things for visually impaired people is finding a way to read comfortably. Many give it up altogether, because what used to be an enjoyable, effortless activity now requires thought, preperation and a lot of adjustment.  For some people in this situation, reading is just no fun anymore.  This happened to me.  I have Macular degeneration.

Even so, there are many low vision devices that can make reading easier and more rewarding for people with macular degeneration, retinitis, pigmentisa, tunnel vision and other low vision conditions.

The most affordable are handheld magnifiers, some of which contain small reading lamps for better illumination.  Other magnifiers are mounted on height-adjusting stands or hang around the neck.  Strong reading glasses come in full or half lens styles. Or you can obtain bifocal eyeglasses with high power reading lens segments.

Reading telescopes are another option.  They can be handheld or mounted onto special eyeglass frames with enhanced nose pads and padded bridges, so your nose will carry the weight more comfortably.  I use a telescope with a band that fits around my head.  This makes it very easy to read.  I put a picture of it, at the top of this page.

I also use a video magnifer which projects printed material on a closed circuit television, or CCTV, monitor or regular television or computer screen.  You can sit as close to the screen as necessary, and it can be adjusted for degree of magnification, brightnes, contrast and even color.  Some reading devices require a prescription from your eyecare practioner, because they are custom made for your particular needs.

There also are many items which talk to you.  I use several of these . Examples are talking watches, calculators ect.  I had a hard time finding these reading & low vision  aids, so I decided to list them on eBay so you could find them all in one Web page.  You can shop from your computer and we will deliver them to your front door.