Are all magnifiers the same? The difference in optics between handheld magnifiers

Published on

August 25, 2022

Hand magnifiers are hand-held devices that can be placed over an object or text to enlarge or magnify what you see. Many people think that the only thing that matters is the amount of magnification, and that buying a cheap magnifying device at the drugstore is the same as buying a high quality device sold by reputable low vision device companies. In this blog we will explain why getting the best optics makes a massive difference in visual clarity.

Do optics matter in handheld magnifiers?

Optics make a bigger difference than size in smaller handheld magnifying devices. Therefore, if your device doesn't have good quality, even though it has more magnification, you might not get the best image. When the size of the magnifier is smaller, the working distance is much shorter. As the field of view of the lens increases, you are able to see more words at once, which is great when you are trying to make sense of a map, picture, or column of information. A practitioner should prescribe a magnifier that provides adequate vision for patient reading tasks while maintaining a wide view field.

Are handheld magnifiers equipped with lights?

Lighting plays a huge role in the lives of low vision patients. Nowadays, most handheld magnifiers come with integrated LED lights. The quality of light used in LEDs is so much better than lights that were used in the past. There are different color temperatures in handheld magnifiers, which may be beneficial to patients suffering from specific eye conditions.

When buying a magnifier, why is it important to consult with a low vision optometrist?

Buying a magnifier from a drugstore, without seeing an optometrist, may not give you clear vision. It might have a huge magnification, but it is not effective for low vision such as being distorted or not providing the right field of view.

Pages magnifiers do two times magnification, but you can't really read what you are trying to read because the image is blurry due to the way they use that magnification to create that larger visual area. Everyone wants more magnification and feels that it would be beneficial, but it doesn't always work, especially if the optical quality isn't good.

Schedule an appointment

To learn more about handheld magnifiers or if you are uncomfortable with the one you have, please schedule an appointment with our residency trained low vision optometrist by calling (562) 925-6591.

Testimonials

I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.

Claire A.

Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.

Jim K.

My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!

Teresa S.

The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.

Joe M.

I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.

Kayla W.

This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.

Very professional staff and pleasant.