Magnifying Glasses For Reading For Low Vision Patients

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.

Why Low Vision Patients Need More Than Regular Glasses

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.

Magnifying Glasses for Low Vision Patients

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.

Magnifying Glasses for Low Vision Patients

How Do Magnifiers Help Low Vision Patients With Reading?

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.

Finding the Right Magnifier for You

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.

Schedule a low vision exam at Amplify EyeCare of Greater Long Beach

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 Amplify EyeCare of Greater Long Beach, give us a call at (562) 925-6591. Patients with low vision visit our clinic from all over California, and we are proud to be a leading provider of low vision services for patients from Bellflower, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Los Angeles.

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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.