Using a Computer and Phone with Low Vision

Digital Devices and Low Vision

People with low vision often struggle with computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices. The following article addresses various options to assist these people with such devices. There are a wide range of effective programs, software, vision aids, assistive technologies, and general good practices that can be used to maximize vision.

This article focuses exclusively on people with low vision and the problems they have with digital devices. It should not be confused with the more common condition of visual eye strain (also known as "Computer Vision Syndrome") that many people experience when spending excessive time in front of computers.

This article is not intended as a diagnostic tool or replacement for an optometrist's advice. Always speak with a qualified eye doctor regarding ocular health.

Using Hardware, Software, Settings, and Devices to Improve Low Vision

There are many visual aids to assist low vision patients with computers and digital devices. These include using optimal hardware settings, assistive technologies, and various aids to improve vision.

Hardware

Hardware options include:

- Special screens/filters: These include screens for magnification and screens to reduce glare.
- Keyboards/mouse: Keyboards with large buttons or larger letters/numbers are often helpful for those with visual impairment. Many people also benefit from a mouse trackpad.
Keyboard Commands: Some people with low vision prefer keyboard commands instead of a mouse.

Software

There are numerous assistive technology products and special software to aid people with visual impairment:

Magnification software
Screen reader programs: Various software programs will read your screen to you.
Speech to text software for dictation
Visual aid technologies

Settings

For those struggling with computer screens and other digital devices, the settings on computers and smartphones can be modified to assist vision difficulties. These include:

Options to magnify or enlarge the screen, or parts of the screen. There are also options for enlarging icons.
Options for illuminating devices by increasing or decreasing brightness. Additional options allow modifications of color and contrast.
Options to change mouse settings for optimal usage.
Using assistive voice technologies such as SIRI embedded within the hardware

Devices

CCTV: Allows for the magnification of images onto a larger monitor.
Magnifying glasses
LED lighting to maximize vision

Digital Vision Aids for Low Vision

People with low vision struggle with computers, smartphones, and other digital devices. Modern technology provides options to assist these people. Speak with a low vision optometrist to find out which options can aid vision when using computers, smartphones, tablets, and other types of electronic technology. 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.