Low Vision Aids



	If you have experienced some visual loss from macular degeneration, your eye doctor may refer you to a low vision specialist for an evaluation. A low vision specialist is trained in the selection and fitting of visual aids. It is important to tell the specialist what activities you have difficulty with because of your vision. The specialist will probably begin your evaluation by taking your medical history. This will give an idea of your overall health, and identify issues that may affect the use of some visual aids. He may ask you about situations you find difficult because of your vision impairment. To get a better idea of exactly what you can see, the low vision specialist will want to see your response to some tests. Finally, you will test some low vision devices to see what works best for you. These include: • strong reading lenses • hand magnifiers • stand magnifiers • electronic magnifiers • telescopes • absorptive lenses • non-optical devices There is a wide variety of visual aids to help with reading, close work, and distance vision. It is best to try a variety of devices to see which are the most appropriate for your needs.
		Strong Reading Glasses Strong reading glasses are a convenient option because both hands are left free to move the reading material, or to work on a project.
		Hand Magnifiers Hand magnifiers may be tried if greater magnification is needed. Some hand magnifiers have a built-in light source that provides increased contrast for reading.
	Stand Magnifier A stand magnifier rests right on a page of print. As long as the magnifier sits on the page, the letters remain in focus. Greater magnification can be achieved with this type of magnifier.
		Tabletop Electronic Magnifier Electronic devices provide the greatest magnification for reading and near-vision tasks. Tabletop magnifiers make it easy to read books and magazines.
	Portable Electronic Magnifier Portable electronic magnifiers feature a hand-held scanner that hooks up to any TV or computer monitor.
		Hand-held Telescope Telescopic devices make an image appear closer than it really is. Hand-held telescopes are monocular, for use with one eye. Most hand-held telescopes have an adjustable focus.
		Spectacle-mounted Telescopes Spectacle-mounted telescopes can be either monocular or binocular. These can be worn comfortably for long periods of time, leaving both hands free.
	Lightweight Telescopes Lightweight telescopes are ideal for television viewing.
	Variable Focus Telescopes Telescopes with variable focus and improved cosmetics can be used in the workplace.
		Absorptive lenses Absorptive lenses block different types of light, making it easier for some people to see. Absorptive lenses may be used indoors or outdoors to reduce glare, to block ultraviolet or infrared light, or to enhance contrast.
	Someone with a vision impairment may benefit from well-chosen, non-optical devices. There are hundreds of these products, from large-print books to cooking aids, which can make everyday living easier for someone with limited vision.
		Large-print books
	Telephone with large buttons

		Talking devices
	Writing guides and templates
		Large-print playing cards
Cutting guides