Choosing a Magnifier
By Dr. Bill Takeshita, O.D., F.A.A.O., F.C.O.V.D.
Each year, thousands of adults lose their ability to read as a result
of vision impairment. Macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and
glaucoma are conditions that rob millions of people of their ability to
read books, magazines, newspapers, the Internet, and their mail.
Consequently, these adults are unable to correspond with friends by
writing letters or sending e-mail. They frequently become more
dependent on friends and family to do their shopping and banking for
them and in many cases, they are forced to spend thousands of dollars
for assisted living because they cannot read their medications.
Fortunately, advances in optics and technology have resulted in the
development of new magnifiers that can help many people with low vision
to read and maintain their independence.
Magnifiers were invented hundreds of years ago when a glass lens was
curved in such a way to provide magnification of the object being
viewed through the lens. The older magnifiers were generally heavy
because they were made of glass and they had a lot of distortion in the
lens, which made it difficult to read print for long periods of time.
Today, plastic resin materials are used to provide a lightweight
magnifier with little distortion in a variety of styles and designs.
Here are a few important factors to consider when purchasing a magnifier
for a friend of loved one with low vision.
Consult with a Professional
It is most helpful to consult with low vision optometrists,
ophthalmologist, or a low vision consultant before spending money on
magnifiers. Many people attempt to select a magnifier by shopping
through catalogs or at the drug store. This is a very difficult task
to accomplish because there are so many different factors to consider.
The power of the magnifier, magnification, size of the lens,
focusability and type of light source are just a few of the parameters
that must be considered. Purchasing a magnifier without some assistance
is similar to going to a pharmacy to find the best medication to treat
your illness. Doctors who specialize in low vision can provide guidance
in purchasing the best magnifier and they may also be able to design
low vision glasses for reading. If you live in an area that does not
have a low vision doctor, you can consult with a low vision consultant
such as the low vision rehabilitation specialists we have at the
Braille Institute.
Select a High Quality Magnifier
The quality of the lens is the most important factor when purchasing a
magnifier. Many magnifiers are very inexpensive, such as those found
at the drug store or the bargain “Dollar Store.” These magnifiers often
have a lot of distortion, which can cause eye strain, headaches, and
may actually make it more difficult to read. High quality magnifiers
are available at low vision rehabilitation centers, eye doctor’s
offices, and some hospitals.
More Magnification Is Not Always Better
Many people with macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy make
the mistake of purchasing the magnifier that has the highest power.
This may actually result in slower reading ability because too much
magnification will result in the person seeing only a few letters of the
word at a time. When a very strong magnifier is used, the letters
become so magnified that it is similar to sitting in the front row of a
movie theatre where it is difficult to read the title because it is too
large.
Bigger Is Not Always Better
Another common mistake people make when purchasing a magnifier
without consulting with a low vision specialist is that they purchase
the largest magnifier they can find. Some magnifiers are the same size
as a sheet of notebook paper while others are as long as a ruler. These
magnifiers provide minimal magnification and they reduce the contrast
of the words being read. The laws of physics are such that the larger
the magnifier, the lower the power. Thus, a magnifying lens that is
6-inches wide will have less magnification than a magnifier that is
three-inches wide. People with low vision who are searching for a
magnifier must find the best balance between the size of the lens and
the level of magnification.
Magnifiers with a Built-In Light
Advances in electronics now allow very bright lights to be
incorporated into the magnifier. Over 90 percent of the magnifiers
chosen by clients of the Braille Institute have a built-in light. The
light provides added contrast to allow easier reading of newsprint and
also allows people to read menus in dark restaurants. There are now
different colors of light that make a tremendous difference for people
with specific eye conditions. For example, a yellowish light can often
help people with diabetes while a bright white light is often best for
people with glaucoma.
Hand Magnifier or a Stand Magnifier?
Magnifiers are now available in different styles. Hand magnifiers are
small and compact to make it easy to hold in your hand and read. They
fit easily into a shirt pocket or purse. Hand magnifiers are available
with or without a light and are excellent for use when shopping,
banking, and for reading at home. Stand magnifiers are a bit larger and
they have housing or legs that allow people to place the magnifier
directly on the book. This is very helpful for people who have
arthritis, hand tremors, or difficulty holding onto a hand magnifier
for long periods of time. Stand magnifiers with a built-in light are
extremely helpful for avid readers who read for long periods of time.
Wear the Proper Glasses When Using a Magnifier
Many people have difficulty reading with a magnifier because they
wear the incorrect glasses for reading. It is important to wear your
reading glasses or bifocals when using a magnifier to get the maximal
benefits of the magnifier. In many cases, the combination of the best
reading glasses with a magnifier will provide the best results. Consult
with a low vision optometrist or ophthalmologist to obtain the best
glasses prescription to be used in conjunction with a magnifier for
reading.
Where Can I Try Some of These Magnifiers?
It is best to consult with a low vision professional for a
demonstration of the various magnifiers available. You are welcome to schedule a free low vision consultation with one of our specialists. We can help you determine which kids of lighting will be most
effective for your type and degree of vision loss. For more information, contact the center nearest you or call 1-800-BRAILLE (272-4553).
About Dr. Takeshita
Bill Takeshita, O.D., F.A.A.O., F.C.O.V.D. is a low vision
optometrist who serves as the consulting director of low vision at
Braille Institute. He is also the Chief of Optometry at the Center for
the Partially Sighted and an adjunct professor at the Southern
California College of Optometry.
Dr. Takeshita has lectured extensively across the nation on the
topics of low vision, computer technology and assistive technology for
children and adults with low vision.
In 2004, Dr. Takeshita founded The Dr. Bill Takeshita Foundation,
which he established after he ironically lost his own sight but gained a
new perspective on vision impairment. The Foundation provides
information and assistance to help children who are visually impaired.
Dr. Takeshita can be contacted by e-mail at
Bill@DrBillFoundation.org.