Some of these magnifiers have an integral light. If you have weak or shaky hands, using a magnifier on a stand may be ideal for reading and, if the stand is tall enough, also for writing. Magnifiers with a stand used directly on or over the subject It is advisable to seek the opinion of a qualified ophthalmologist before additional magnification is added to prescription lenses. Some lenses are designed to flip away from the eyes when not in use. These magnifiers are built into a spectacle frame and attach or clip to existing spectacles or are supported on a headband. Magnifiers attached to spectacle or headband

Some incorporate a second inset lens, giving greater magnification. These products have a neck cord or attachment which enables the magnifier to rest on the chest leaving the hands free. If you are thinking of purchasing an illuminated magnifier it may be worth trying models with different colour temperatures to find out which you prefer. 6,000K) emits a whiter light.Ī study in 2012 suggested that individuals who chose magnifiers with their preferred colour temperature found the magnified image clearer and could read faster than if they used a magnifier with a colour temperature they did not like. 2,700K) emits a more yellow light, a higher number (e.g. These colour temperatures are described in Kelvin or K.

Some are available with lighting of different colour temperatures. Hand-held optical magnifiers are available with built-in lighting from a bulb or LED to help illuminate the area being viewed. Hand-held magnifiers are not suitable if you have a shaky hand or find a handheld device difficult to grip and as they are held close to the page they are generally unsuitable for use when writing. Some hand-held magnifiers are fitted with a built-in battery powered lamp or LED to improve lighting and enhance the text. How much bigger you see the item will also depend on the distance you and the magnifier are from the object you are looking at. They are available in a range of physical shapes and sizes. The strength of magnification may vary between about 1.5 times (x 1.5) to 12 times (x 12). These devices can be used for most everyday needs and are held directly over the object to make it appear larger. Low vision service provision varies across the country. If your vision suddenly deteriorates or you have severe pain in your eyes attend your local accident and emergency department as soon as possible.Ī low vision assessment can identify a specific type of sight loss such as macular degeneration, glaucoma or Retinitis Pigmentosa. You can search for your nearest optician on the NHS Choices website. If you cannot get to a high street optician because a disability prevents you from leaving your home, you may be entitled to an eye examination at home. Everyone should have their eyes examined by an optician every two years. An eye test can help detect any eye conditions before you notice the effect on your sight and early treatment may prevent your sight from getting worse.

If you have not already done so, we recommend that you have an eye test. This ranges from handheld magnifiers to machines which automatically convert written text to speech, and apps for telephones or tablet devices.

There is a large choice of equipment and an increasing amount of technology available to help with communication if you are blind or have low vision.

Wall mounted digital clock