Large Print Newspapers for Mother

by Nancy
(California)

My mom has not only macular degeneration but cataracts. She is 98 and loves to read the paper and watch TV, but it's difficult with the cataract on top of the macula problem.

The doctor said to remove the cataract would make things brighter, but not clearer, and he thought she would be disappointed.

She has a magnifier from a low vision center, but the articles in the paper have become more difficult. We have similated daylight lamps, what else can we do? Are there news papers in large print?

Thank you
Nancy

REPLY

Hi Nancy,

Thanks for your question. Trying to find ways to adjust and adapt is an important attitude for those with age related macular degeneration.

The first step in using visual aids for macular degeneration is to identify the task that one needs help with. Which you have done - your mom would like to continue reading the newspaper. Newspapers are difficult to read not only because the font is small, but the grey background makes the words look blurry.

I am not sure that an electronic book reader would be something she would want to try at age 98.

Newspapers are downloaded daily to the wireless reading device and then the font can be magnified.

Full page magnifiers provide a nice large viewing area, but only magnify up to 2x. Another possibility for her to read the paper would be to use an electronic magnifier, such as a low vision CCTV.

A person places the newspaper under a camera where the newspaper page is then displayed on a large screen. The font can be magnified and the contrast can be adjusted. This is the more expensive option - but a low vision CCTV can be used for many more things than just reading the newspaper.

Your mom can have someone from Enhanced Vision come to her home for a free demonstration to see how well this device would suit her. Although this an amazing technology - it is VERY easy to use.

Low Vision CCTV

Hope this helps.

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Large Print Newspaper

by Rosana

Dear Ms. Degner

What would be the most appropriate equipment for reading the newspaper? Letters are too small and with little space, reading is difficult. I look forward guidance. Thanks.

Rosana

REPLY

Hi Rosana,

The two best options to get your newspaper in large print - are the Kindle DX or a desk-top-magnifier.

The Kindle DX is priced at $379 right now and much less expensive than a desktop magnifier. The only way to know if the fonts are large enough for you is to try one. So try it as soon as you get it by trying a free 14 day trial newspaper subscription. This is Amazon's return policy:

"You may return most new, unopened items sold and fulfilled by Amazon.com within 30 days of delivery for a full refund."

Let us know what you decide and how it works for you.

Kind Regards,

Leslie