Low Vision Reading
Vision Aids for Macular DegenerationWith the use of proper lighting, low vision rehabilitation, large print books, electronic book readers, and magnifying reading glasses you can continue to enjoy reading your favorite magazines, newspapers and books.
Large Print BooksToday there is such a variety of books and magazines that come in large and bolder print. However, there are a few things you should know before you purchase large print material as the font, the contrast and the boldness does vary. Read here to learn more: Large Print BooksLow Vision Lighting
One of the simplest ways to help with your reading is to get adequate and better light. With macular degeneration, lighting is so critical and improving the kind of light or amount of light can really help you see your reading material so much better. Click here to read more about lighting: Low Vision Lighting Electronic Book ReadersConsider electronic book readers like the Kindle 2. Books, magazines and newspapers are easily downloaded to this portable and lightweight electronic book reader. No need for a computer.An e book reader features the ability to adjust and magnify the font or zoom the text that your are reading. The Kindle 2 has the ability to read the text out loud if you prefer. To learn more click here: Electronic Book Readers Low Vision RehabilitationBefore you start buying a lot of low vision reading aids, it is best to start with an appointment with a low vision specialist and rehabilitation program. Not only will they prescribe different glasses and magnifiers for different tasks, but they will train you on how to use them most effectively. Click here to read more about low vision rehabilitation. Low Vision RehabilitationReading Magnifier
It is best to consult your doctor before buying even nonprescription magnifiers, because he can tell you which magnifiers and what lens power will work best for you. There are many types of magnifiers to assist you with your reading. Listed here are the different types to consider. √ Hand held magnifier, some of which contain small reading lamps for better illumination √ Magnifier that hangs around the neck so your hands are free √ Dome magnifier - looks like a clear paper weight so you can move it across your reading material. Some models are lighted. √ Sheet magnifier - 8 1/2" by 11" magnifier that allows you to magnify the whole page √ Stand, goose neck magnifier - has a flexible arm that is adjustable Hand held magnifiers are good for spot reading, like looking at a prescription bottle or the label on a can. But for reading books or magazines a hands free magnifier that magnifies and illuminates the page is the most helpful. Click here to learn more about the features of a lighted, full page, reading magnifier: Full Page Reading Magnifier Low Vision CCTV
CCTV - closed circuit television - projects your reading material onto a monitor, a regular television or a computer screen.
The most expensive models have large, 17"- 19", flat screen monitors and run around $3,000. You can buy a CCTV that uses your own TV set and that runs around $1,500. Benefits of a CCTV are: √ You can sit as close to the screen as necessary √ It can be adjusted for degree of magnification √ It can be adjusted for brightness and contrast To read more about low vision CCTV click here: Low Vision CCTV Magnifying Reading GlassesMagnifying reading glasses are the most commonly prescribed low vision aid. Patients often think that they have the strongest reading eyeglasses available - this is not necessarily true.That is why it is so important to see a low vision specialist. Special reading glasses can be made up to 20X power although rarely do patients need that much power for reading. The advantages of magnifying reading glasses are: √ Hands-free to hold reading material √ Widest field of view — this will help with speed reading √ Cosmetically acceptable —resembles regular glasses √ Good for prolonged reading Large Print NewspapersLarge print newspapers make it possible for those with macular degeneration to read the daily news.Large print news provides a large font with bold, dark letters to make reading easier. If you are looking to subscribe to your favorite daily newspaper in a large print edition, it is now possible - thanks to new low vision technology - called electronic readers. Find out how you can try a 10 day trial for free and have large print news brought to you daily. Large Print Newspapers Free Books on Tape
The National Libray Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped provides FREE Braille and recorded materials through the Libary of Congress. Each state is serviced by a library that loans the cassette player and books on tape. You can request an application by calling 1-800-424-8567.
To read more about how to get audio books, audio magazines and free large print books click here:
Free Books on Tape
Contact Leslie Degner, RN, BSN
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