Macular Degeneration Magnifier
Low Vision Magnifiers
The type of macular degeneration magnifier you purchase depends on what activity you want to use it for - whether it is for reading a recipe or a book, doing detailed work like sewing or for distance viewing like watching a ball game. Along with choosing the right magnifier you also need to know how to use it correctly with the correct lighting. This means that you may need 2-4 macular degeneration magnifiers for doing different tasks.
Choosing the Right Macular Degeneration Magnifier?In order to select the best type of magnifier to meet your individual magnification one needs to consider:√ The Lens Size The lens size needs to be large enough to see as much as possible and/or small enough to be carry in your pocket or purse. √ The Magnification Magnification is the ratio between the apparent size and the true size of the viewed object behind the lens. If an object behind the lens appears ten times larger than its true size, and the object is in focus, the magnification is 10X. √ Focal length Focal Length has do to with how far the magnifier needs to be from your eyes and from the object. The stronger the magnification, the shorter the distance between the magnifier and the object. Magnifiers come in different powers or strengths. There are a couple of principles to know about magnifiers. They are: 1. The stronger the magnifier the smaller the viewing area. 2. The stronger the magnifier the closer the lens must be to the viewing area. Often a stand magnifier (a magnifier on legs) is the magnifier of choice because it is preset with the correct distance to maintain the best focus. However, if you are able to read a book with a 2x hand-held magnifier, the magnifier can be several inches away from the book and your eyes can be several inches away from the 2x hand-held magnifier. There are two types of lenses: √ Glass lenses Glass lenses allow more light to be transmitted through the lens and usually have very clear optical qualities. It is hard, but not impossible, to scratch a glass lens. √ Acrylic lenses Acrylic lenses are very lightweight compared to glass lenses. They normally don't break or shatter and are scratch resistant. Many of today's magnifiers are acrylic and have exceptional optical qualities. If you have a favorite magnifier that you use for reading, hobbies, cooking or one that you carry with you, share it with others by clicking here: Your Favorite Macular Degeneration Magnifier
Types Macular Degeneration MagnifiersReading Magnifier
One of the first activities that will become a challenge is the ability to read without eye strain. That's because the macula is responsible for our straight ahead and detailed or sharp vision.As your macular degneration progresses you will need more light and more magnification. There are several inexpensive styles of reading magnifiers. You may have to try a couple of different styles to find the one that is most comfortable for you. You may also need several magnifiers. The dome magnifier easily glides over the fine print of a newspaper and a full page magnifier can sit over the page you are reading to be hands free. Click here to read more.
Reading Magnifier
Electronic MagnifierAn electronic magnifier becomes a very useful tool when regular magnifiers are no longer helpful.For example a full page magnifier is great, if you only need 2x magnification. The larger the glass magnifying lens the less power the magnifier is able to provide. An electronic magnifier displays any image, document, book or magazine page onto a large screen monitor and has the ability to magnify up to 75x. To learn more about these low vision magnifiers click here: Electronic Magnifier Lighted MagnifierA lighted magnifier provides light and magnification. As your macular degeneration progresses you will need more light and more magnification. You will also need different magnifiers for different tasks. To read more about your options for lighted magnifiers click here: Lighted Magnifier 
Pocket MagnfierPocket Magnifiers are small, compact, and lightweight macular degeneration magnifiers that you can take with you anywhere.There are round, rectangular, and square pocket magnifiers with glass or plastic (acrylic) lenses. Both illuminated and non-illuminated magnifiers are available. The range of magnification goes from 2x to 30x power magnifications. Click here to read about Pocket Magnifiers:
Pocket Magnifiers
Hand Held MagnifierThe benefit of a hand-held magnifiers is that they are portable.They come in a variety of prices and magnification power from 2X to 100X. Some hand-held magnifiers have a built–in light source that provides increased contrast for reading. Click here for more information: Hand Held Magnifiers 
LED MagnifierLED magnifiers provide significant lighting and are an important visual aid for those with macular degeneration.LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are small, solid light bulbs which are extremely energy-efficient and provide a soft white light, without harsh reflection, glare or shadows. My father-in-law, who has advanced AMD, finds that the LED lighted magnifier is the one that he uses most often. To read more about the benefits this macular degeneration magnifier click here: LED Magnifier Hands Free MagnfierHands-free magnifiers are great for any task where you need your hands free.They are perfect for crafts, hobbies and reading small print. The hands-free macular degeneration magnifiers are designed to be either placed on (or clamped to) a table or desk, clipped to an eyeglass frame, or worn around the neck or head for easy hands-free use. They can be glass or plastic, illuminated or non-illuminated with round or rectangular lenses. The magnification power usually ranges from 1.5x to 15x. Click here to read about hands free magnifiers: Hands Free Magnifier Clip On MagnifierConsider a clip on magnifier for your workbench or sewing table.There are many styles to choose from - but select one that is lighted so you get light and magnification. To see a selection of clip on magnifiers click here: Clip on Magnifier Cell Phone MagnifierAre you having trouble seeing the numbers or names of people on your cell phone? I am and I don't have macular degeneration.There is a handy gadget that magnifies your cell phone screen. Click here to see it: Cell Phone Magnifier Magnifying Desk LampA magnifying desk lamp is a great visual aid to help with reading, hobbies, writing bills or sending off a letter.As your macular degeneration progresses you will need more light and more magnification. With a desk lamp magnifier you are getting both. Click here to read more: Magnifying Desk Lamp 
Magnifying Glass NecklaceNecklace Magnifiers can be attractive and functional with the added benefit of not misplacing it :)A magnifying glass necklace can be worn and used as a spot magnifier to read a price tag, a prescription bottle, a piece of mail, or a recipe. Wear it throughout the day, so that your magnifier is always handy. They come in glass and plastic and range in magnification power of 2x to 5x. Read more about this macular degeneration magnifier here: Magnifying Glass Necklace Full Page MagnifierPage magnifiers are a functional and versatile macular degeneration magnifier.They enhance your reading experience by magnifying a whole page or just a particular section of the page. You can find full page magnifiers that are made of a high quality plastic or acrylic lens or a glass lens. Magnification power is usually 2x, 2.5x, and 3x power. 
Lighted Magnifying MirrorsLighted magnifying mirrors are great for applying cosmetics, eyebrow tweezing, grooming, etc.They come in glass and plastic (acrylic) lenses and the magnification power range is from 2x to 16x. This is an inexpensive vision aid to help you get going in the morning and to help you with looking great. Click here to see some mirrors: Lighted Magnifying Mirrors Magnifying Floor LampSome features to consider when purchasing a magnifying floor lamp are:1. The type of lighting it provides, 2. The magnification power, and 3. The size of the magnifying glass Click here for a list of features to consider: Magnifying Floor Lamp Computer Screen MagnifierComputer magnifiers are screens that easily fit onto your flat-screen computer monitor and double the size of type.They usually feature full screen magnification, anti-reflective coating for a crisp and sharp image. The magnifier attaches in seconds and no assembly is required. Click here to read about your different options for computer screen magnifiers. Computer Screen Magnifier Low Vision CCTV
CCTV (closed circuit TV) is for people with moderate to severe vision loss. If you have 20/400 vision, a CCTV is the best option for reading. This device uses a camera and a monitor to magnify a page, a pill bottle, a picture. The way it works is that you place a book or object beneath the camera and that page or object is then viewed on the monitor at a magnification that you can control. This macular degeneration magnifier is useful for looking at pictures, catalogs, pill bottles, bills, or any other reading material. To read more about low vision CCTV click here: Low Vision CCTV TV MagnifiersTV magnifiers can be either a simple gadget you easily install in front of your TV or magnifying TV glasses that you can take with you wherever you go.Many people with macular degeneration spend a lot of time watching their favorite TV program, the news, sports or movies. It's possible to see it better with more vivid colors and with better clarity with these visual aids. Most of them are high quality and offer a distortion free magnification.
TV Magnifiers
Power MagnifiersWhat power magnifier is needed for you is best determined by a low vision specialist. Your need for magnification will gradually change over the years, so you will periodically need to adjust.However, it is better NOT to use a magnifying power that is too high. Use the lowest power magnifier that allows you to see without too much eye strain. Find out about lens size, how to get a clear focus and what you should know about magnifying powers:
Power Magnifier
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