PC Screen Magnifier

A PC screen magnifier can come in different forms. You can buy a computer software that will enlarge your screen or buy a simple screen to put over your monitor to enlarge it. There are a couple of things you can do for free to enlarge your screen as well.

Windows Magnifier for Free

There are two things you can try with Windows before you purchase a pc screen magnifier:

1) Simply hold the Control key and click the + key. Hitting the - (minus) key will make the page smaller.

2) Magnifier is a display utility for those who have Windows XP that makes the computer screen more readable by people who have low vision by creating a separate window that displays a magnified portion of the screen. This is how to access it:

On the Start menu:

Point to All Programs

Point to Accessories

Point to Accessibility

Select Magnifier.

I found it easy to use, however at first the screen seemed confusing. You can magnify to the power of 9. I found as I increased the magnification the font became more difficult to read. But it's free if you have Windows XP and maybe worth a try before buying expensive software.

Magnifying Software

1) LunarPlus made by Dolphin

2) MAGic made by FreedomScientific

3) ZoomText (previous version called Big Shot) made by Ai Squared

Up to 36x screen magnification, clear images and smooth navigation.

You can choose which part of the screen to magnify. Or magnify the whole screen.

Provides control of your on-screen color, contrast and brightness.

Can adjust the size of your pointers and cursors so when you move your mouse, its very easy to see.

Cost is around $400

4) SuperNova, which integrates Lunar with the screen reading and Braille output capability of their full-featured screen reader, Hal.

5) JAWS (by FreedomScientific) offers a full-featured screen reader.

These screen magnification programs are compatible with

Windows Vista,

Windows XP, and

NT/2000.

The cost range is between $300-$400 and can go as high as $600.

Monitor Screen Magnifier

Benefits are:

√ Reduces glare

√ Blocks UV rays

√ Provides anti-reflection

√ Easy to install - usually mounts on the top of the monitor

√ Fits 14-19" monitors.

√ Models for flat screen monitors are available

√ Stand magnifiers are available for laptop computers

√ Magnifies approximately to 2x

√ Inexpensive. Cost is usually $100 or less

Disadavantages are:

Limited to 2x

Go from PC screen Magnifier to Visual Aids
Contact Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Would you like to be updated on:

The Latest Macular Degeneration Clinical Trials?

√ Prevention of Macular Degeneration?

√ Tips for Daily Living?

√ Food Suggestions for a Macular Degeneration Diet?

√ Ideas on Visual Aids to Maximize your Sight?

If you said "yes" to any of the above, sign up for my monthly Macular Degeneration News.