Macular degeneration patients may find a low vision closed circuit television (CCTV) magnifier to be of great help in improving their vision. These devices combine monitor, camera and XY reading table all into one device for easy operation.

Ideal for individuals with sufficient remaining central vision to conduct an Amsler grid test and report distortion or dense scotomas, they provide accurate results of tests like Amsler grid tests.

Portable Video Magnifiers

Video magnifiers are effective vision aids designed to assist those suffering from macular degeneration or other low vision conditions as well as general use. Portable electronic magnifiers offer flexible reading of any text, image or document while on the move – using camera technology and screen viewing with some models offering advanced features like image capture, computer connectivity, custom color mode settings and contrast adjustment to meet specific visual needs. Portable viewing panels may also increase magnification power when combined with monitor or laptop connections for easy carrying capacity – lightweight models typically weigh only 3-5 lbs for easy transportability!

Desktop Video Magnifiers

Hand-held magnifiers may be more convenient for some, but desktop video magnifiers offer superior durability and versatility. These larger magnifiers typically attach to a monitor which allows it to be pivoted or adjusted for ergonomic comfort; complex models may include camera imaging on their monitor. Desktop video magnifiers are designed to offer real-time viewing assistance options to people suffering from macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma or other eye conditions.

Some desktop video magnifiers come equipped with optical character recognition (OCR). These devices read printed or handwritten text from documents and display it on screen for easier reading, writing, drawing or daily tasks such as applying makeup or grooming rituals. OCR can be especially beneficial to individuals who find holding reading glasses difficult as well as everyday tasks such as applying makeup.

Desktop electronic magnifiers offer many of the same advantages of portable CCTVs; their large displays, various magnification levels, and many viewing options make them less portable; however they require permanent placement on a user’s workstation at home or office. Recently released handheld CCTVs that look like small computer mice may also provide clear images and magnification levels similar to what can be found with desktop electronic magnifiers; however they may not fit as comfortably into pockets for use away from desk.

Snooper Dome CCTVs are portable video magnifiers designed with a small convex dome that attaches directly to an existing monitor or television to enlarge its screen, with color, white-on-black, freeze frame, variable magnification and color options for each. Very cost-effective devices with adjustable magnification settings have become very popular among those suffering mild to moderate vision loss due to their extremely affordable pricing structure and lightweight construction that makes using handheld CCTVs easier for those suffering tremor or poor hand-eye coordination issues.

Computer Magnifiers

Computer magnifiers (also called screen magnifiers) are low vision devices designed to enable people with vision loss to use computers as though they were regular monitors, without straining your eyes to read what’s on the screen. These magnifiers enlarge images on the screen to make reading and other tasks such as email, internet surfing, typing, and writing easier and there are numerous types of magnifiers on the market ranging in size, shape and power; your low vision specialist will assess your eyesight needs and recommend one best suited to you.

Magnifiers come in two basic forms, optical (using glass or plastic lenses) and electronic, which use video cameras to project magnified images onto a monitor screen. Nearly all people living with macular degeneration find some form of magnification extremely beneficial and consider these devices essential tools for maintaining independence while carrying out various tasks.

Desktop and portable magnifiers require software in order to operate correctly, typically downloaded programs compatible with specific operating systems such as Windows. Most common software offers various features to improve the magnified image such as text to speech conversion and color inversion; in some instances it also enlarges mouse cursors or pointers making them easier to follow onscreen.

Closed circuit television magnifiers, or CCTVs, offer more powerful magnification than handheld video magnifiers. Their special camera focuses on any item you need magnified — be it pills bottles, checks, newspapers or photos — and displays it on a large monitor screen. CCTVs allow up to 73X magnification and are therefore ideal for reading, writing and crossword puzzle activities as well as activities requiring hand-on activities that require magnification in combination with connectivity to a computer.

As with any assistive device, understanding how to effectively utilize magnifiers is paramount to reaping maximum benefit from them. Before purchasing one online or through catalogues, arrange an in-home demonstration by an organization such as Enhanced Vision who will bring various electronic magnifiers directly into your home for you to try out and gain answers to any questions that arise.

CCTV Magnifiers

CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) magnifiers are electronic devices which project an enlarged image onto a monitor screen–typically TV. They can be used for reading books, magazines, letters, checks, newspapers and photos–making them an excellent solution for people requiring magnification who no longer find optical magnifiers sufficient. CCTV magnifiers tend to be easy and effective at increasing reading ability.

Dependent upon their model, low vision aids may offer more features than simply magnification. Some provide full page Text-to-Speech that allows you to hear words on screen as they’re spoken aloud; other systems offer lighting, color and contrast modes that make items appear clearer or more visually attractive; and still others are designed as portable devices with small cameras mounted directly on eyeglass frames that connect by wire to smartphone-sized computers capable of processing visual data in many different ways.

Low vision aids usually consist of a customized camera, mounting arm for steady hands-free positioning of the camera and viewing screen/monitor with multiple lenses providing magnification up to 82x. The monitor can be set for different viewing modes including normal color viewing, black-on-white/white-on-black viewing modes or split screen mode which makes working with multiple documents or photos easier and other settings to enhance or improve sight. While these systems may be costly, most people with macular degeneration find them to be essential assistive devices – for more information please consult a low vision specialist who can assess your needs and recommend suitable options for you.