Macular degeneration can result in vision loss, so several different magnifiers are available to aid the suffering eye. These magnifiers may be optical or electronic with a customized camera that displays an enlarged image on a monitor screen.

Closed Circuit Television Magnifier (CCTV Magnifier). This low vision device magnifies text and photographs.

Optical Magnifiers

Magnification can help those with macular degeneration overcome blind spots and distortions caused by age-related retinal damage, as well as daily activities and lifestyle choices that limit vision loss. Virtually everyone with low vision benefits from magnifiers; some require multiple types for different tasks depending on your level of vision loss, daily activities and lifestyle – from optical (using glass or plastic lenses), electronic video cameras projecting an image onto a screen, handheld stand magnifiers with various frame styles for handheld use; illuminated or non-illuminated illumination and even battery-powered magnifiers can all help people with low vision improve their vision loss and lifestyle choices – and many depend on which magnifiers work best for various tasks.

Handheld and stand magnifiers come in many different sizes, featuring LED lighting for maximum reading comfort and convenience. Many portable versions allow you to take them with you on trips for tasks such as writing checks, reading menus, prescription medication labels, maps, recipes and hobbies like needlepoint and model building/painting. Portable video magnifiers may also serve as a useful aid when connecting to computers for email, online shopping and social media use.

Desktop CCTVs can be helpful and straightforward tools for those suffering macular degeneration, making their viewing easier than ever before. Equipped with a special camera to gather information from objects being observed and display it on a monitor or TV screen, desktop CCTVs allow viewers to be as close or far from them as desired while providing various viewing modes, contrast settings and screen preference options so you can customize your experience; you can easily control focus magnification and size adjustments of text and images displayed.

Scharioth Macula Lens (SML), an add-on lens implant for those suffering from advanced or severe macular degeneration, may help improve near vision without impacting distance or color vision. It can be an option for those who have had cataract surgery and were later diagnosed with macular degeneration; 7 out of 8 patients saw significant reading vision improvements using the SML in initial published studies from 2015. Consult your eye doctor about whether SML would be right for you.

Electronic Magnifiers

Magnifiers can assist with many visual needs beyond reading, such as glasses or plastic lenses for reading and video cameras that project an enlarged image onto a monitor screen (such as television set). The type of magnifier needed depends on factors like severity of macular degeneration, individual activities and daily tasks – almost everyone with macular degeneration benefits from magnification; most require both optical and electronic versions, with some selecting multiple devices for different needs and tasks.

Electronic magnifiers tend to be smaller than their optical counterparts, featuring LCD high definition screens ranging from around 3.5″ for the Pebble to 6.5″ in size on the Amigo (which offers magnification up to 12x power) with many equipped with built-in LED lighting, contrast settings, and adjustable magnification features such as the Pebble.

Some models provide additional features such as image capture, computer connectivity, custom color mode and multiple display options. Many models are lightweight and small enough to be carried in a purse or pocket for independence and mobility during daily activities like checking bank statements, writing checks, enjoying crossword puzzles or eating at restaurants; as well as finishing handcrafts or hobbies like needlepoint or model building/painting projects.

An important consideration for anyone purchasing a magnifier is ensuring it does not weaken or harm eyes, though prolonged or excessive use may tire them out. A few simple strategies may make all the difference: keeping the lens free of dust and grease will prolong its lifespan; placing it in a zip lock bag to lower brightness levels when not required can also help; finally if handheld magnifiers

Portable Magnifiers

portable electronic magnifiersportable electronic magnifiers

portable electronic magnifiershandheld video magnifier

portable magnifier

portable magnifier

Desktop Magnifiers