People with low vision have a wide variety of rehabilitation options available to them. Special devices are used extensively to help patients live and work more effectively, safely and efficiently. The most commonly prescribed devices for low vision patients are:
Spectacle-mounted magnifiers – This is simply a magnifying lens mounted in spectacles and is sometimes called a microscope. The advantage to the patient is that both hands are free to perform near-task work such as reading or crafts.
Hand-held and stand magnifiers – This device is often used as a supplementary aid to other specialized systems. They are convenient for briefly reading things like price tags, instrument dials and labels. An added advantage is that both types can be equipped with a light to increase vision comfort and effectiveness.
Hand-held or spectacle-mounted telescopes – These miniature telescopes can be useful for seeing longer distances, particularly while watching television. They can be modified also for close-up work.
Video magnification – Table top video displays are used today to enlarge text and graphics on a screen for easier reading. Special head-mounted systems are available also for this purpose. Some of these are portable systems and can be used with a computer monitor. An advantage of the video display is that brightness, image size and contrast can be adjusted and customized for a patient’s specific needs.
These are only a few of the many low vision aids available to assist those with vision impairment. Large-type books, taped books, self-threading needles, talking wristwatches are just some of the handy devices to improve a patient’s comfort and lifestyle.
Your optometrist can advise you on the specific devices to suit your needs and suggest where these can be purchased.
