How to Choose a Magnifier for Low Vision

Magnifiers are used widely by people who work assembling tiny and intricate objects or manufactured products. Their bent or curved lenses increase the view range of the object being worked with, thereby easing eye strain. The enlarged views they yield also give a more close-up, detailed look at objects which must be seen closely to be made or repaired. People who suffer from vision impairment benefit from these magnifiers as well. Many people prefer them to eyewear, since they find wearing glasses uncomfortable, or not practical in some cases.

Instructions

• 1

  Look for a magnifier with sufficient power to correct vision. Make sure it is not too weak, since magnifiers that are too weak not only do not help much, but can actually aggravate the problem. Do not buy one that is too strong because it can cause eye damage and headaches.

• 2

  Knowing how to calculate magnification lets you get the right strength magnifier.

  Know the method for calculating just how much magnification you are getting. Go by the X indication. For instance, if a magnifier has a 2X rating, it makes objects appear two times larger than what they are.

• 3

  Keep in mind that this formula is different for lighted magnifiers. Divide lit magnifiers by four to get the magnification rate. A lit magnifier with an 8 lens magnifies objects to two times their actual size.

• 4

  The vision deficiency itself is not helped by magnifiers, but it does compensate for it.

  Use a magnifier with a light for low vision and when using a magnifier in low or poor light. Take advantage of the science involved. The curvature of the lens under increased light sends that light back to the retina. Since it is viewed through a bent lens, the returning light fills a bigger portion of the retina, increasing the size of the object you are looking at.

• 5

  Find the focal point of the magnifier. All magnifiers do not have the same focal point. Consider that the focal point is the distance at which light rays converge, and the object comes into view. Keep in mind that focal point is very important when you need to use tools to work on an object. This means a much shorter working distance under higher powered magnifiers.

• 6

  Over-magnification is painful to the eyes.

  Let your vision lead you with deciding which magnifier is best suited for your vision level. Choose either a higher power lens to see more clearly smaller parts of the whole or choose a longer focal point to see more of the object less magnified. Use the lens that matches your vision need.

• 7

  Familiarize yourself with the power ratings and try the weakest first. Work your way up through the different strengths to find your right strength. For instance, 0.75 magnifies the object 75 percent, or less than a 100 percent increase in size at 13-inch focal point for a 5-inch lens. Try it first; then, go to the next increase at 1.25, or 125 percent at 8-inch focal point. Continue until you find your lens strength and focal point.