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Tools for Low Vision

People who have low vision find that even with eyeglasses or contact lenses, many common tasks---reading and writing, watching movies and TV, shopping and cooking--become increasingly difficult. Conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts or diabetic retinopathy can lead to permanent vision loss. This deterioration doesn't mean that low-vision people need to abandon all their favorite activities. Modern technology provides many vision aids. An eye doctor can help find them.

  1. Simple and Inexpensive Aids

    • You can find a number of "low-tech" vision aids in stores and on the Internet. Large-print books are generally available in most public libraries as well as in bookstores. Many mail order catalogs offer large-dial clocks and wristwatches, "talking" watches and calculators and telephones with large numbers. Consider hand-held magnifiers or those you could hang around your neck. Use a wallet with compartments for separating denominations of bills. Most computers have optional settings to enlarge the screen view. Even such a simple solution as increasing the lighting in your home can help you cope with visual impairment. Use bright light bulbs or arrange seating to take advantage of natural light.

    Technological Aids

    • Special computer software that simulates voices reads information on the computer screen. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) scans text and repeats it as speech. Other programs translate computer printouts into Braille. Such aids, called assistive or adaptive technology, include devices to help someone use cell phones and magnifiers for computer monitor and TV screens.

    Special Glasses

    • Electronic magnifying glasses or telescopes mounted on eyeglasses aid in reading and other close work. These telemicroscopes on eyeglass frames enable the wearer to hold a book, use a computer or do other tasks using his hands. The eyeglass-mounted telescopes can even be used for driving, if allowed by the law. Another device consists of a magnifier that rests on the reading material and, as the reader moves the magnifier over the page, it projects the text onto a pair of special eyeglasses.

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