As your macular degeneration progresses you will need to find ways to adjust and adapt. Gadgets and tools such as magnifiers, lights, bold print books, and contrasting colored measuring cups allow you to enjoy everyday pleasures such as reading, playing cards, baking, and watching movies. Read on to learn more.
Macular Degeneration Magnifiers
As ones macular degeneration progresses the need for magnification becomes greater. Magnifiers come in a variety of styles and types - floor lamp magnifiers, pocket magnifiers, electronic ones and reading magnifiers. It is important to choose a magnifier with the right power for your eyesight and to learn how to use it correctly to benefit from it. Different magnifiers are needed for different tasks. Magnifiers are probably the most useful of all visual aids for macular degeneration.
Low Vision Lighting
Improved and correct lighting may be one of the most overlooked and yet one of the simplest ways to help you see better. Lighting needs increase when you have macular degeneration. You will need more lamps around the house and brighter bulbs. Ott lighting is a low vision lighting that simulates natural day light. It provides a natural looking light that enhances contrast, reduces glare and provides better clarity.
Large Print Books
Large print is usually a 16 point font - however, some books are labeled as large print and may have as little as a 12 point font. So be sure you know the font size before you make your purchase. For people with macular degeneration it is helpful to have bold print so that the contrast with the white page makes the words easier to see and read. When the letters are very dark and crisp, your reading will be more enjoyable.
Computer Screen Magnifier
Computers are such a great aid for all of us - but they are a wonderful visual aid for macular degeneration. There are ways to enlarge the print, reduce the glare and increase the contrast so that you can surf away on the internet.
Low Vision CCTV
Low Vision CCTV (closed circuit television) allows you to see recipe cards, photographs, your mail, prescription bottles and more. Now many of them have mirrors so you can magnify yourself for a better shave or to put on your make-up.
Large Button Phone
Consider a large button phone that has easy to see bold numbers for easier dialing. With some phones you simply press the button that displays a picture of the person you want to call.
Electronic Reading Device
An electronic reading device is a low vision technology that reads books, magazines, newspapers and blogs. Those with macular degeneration can continue to enjoy their favorite authors, periodicals or newspaper through this text to speech converter.
