How to choose a magnifier
How to choose a magnifier
As we get older, many parts of our bodies start to show signs of ageing and our eyes are no exception. This may just mean new glasses but over time more severe problems can occur that require additional help.
One vital factor for best visual function is the amount of light, with a 60 year old needing about 15x times more light than a 10 year old to achieve the same visual performance. All these factors are important when choosing a magnifier and many come with built-in illumination to give light which is directly focused onto the task in hand.
The other consideration is what the magnifier will be used for. Some are better suited to specific tasks and purchasing more than one may be necessary.
So if you are among the growing number of people with lower vision, you may find that a magnifier or low vision aid can assist with tasks such as reading fine print, sewing or viewing classroom presentations.
Choosing the right power
As a general rule with magnifiers, it is best to choose the lowest power that does the job. To this end you can download our magnification guide. Print this off actual size and then read down as low as you can.
To the right of the line is a magnification figure which will indicate the most likely power you need in order to be able to read the bottom line.