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Go for it!

Magnifiers - see for yourself

If you find it hard to see things clearly even after you have had your eyes tested and are wearing the right glasses or contact lenses, you may have low vision.

You may have been told that there is nothing that can be done to improve the medical condition of your eyes. However, there is often a lot that you can do to improve the way you use the sight that you have.

How could a magnifier help you? It isn't easy if you can't see everyday things. Maybe you can't see instructions on a packet or can't see if a letter is a bill or junk mail. Using a magnifier might make print and other objects big enough to see. Many people find that they are really useful for looking at things close-up and further way.

Here are some examples of things that magnifiers might help you to see more easily:

  • Cooking instructions and food labels
  • TV listings
  • Control dials on cookers and washing machines
  • Photographs
  • Letters
  • Outdoor scenery
  • Watching television

Choosing the right magnifier for you Choosing the right magnifier for you is very important. If you feel that you need a magnifier, you should visit your low vision service where you will receive an assessment so that you can get the best magnifier for you. Many services provide magnifiers on loan, free of charge.

The different strengths and sizes of magnifiers Magnifiers have different strengths and sizes so that they can be used for doing different things:

On the whole, the bigger the size of the magnifier lens, the weaker it will be. More powerful magnifiers are smaller and have to be held close to your eye and what you want to look at when being used. With stronger magnifiers you might not see as much at once – for example, you might only see part of a word.

A short guide to the different magnifiers available:

Hand-held Magnifiers
Hand-held magnifiers can be used for most things that you want to see close-up. They are often known as “magnifying glasses”

Stand Magnifiers
Stand magnifiers can be used for reading and sometimes writing. They are mounted on stands that sit on the page you want to see. They are often good if you have weak or shaky hands.

Pocket Magnifiers
Pocket magnifiers are small hand-held magnifiers, which fit into a coat pocket or handbag. They are ideal for taking out and about to places like your local shops.

Spectacle Mounted Magnifiers
Many people would like magnifiers that fit into their spectacles so that they can have their hands free for holding a book. Magnifiers in spectacles are not the same as ordinary spectacles. They either have very strong lenses, which are thicker than normal lenses or they have telescopic lenses that stick out from the spectacles' frames.

Hints and tips for using magnifiers
Using a magnifier is often tiring, especially in the beginning, but using a magnifier will not damage your eyes.

  • Shining a lamp directly onto what you are doing often makes it easier to see
  • If you find your eyes are getting tired, take a break and start again when you feel better
  • Magnifiers usually work best with one pair of spectacles•
  • Some people find moving the book or page from side to side easier than moving the magnifier on their eyes.
  • Keep your magnifier clean by using a lens cleaner or use warm soapy water.

Who Should You Contact Next?
Call the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) for Information, Support and Advice on 0845 766 9999