Stuart Eye Institute - Low Vision & Macular Degeneration Treatments.

Low Vision Devices

New portable low vision aid!

Image of Quicklook: central, small screen with camera on right side. Mode buttons on both sides of camera. Unit held by a hand (unit is slightly bigger than a hand). When placed on a food container, TV Guide or menu, the QuickLook by Ash Technologies displays 6X magnified color images on its 4- inch screen. Rechargeable battery powers this 10 -ounce device which is only 1" thick. It has a $795 price tag, but must be seen to be fully appreciated!

The first mention of eyeglasses goes back to 1289. While the underplaying laws of physics obviously have not changed, today the purely optical component — the lenses — have become part of miniature electronic "eyeglasses" or replaced by digital technology altogether.

The tried and true magnifier

When prescription glasses no longer do the job, magnifiers often can provide a boost. They come in various sizes and strength making selection often difficult. General guidelines to keep in mind:

	The higher the magnification. the smaller the lens. A 3.5 in. diameter magnifier typically has less than 2X magnification
	As the magnification is increased, the viewing area becomes smaller and it has to be positioned closer to the paper. For example. a lupe (magnifier) popular with photographers has 8X magnification, a 1 in. diameter lens, mounted in a clear plastic holder which keeps it a fixed 1 in. distance from the surface being examined.
	The closer your eye is to the magnifier, the larger is the field of view.

This basic information will help you select a magnifier in the drug store, and better understand your eye doctor's suggestions.

Dr. Hearing prescribes special microscopic low vision devices and telescopic devices from designers for both reading and distance. Patient must have vision in the 20/70 to 20/200 range to benefit from these devices. For more information about this world class facility go to www.designsforvision.com

The new choices

If you can't find a magnifier suitable to your needs, your low vision specialist may suggest stronger medicine. You may hear names such as Jordy, Ocutech's auto-focusing telescope, or some other strange name.

Click on one of the buttons below to take a closer look.

This page last modified on 6/29/06