AND MAGNIFIERSHAND & STAND MAGNIFIERS
There is no such thing as a "regular" magnifier, just as there is no such thing as "regular" size shoes!
Every magnifier has a certain amount of diopters to it. The more diopters, the stronger the lens, & the more it magnifies. But the smaller the lens must be!
Dr. Shuldiner determines the exact amount of magnification needed for a task during the Low Vision Evaluation. He then demonstrates various magnifiers in that correct "strength".
For example, if 12 diopters is required for the patient to see a pricetag, a 12 diopter folding magnifer, a 12 diopter illuminated magnifier, and a 12 diopter stand magnifier will be demonstrated. After the patient selects the most comfortable magnifier, instruction is provided on proper usage.
(Low Vision specialists use diopters, not "x" magnification because there are different standards to determine the amount of magnification. For example, some companies use the formula 4Diopters=1x, others use 4Diopters=1x+1 or 2.5Diopters=1x. Therefore a 12 Diopter magnifer could be labeled 3x, 4x or 5x.)
Low vision devices are "task specific". Unfortunately, there are no "magic" glasses that will allow the patient to do everything as before.
Examples:
Hand magnifiers are useful for the following tasks:
seeing prices, labels, dials, phone book, mail, menus.
They are NOT recommended for reading a book, newspaper, or prolonged reading.
Stand magnifiers are useful for the following tasks:
when the hands are unsteady;
coin collecting, stamp collecting, reading a bill and then writing a check.
Obviously, there are many uses for hand and stand magnifers. If you have a unique task that you'd like to share, please use e-mail Doctor@lowvisioncare.com and let us know.
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