LOW VISION AIDS
Classification
Low Vision Aids
Optical
Devices
• Magnifying Nonoptical Assistive
Spectacles Devices Technologie
• Hand Magnifiers
• Stand Magnifiers s
• Telescopes
Optical Devices
TWO TYPES
DISTANCE
NEAR
Magnifyin Hand Stand Telescopes
g Magnifier Magnifier
Spectacles s s
Magnifying Spectacles (High Plus Reading
Glasses)
Uses
• For reading any material
. Writing
Looking at objects from close range.
Advantages
The hands are free to hold the reading material The field of view is larger
compared to telescopes and some stand magnifiers
Reading can be done for a prolonged time than hand magnifiers and stand
magnifiers which tire the hands soon They can be given in both monocular and
binocular form They are easily portable
They are the most acceptable form of low vision device as it does not show much
of patient's disability to everyone.
Disadvantages
• The major problem of this device is the fixed close reading
distance, and higher the add closer is the reading distance
• The close reading distance causes fatigue or unacceptable
posture to read
Illumination is obstructed and reduced due to bending over the
book
These may not be also effective in patients with constricted field
of vision.
Hand Magnifiers
USES
Reading signs, labels, prices, books
Identifying money
Viewing near objects.
Advantages
The eye to lens distance can be varied with hand magnifiers
• The patient can maintain normal reading distance unlike spectacles and stand magnifiers
which make the patient go close
It is most convenient for short term tasks
Many of our elder patients may have picked them over the counters and will be familiar to
them.
They are easily available They work well in patients with eccentric viewing
Diseases with constricted fields will also benefit with them Some magnifiers have their own
light source which itself enhances the vision.
Stand Magnifiers
Uses
Reading from a booj or newspaper Looking at a picture or diagram.
Advantages
It has a fixed focus easy for patient to see through
It works good for patients with tremors, arthritis and constricted fields
They may have their own light source.
Disadvantages
• The field of view is reduced
It required good hand coordination
• Too close to reading posture is sometimes painful for long hours.
•
Telescopes
Types of Telescopes Include
• 1. Hand held monocular
• 2. Clip-on, spectacle mounted, monocular or binocular 3. Bioptic
designs.
• The optics is based on two principles:
• Galilean
• Keplerian.
Advantages
It is the only possible device to date which enhances distance vision
Can be used in a classroom for blackboard reading or outdoors.
Disadvantages
The major drawback with telescope is the restriction in field of view
The second is the appearance and the apprehension Patients with constricted fields do
not benefit much by them
The focusing requires coordination of hands and eye, which is sometimes difficult for the
patient to focus
They are usually expensive and costly for many of our patients.
Nonoptical Devices
Enhances contrast
Relative size devices Good lighting on object or
Large print materials print
Reduces glare Reading Lamp
Typoscope / reading Bold lined paper
signature Writing guide
Glare reduction Contrast enhancing
lenses/filters lenses/filters
Adjusts or provides a
comfortable
Changes to
working distance Environment
Reading stand Control or adjust light/glare
with hat, eye shade or
lamp, sunglasses
Organize space with less
Assistive Technologies
Video Computer Other assistive
magnification hardware and devices for
systems software daily living
• closed • screen • talking scales
circuit magnification • color identifiers
televisions , • talking compasses
(CCTVs) • synthesized
• portable speech
video • tactile
magnification display
devices
