Despite following orders to eat our carrots and not to read in the dark, as we get older our vision often changes. For those who enjoy reading, reduced vision can make this favorite pastime difficult. There are aids available to help make the words in your book or magazine a little clearer, however. We are going to discuss some of them below.

Reading glasses basics

The most common reduced vision reading aid is reading glasses. There are a variety of reading glasses, but there are two main styles: full frames and half-eyes. Full frames are most helpful for reading close items, while half-eyes can be used to increase vision close as well as distance reading. Over the counter reading glasses can be purchased inexpensively at local drug stores. These ready-to-wear glasses offer a variety of colors and shape styles for the fashion conscious. Custom made reading glasses are also available through an optician.

Lights, magnifiers, action!

Lighted magnifiers offer reading support by illuminating and increasing the size of the reading material. They are lightweight and portable, enabling you to use them on the go. They provide 2 to 5 times magnification. Sometimes you need a little more or a little less lighting, and these magnifiers help you adjust to various settings with a switch that can be flipped from high to low.

Magnifiers on the go

Magnifiers come in different styles and sizes. Wallet magnifiers, as their name suggests are designed to fit into your wallet, purse, or pocket. The wallet magnifiers have 2 times magnification for reading small type material in low light situations. They also have a 6 times magnification bi-focal insert that offers increased illumination.

The hands-free option

The hands-free lighted magnifier is equipped with an adjustable lanyard to be worn around your neck. This is perfect for when you are doing activities that require you to use both hands. You can use these for 2.5 to 6 times magnification while you knit, sew, read, or participate in other activities where you need increased vision and your hands free.

Touch magnifiers

Touch LED magnifiers are bar-shaped vision aids that provide magnification of 2 to 4 times. Their shape/design make them excellent tools for usage in reading the fine print on medicine bottle labels, bills, menu reading, as well as books and magazines. They easily fit into a pocket or purse and have an auto shut off feature when not in use.

Keep the lights on

Full spectrum desk lamps produce bright light without the added glare and result in reduced eyestrain. Their height can be adjusted to meet your needs and the gooseneck swivels as well. A three-way switch allows the level of illumination to be changed to higher or lower levels and they use energy saving bulbs to help keep your light bill low.

Don’t let aging eyes stop you from reading. Use one or more of these reading aids and enjoy that new novel or magazine.

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