Magnifiers

About magnifiers

It isn't easy if you can't see everyday things. Unable to read instructions on a packet or to tell if a letter is a bill or junk mail can be a real problem. Using a magnifier could make print and other objects big enough to see.

Many people find that magnifiers are really useful, both for looking at things close up and in the distance.

Some examples of things that magnifiers might help you to see more easily include:

• cooking instructions and food labels
• control dials on cookers and washing machines
• letters and bills.

This page describes the different types of magnifiers available and provides some hints and tips for using them. There is also advice on how to choose the right magnifier for you.

Types of magnifier

Magnifiers can be split into two main types:

• magnifiers for looking at things close up
• devices for looking at things in the distance.

They also come in different strengths and sizes so that they can be used for different things. The "magnifying power" of a magnifier is usually denoted with an "X" to mean "times". For example, "X8" means it magnifies what you are looking at eight times.

The "magnifying power" is calculated from the strength of the lens. The strength of the lens is measured in Dioptres (D). There are two ways of calculating the "magnifying power", so sometimes two magnifiers marked with the same power, for example, X2, may actually have different magnifying effects. For two magnifiers marked with the same power you should compare them under the same circumstances, by looking through them to see which makes things appear bigger.

It is a myth that a big lens is a strong lens. 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.

Many people use different magnifiers for doing different things. The best way of finding out which magnifiers are right for you is by going to a low vision service for help and advice. Contact RNIB Helpline (0303 123 9999 / helpline@rnib.org.uk), your local social services department or use our find an organisation database to locate a voluntary group near you.

It is helpful to know a little bit about the different types of magnifiers that are available.

Looking at things close-up

Hand-held magnifiers

These can be used for most things that you want to see close up. They can be held in either hand, above the writing or object that you want to see to make it look bigger. They can be round, rectangular or square and the strength of these magnifiers vary from X1.5 to X11. Some have a battery operated light.

Hand-held magnifiers can be difficult to use if you have weak or shaky hands.

Stand magnifiers

Stand magnifiers can be used for reading and sometimes writing, and 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.

Stand magnifiers need to be kept flat on the page when they are used and can be moved across the page to see each line. This type of magnifier comes in different shapes and sizes, and is available in strengths from X2 to X20.

Some stand magnifiers are fitted with lights. These are called illuminated stand magnifiers and can be plugged into an electrical socket or fitted with batteries. Some of these are available with an LED light unit, which gives a brighter, whiter light and is more energy efficient than the older type bulbs.

Pocket magnifiers

These 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. The strength of pocket magnifiers ranges from X2 to X15. Some pocket magnifiers are fitted with little lights, while others are designed to fold up.

Spectacle mounted magnifiers

This type of magnifier fits onto spectacles and allows the user to have their hands free for certain tasks, although the object you are looking at will have to be held close. Spectacle mounted magnifiers 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.

Closed circuit televisions (CCTVs)

There is a wide range of electronic low vision devices available to you including:

• CCTVs
• CCTV readers
• portable devices.

Closed circuit televisions are known as CCTVs. To work them, you put what you want to see underneath a special camera, and the page appears on a TV screen or a monitor. You then have controls to make the print bigger and bolder.

On average, CCTVs can make things between X2 and X70 bigger. CCTVs can be expensive, but there are many different makes and models.

A CCTV reader is a cheaper and smaller option than a CCTV. This is a hand-held camera that you move across the page. Some plug into the back of your television. The size of the print will depend on the size of the screen and the magnification settings of the device.

Portable devices have an in-built camera and screen to enable you to read with greater flexibility. A regularly updated factsheet on CCTVs can be ordered from RNIB by calling 0870 013 9555.

Unlike other magnifiers, these electronic low vision aids are not usually loaned free of charge from low vision services. However, it may be possible to obtain one via various schemes and grants. Contact RNIB Helpline on 0845 766 9999 for further details.

Looking at things in the distance

Monoculars

Monoculars are like mini telescopes, which you look through with only one eye. The majority of monoculars are hand-held. Some of the weaker telescopes can be mounted into spectacles, but the stronger ones are too heavy to do this.

Monoculars may help you to look at a football match, the television, a view, or look at road signs and check the numbers on buses. They are easy to carry outdoors, there are several types available and unlike magnifiers, the bigger the telescope is, the stronger it is. Strengths range from X2.5 to X14.

A low vision service will show you how to use monoculars, but some practice will be required.

Binoculars

Binoculars are also used for looking at things in the distance, but you use two eyes to look through them.

Note: Remember, many of the magnifiers mentioned can be obtained free of charge from your local low vision service. A low vision service will be able to help you find the best magnifiers for you. Contact RNIB's Helpline, your local social services or voluntary organisation for help finding your local low vision service.

Choosing the right magnifier

Many of the magnifiers mentioned on this page can be obtained free of charge from your local low vision service.

However, you should remember that choosing the right magnifier for you is very important. If you feel that you need a magnifier, RNIB recommends that you visit your low vision service, where you will receive an assessment so that you can get the type most suitable for you. Many services provide magnifiers on loan, free of charge.

To find out more about low vision services in your area, contact RNIB Helpline on (0303 123 9999 / helpline@rnib.org.uk), your local social services department or voluntary organisation.

Hints and tips

• Magnifiers usually work best with spectacles. Use the pair of spectacles that the low vision service recommends. If in doubt as to which pair to use, contact your low vision service or optician.
• If you use a magnifier to make print bigger, you can often only see one or two words or letters at a time. This can make it hard to keep your place. Try using your finger to mark each line. When reaching the end of a line, return to the beginning of the line with your finger before dropping down onto the next one.
• Holding a magnifier close to your eye and bringing what you want to see up to it will often help you see more letters and words at a time.
• Some people find moving the book or page from side to side easier than moving the magnifier or their eyes.
• If you are using your magnifier to read when sitting in a chair, put the book or newspaper you are reading on a clipboard to help keep the page flat and still. A cushion or a tray may be useful to provide support.
• Keep your magnifier clean by using a lens cleaner (available from most opticians), or use warm soapy water and dry with a soft cloth.
• Use different magnifiers for different tasks.
• If you find your eyes are getting tired, take a break and start again when you feel better.
• If you are having problems using your magnifier, get in touch with your local low vision service. They may be able to give you more training or swap it for another one.