To make the most of your sight, and make them easier to see, make them bigger, bolder and brighter.
Making things bigger
Making things bigger usually makes them easier to see. Using easy-to-see products could help you in your daily life. Some examples of easy-to-see products are:
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clocks and watches with large numbers
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big button telephones
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large print books and calendars
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thick black felt-tip pens to write notes with.
You can also try moving things closer to your eyes - this will not damage your eyes, just make things appear bigger. For example, you could sit closer to your television to make the picture bigger.
Using a magnifier can also make things look bigger. Choosing the right magnifier for you is very important amd we advise you to visit your low vision service where you will receive a full assessment so that you can get the best magnifier for you.
Making things brighter
Using better lighting can help to make things easier to see. You should make sure that you have as much light as you feel comfortable with for each task that you do.
It is often easier to see things if you shine a light directly on to what you want to see. For example, when reading, it may be easier to see the text if you use a lamp that can be adjusted to shine directly on the page that you are reading. This is called task lighting.
Everyone is different and you need to find the amount of light that you are comfortable with.
Making things bolder
It is harder to see things that are similar in colour to the background that they are on. Contrast is about how much something appears to stand out from its background because of its colour or tone.
Things can be made easier to see by putting them on a contrasting background. You can use different colours or different tones to make them stand out. For instance, a dark purple plate on a dark purple tablecloth may be difficult to see. It would be easier to see a white plate on a purple tablecloth or a light purple plate on a dark purple tablecloth. The best contrast is black and white.
For further information about the use of contrast see the Practical adaptations page.
Where to buy equipment
To find out about these and other easy-to-see products, see our online shop or contact our Helpline (0303 123 9999 / helpline@rnib.org.uk).
You can also try out these and other products at RNIB's Resource Centres. Or come and visit RNIB at Sight Village London on 11 November 2009 to view and buy products. For more information see our Sight Village 2009 pages.
Low vision services
Low vision services can help you make the most of your sight. They will assess your sight and establish which devices and equipment, such as magnifiers, will be of most help to you. You will also receive training to make sure you can use and maintain any equipment correctly and effectively.
Low vision aids, such as magnifiers, can help you do lots of useful things close up, like reading letters and instructions or seeing controls on a cooker. Low vision aids can also be useful for seeing things that are far away, such as watching a play at the theatre or looking at scenery.
It is important that you have an assessment so that you get the advice and equipment that is best for you.
To find out more about low vision services in your area, contact RNIB Helpline (0303 123 9999 / helpline@rnib.org.uk). Your local social services department or voluntary organisation may also have information - use our Find useful organisations database to locate a voluntary organisation near you.