How to choose an optical magnifier

Optical Magnifiers

Advantages:

– Very lightweight

– Portable – in handbag or pocket

– Simple technology

– Familiar to older people

– Reasonably cheap

 

 

Disadvantages:

– Not very strong magnification; 3x – 12x

– Field of view decreases as  magnification increases, meaning fewer words can be seen at higher magnification

– At higher magnification the magnifier and object need to be held close to the face. Not easy for some people.

– Curving and distortion at edges

– Poor contrast

– High glare

 

 

 

Electronic Magnifiers – Hand Held

Advantages:

– Variable magnification levels

– Increased field of view

– No distortion

– Range of display options to reduce glare or increase contrast

 

 

Disadvantages:

 

– More expensive

 

However, the most important thing you need to do is try them out. Everybody is unique and what suits your friend or neighbour will not necessarily suit you. Here is a simulation of reading a newspaper using an optical magnifier and an electronic magnifier.