What Strength Magnifier Do I Need for Low Vision, Macular Degeneration?

Are you confused by all the choices for magnifiers? Not sure which is the right one for you?

If you’re on this page, you or a loved one likely have Low Vision due to Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Cataracts or Diabetes.

We’re going to cover some basics so that you can make an informed decision when looking at magnifiers.

Full disclosure, the best thing to do is to get a Low Vision exam done by an eye doctor to determine your magnification level. This guide does not take the place of an exam by an ophthalmologist or eye care professional and should not be considered professional, medical advice. This is merely a guide.With that out of the way, please read on.

#1 Magnification

Every person with Low Vision has different needs. What are you trying to accomplish? Do you want to be able to read food labels while shopping at the supermarket? Read the newspaper? Maybe you want to read your prescription bottles?

Often times, people think more magnification is the best solution. However, stronger does not necessarily mean better. You wouldn’t use a sledgehammer to swat a fly, would you? It’s important to receive the correct magnification for your needs. Magnifiers with higher power means you will see a much smaller area.

Magnification strengths fall in the range between 2X and 12X or even higher. Most folks fall into the 2X, 3X and 4X range. 5X and above usually require experience. It’s probably not a good idea to go with these higher strengths unless you’ve already used magnifiers with a higher strength or your doctor recommended training.

What is your bifocal power? If you know your bifocal power, this can help determine what strength magnifier you need.

Have a look at our Low Vision Acuity Card. It’s best to download it and print it so it’s to scale of the actual chart. There is a link below where you can download it. You will need to use it with your prescription glasses on. The printed chart should be 12 inches by

some magnifiers are better for certain tasks vs. others. Hand held, vs pocket, vs stand

By the way, if you have a question, please comment below or and we’ll do our best to get back to you. For a faster response, please visit the Contact Us page on our website. You will find the link below.

#2 Lighting

#3 Contrast

It can be scary dealing with this terrible disease. However, educating yourself is a very important step in gaining back some control. Even with all these tips, every patient’s situation is different. It’s not guaranteed this guide will work as dark spots in your vision and other issues may hinder you from seeing better no matter what magnification you use.

However, these people may not have the money to go to an eye doctor or their health insurance won't cover the cost, but they would like to do daily tasks like reading a book or reading food labels when shopping or prescription bottles to make sure they're taking the correct pills. A magnifier glass can help them with this.

A bigger lens will give you more visual field, but the bigger the lens, the weaker the lens. The smaller the lens, the less visual field, but the magnification strength will be greater. This is because smaller lenses are more compact. If you need greater area to (what example should I use? Look at pictures?)

The stronger the lens, the shorter the focal length.

The closer the object must be held to the lens.

Round lenses= stronger, but less visual field. Rectangle, not as strong but more visual field.