Product Dictionary
Term
Magnifiers
Through the basic principles of optics, a "+" powered optical lens held some distance away from the target object (such as a word on a page) makes that object look bigger. By making the + power stronger and stronger, greater and greater magnification can be acheived. As a person's vision declines from disorders like macular degeneration, stronger and stronger magnification is required to make the letters on the page larger and easier to read.
A few interesting points about magnifiers:
- An expert such as a low vision specialist, can customize the combination of magnifiers and eyeglasses to provide the best possible results. Obtain a professional opinion before purchasing.
- There are major differences in the quality of lenses. Low quality typically equates to a distorted image
- Illumination helps. Some magnifiers have lighting incorpoprated into the design. It does make a difference!
- The stronger the magnifier the SMALLER the lens and the resulting viewing area of the magnifier.
- Magnifiers are for near work only (as a rule). Different devices are required to enhance distance vision.




