Magnifiers come in many different shapes and sizes. They can make reading mail, paying bills, or enjoying hobbies easier for people with low vision.
This page will tell you about optical magnifiers. You may also be interested in learning about electronic magnifiers.
Optical magnifiers are reading aids made of glass or acrylic. This includes the traditional handheld magnifying glass, as well as stand magnifiers, sheet magnifiers, and reading glasses. Each type has a fixed level of magnification and focal distance. Check with your eye care professional or specialty catalog for more information.
What kinds of magnifiers are there?
Handheld Magnifier
Handheld magnifiers are lenses with a handle. They come in rectangular or round shape. The higher the magnification, the smaller the lens. Handheld magnifiers must be held at a specific distance from what you are reading.
Stand Magnifier
Stand magnifiers have lenses fixed in a stand at the right distance for use. Stand magnifiers must be placed directly on top of your reading material. Both handheld and stand magnifiers may include lights.
Sheet Magnifier
Sheet or page magnifiers are flat. They are limited to 100-125% enlargement.
Reading Glasses
Reading glasses purchased in drug stores or convenience stores typically range from 25% to 100% magnification level. This is labelled as +1.0 to +4.0. Reading glasses which require higher magnification must be prescribed by an eye care professional. Reading glasses require you to hold what you are reading at a specific distance from your face for best clarity. The higher the magnification needed, the closer you will need to hold the reading material to avoid blurring.