Macular degeneration is a chronic eye disease that typically affects people over the age of 50. The macula of the eye (an area of the retina responsible for central vision) deteriorates, causing blurred vision or a blind spot in the center of the field of vision. Peripheral vision remains stable.
Magnifiers
A very widely used reading aid for macular degeneration is the magnifier, as central vision loss greatly affects close-up or detail work. The many types include handheld magnifiers, spectacle types, electronic tabletop or portable magnifiers and magnifiers that hook up to a computer monitor or TV screen.
Lighting
Proper lighting, especially certain lamps with intensely focused strength, can be especially helpful for vision loss. Some kinds of bulbs are better than others for macular degeneration. While full-spectrum lighting may have health benefits, it is harmful for people with macular degeneration in particular. White light (under 5000 Kelvins), according to mdsupport.org, is best for persons with this condition.
Large-Print Materials
Many books, magazines and newspapers are available in large-print versions for those with difficulty seeing small print.
Reading Lenses
Reading glasses of the proper strength are crucial for people with macular degeneration. Some glasses have special lenses for activities such as watching television; some have telescoping lenses for hands-free magnification. There are absorptive lenses that block different types of light. Some lenses reduce glare, which can be problematic for people with macular degeneration.
Talking Tools
People can listen instead of look by using talking books, or audiobooks, talking calculators and talking dictionaries.
Tags: macular degeneration, people with, people with macular, with macular, with macular degeneration, central vision
