Top 10 Low Vision Aids for Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Top 10 Low Vision Aids for Macular Degeneration:

Navigating daily life with the limited sight brought about by age-related macular degeneration can be a struggle. This condition requires more than glasses, contact lenses, or conventional treatments like medicine or surgery. Optimizing the quality of life for those experiencing this form of low vision is paramount. Hence, we’ve meticulously curated a resourceful guide spotlighting the leading low vision aids for macular degeneration. Our top 10 selection will empower individuals to maintain a semblance of normality and live more fully despite the visual limitations imposed by this condition. Discover how these low vision aids for macular degeneration can transform your everyday life.

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss among people age 65 and older. 11 million people in the United States have some form of age-related macular degeneration, and 2.3 million people in the United States have undiagnosed AMD.

Age-related macular degeneration is an irreversible physical breakdown of the macula (the central portion of the retina), which leads to loss of the sharp, fine-detail, “straight ahead” vision. The macula controls our most acute and detailed vision.

There is no accepted “cure” for macular degeneration, but there are treatments and there are low vision aids to help with vision loss from macular degeneration.

The compassionate Low Vision Specialists at New England Low Vision and Blindness have compiled our list of Top 10 Low Vision Aids for Macular Degeneration (AMD).

Types of Low Vision Aids:

Low vision aids for macular degeneration come in a variety of forms, each designed to support different visual needs and promote a greater degree of independence in daily activities. Here’s a more detailed look at each type:

Magnifying Aids:

This category of aids is designed to enlarge the appearance of objects and text, making them easier to see and recognize. They come in several forms, each with their unique advantages. Handheld magnifiers are portable and convenient for reading labels, menus, or price tags. Stand magnifiers, which rest directly on the reading material, are helpful for prolonged reading tasks as they free up your hands. Spectacle magnifiers, which are worn like glasses, leave both hands free for tasks such as writing or crafting. These aids can significantly improve close-up tasks like reading, crafting, or working on intricate details.

Telescopic Aids:

Designed to enhance distant vision, telescopic aids can be life-changing for people with macular degeneration. They can come in the form of glasses or handheld devices, functioning similarly to binoculars. These aids can assist in activities that require viewing from a distance, such as watching television, attending a theater performance, or even recognizing faces across a room.

Electronic Aids:

These are high-tech devices that leverage digital technology to aid those with low vision. Digital magnifiers can capture and magnify an image onto a screen, offering adjustable levels of magnification and contrast. Screen readers convert text into synthesized speech, allowing the user to listen to written content. Some advanced devices even offer optical character recognition (OCR) capabilities, which can convert printed text into digital text, which can then be read out loud. These devices can be highly versatile, assisting in a wide range of activities, from reading to navigating digital interfaces.

Non-optical Aids:

Non-optical aids refer to solutions that do not directly enhance vision but rather make tasks more manageable for those with low vision. Large-print books, playing cards, or keyboards can make text more readable. Talking devices, such as clocks, watches, or calculators, verbally communicate information, reducing the need for visual input. High-contrast items, including kitchen utensils or stationery, can make everyday objects stand out more, facilitating their use.

Lighting Aids:

Good lighting is often an underrated tool in low vision management. A well-lit environment can drastically enhance visual function and comfort. Adjustable desk lamps can direct light precisely where it’s needed, whether for reading or working on a task. Floor lamps with adjustable brightness can provide ambient light that is comfortable for general tasks. Some specialized lighting aids even offer adjustable color temperatures, allowing users to find the most comfortable light for their eyes.

Remember, everyone’s needs and preferences are unique, and what works best will depend on the individual’s lifestyle, the severity and type of vision loss, and the specific activities they wish to undertake. Always consider consulting with a low vision specialist to help determine the most suitable aids for your situation.

Detailed Reviews of Vision Aids for Macular Degeneration:

In the following sections, we’ll take a comprehensive look at each of our top 10 low vision aids for macular degeneration, representing these different categories. We’ll delve into their features, benefits, potential limitations, and real-world applications, offering you a detailed overview to help you find the one that suits you best.

1. DaVinci Pro HD OCR Desktop Magnifier

DaVinci Pro is considered the best of the best when it comes to portable 3-in-1 CCTV desktop video magnifiers. T. DaVinci Pro has superior lighting and is driven by a superior engine in the background. DaVinci Pro’s 3-in-1 Full HD camera gives the clearest, sharpest image of all of Enhanced Vision’s products, and it can be twisted so you can see near, far and even a mirror image for self-viewing. DaVinci Pro software is upgradeable so that it will be relevant for years to come.

DaVinci Pro is designed to be simple enough for anyone to use (no matter what their technical experience), yet it is designed to grow with you, offering advanced menu options and adjustments when wanted. You don’t need to be an expert to use DaVinci Pro; simply turn it on and immediately start enjoying its features. However, if you are computer savvy, DaVinci Pro is fully customizable for a variety of advanced modes and settings.

DaVinci Pro gives you all the features of a robust video magnifier and also comes with a built-in full-page text-to-speech. Simply push a button to turn on text-to-speech, then sit back and give your eyes a break while DaVinci Pro reads books, newsletters, magazines, etc. out loud.

It’s no wonder why the DaVinci Pro is number one of our top 10 low-vision aids for macular degeneration.

2. Merlin Ultra 24″ Full HD Desktop Magnifier

The Merlin Ultra 24″ Full HD Desktop Magnifier is great for people who want to see photos, and smile. This system has a way of ‘turning the tide’ for people who are experiencing feelings of frustration, inactivity, isolation, and depression, into feelings of wonder, hope and joy. The Merlin Ultra 24″ Full HD Desktop Magnifier is also for those who consider themselves “technologically challenged”. It is very simple to use, and almost 100% of seniors can use this system not only to see Photos, read Newspapers, Mail, Rx, Phone #’s, Recipes, Nutrition Info., Calendars, etc, but seniors also depend on this product for writing. Seniors can write checks and manage their finances, make a shopping list, write a greeting card, fill out forms and so much more.

The Merlin Ultra system is a low vision aid that has a remarkably wide 8.85″ viewable field. Why is this important? Now, users can see much more on-screen, reducing the back and forth movement of magnified text, increasing reading speed, reducing fatigue, increasing personal productivity, and most of all, increasing feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction.

The new affordable Merlin Ultra 24″ low vision aid is simply the greatest value and best picture quality available in CCTV or (Closed Circuit Television) HD desktop video magnification. With full high-definition color and contrast, resulting in super-sharp crystal clear images and vibrant color accuracy, contact us today to learn how now more than ever, there’s, even more, to see with the Merlin Ultra 20″ HD low vision electronic magnification system. It is a tool for the heart.

3. Patriot ViewPoint Low Vision Glasses

 

Have you been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration or Stargardts? If so, then the Patriot ViewPoint Low Vision Glasses, the latest wearable low-vision glasses showcasing a spectacular 101-degree viewable field, is the product you have always been waiting for. You must try this product!

Wearable Samsung virtual reality technology lets you be completely hands-free while doing the things you enjoy at both near AND distance! Read, write, watch TV, or a live performance or sporting event! Exclusively Patriot!

The wide-screen 101 degree viewable field is the largest on the market, and it makes all the difference having a super-sharp wide display bringing close to you nearly everything that is displayed at a distance. You can also read up close, plus see people’s faces, watch TV, read the newspaper, the possibilities are endless.

Patriot ViewPoint Low Vision Glasses uses virtual reality to wrap an extraordinary crystal clear image around your eyes. You can choose to read in full color, or you can read on high contrast black on white or negative text mode. Even more, you simply press a button and the Patriot ViewPoint can quickly turn your text into speech, and have documents read aloud with OCR technology that works with incredible accuracy!

Very comfortable to wear and very easy to use, the Patriot ViewPoint uses genuine Samsung Virtual Reality hardware, designed for wearing hours at a time! Simplicity is key. So, one central control area on the glasses allows users to adjust magnification, backgrounds, brightness, and turn text into speech. No technology experience is needed.

4. explore 12 Portable Magnifier with Stand

The explorē 12 Portable Magnifier is the largest in the Explore line of portable magnifiers for people with low vision. Designed as an easy-to-use electronic magnifier that offers superb full high-definition image quality for improved near and distance viewing allowing you to do the things you want.

The 12-inch touch screen is the perfect magnifier for anyone who wants a larger interface for reading, writing, painting, drawing and so much more.  With its superior magnification range, this tablet-sized magnifier allows the continuation of everyday activities like reading and writing, viewing pictures and maps, and much more, just about anywhere

The explorē 12 Portable Magnifier is great for students and for seniors!  It’s easy to carry around and allows students to start their class without delay.  Take it out of the bag, switch it on and it’s ready to go. With a lightweight design and 3.5-hour battery life, it’s an ideal companion for maintaining your active lifestyle wherever you are, at home or on the go. Explorē 12 is not only easy to carry but also very simple to use. Just pull it out of your bag, turn it on and it’s ready when you are!  With live panning, you can zoom in and out then pan across a book to read more easily without having to move it and you can choose from many color enhancements to increase visual contrast at the touch of a button.

5. Vision Buddy TV Low Vision Glasses

Vision Buddy TV Low Vision Glasses are unique in that it magnifies a direct-feed of your TV so users can lay in their bed and look up at the ceiling and TV will broadcast directly to the headset magnifying the TV image up to 10 times the original size. It is an incredible experience!

Vision Buddy TV Low Vision Glasses is the world’s first ultra-simple Television Watching System for the Visually Impaired. Plug the Vision Buddy Streamer to an existing cable tv box or any other tv provider, and watch live Television on Vision Buddy headset. Specially designed for various low vision eye conditions like Age-related Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Retinitis Pigmentosa, etc. Zoom in or out to enjoy a movie theater experience right in your living room. With a click of a button switch to magnification/camera mode and see the world around you. It’s that simple!

Wirelessly display Your TV onto Vision Buddy allowing you to watch Your TV while laying in Your Bed looking at the ceiling and you can increase the magnification of Your TV 10x normal size.

One of the toughest parts about losing vision is also losing the ability to enjoy some of the things you love. Out of most forms of entertainment, many say the hardest to lose is the ability to watch TV. Thankfully there are devices that can assist so you don’t have to miss out on a second of your favorite show anymore!

6. CloverBook Pro Portable Magnifier

CloverBook Pro Portable Magnifier offers a large, 12.5-inch FHD screen with full-page text-to-speech scanning; all in a light, foldable, extremely portable unit, complete with an attractive protective carry case.

CloverBook Pro is perfect for students and professionals who need to read documents and write at their desk, while also viewing an instructor/presenter.

CloverBook Pro makes an ideal partner for reading at home. When you’re not using it, you can quickly fold it down and put it away. And when you head away on vacation, CloverBook Pro packs up easily to come along for the ride.

 

7. Ruby XL HD Handheld Magnifier

The Ruby XL HD is a handheld magnifier with a 5 inch LCD monitor and a 5-megapixel, auto-focus camera providing sharp HD quality images and continuous zoom from 2x to 14x. Ruby XL HD has a built-in tilted stand for comfortable, easy viewing. RUBY XL HD comes with a fold-out handle with two adjustable positions for a comfortable grip. Ruby XL HD is extremely portable, weighing just 10.5 ounces, so you can bring it with you to read prices, menus, product labels, signs and anything on the go.

When reading a lot of content, you can add adjustable reading lines or masks to help track the text. Ruby XL HD also has 20 high-contrast color viewing modes let you adjust text  to be easy on your eyes.

8. Onyx OCR Desktop Magnifier With Text-to-Speech

 

For those looking to combine magnification and speech, the Onyx OCR Desktop Magnifier is the system for you.  The state-of-the-art design integrates two cameras and a 24-in touchscreen and allows you to view full letter pages on screen and magnify up to 131 times.

The Onyx OCR Desktop Magnifier offers magnification and reads any document aloud.  The magnification, high contrast, and clear voice improves reading clarity and accuracy and makes it much easier.  Change your focus from magnified text to letting the Onyx OCR read to you when you become too tired.  Just place your document under the fixed OCR camera and activate the speech function.

Listen to any documents as it is read out loud by a quality voice and without straining your eyes.  The four-in-one system integrates two separate cameras: one for converting text to speech and one of magnification of documents.  This will allow you to clearly see what you want whether it is across the room or on the table in front of you.

The Onyx OCR Desktop Magnifier combines the benefits of several video magnification options into one design.  With the four-in-one solution, you can easily magnify text on your desk, write, work on a hobby, view pictures from a distance, and even listen to documents as they are read aloud to you.  Easily switch between reading the magnified text and listening to documents.  Simply place your document under the OCR camera of the magnifier, tap the touchscreen and enjoy listening while the text is read to you.

9. Merlin Elite Pro – Full HD Desktop Magnifier With Text-to-Speech

The Merlin Elite is the next step beyond using a handheld magnifier. Merlin Elite is a great tool for people with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) because it is the simplest to use for seniors with no technical experience. The Merlin Elite needs no fiddling with the camera, monitor or lighting. You simply turn it on and immediately you can start using it.

The Merlin Elite is a high-performance desktop magnifier CCTV, featuring both High Definition (HD) image quality, and an integrated built-in text-to-speech OCR reader. This simple to use low vision device offers brilliant HD true color and contrast providing a beautiful, crystal clear picture. Merlin Elite comes with 28 viewing modes to optimize contrast and brightness and LED lighting for truer HD picture quality. Merlin Elite also connects to iPad and iDevices for accessible viewing of email, internet, Skype, Facebook, FaceTime, and more.

10. LyriQ Assistive Text-to-Speech Reader

The LyriQ Assistive Text-to-Speech Reader is an AUTOMATIC SCAN text-to-speech reader, which means the user does not have to press any buttons for simple and immediate text-to-speech conversion.

The LyriQ also has an incredible fifteen (15) hour rechargeable battery, weighs only 3lbs, and folds flat for easy portability.

The LyriQ is designed to assist people living with blindness or vision impairments by scanning printed documents and read them out loud.

It is spectacularly fast, extremely accurate, and very easy to use. With the LyriQ Assistive Text-to-Speech Reader, you can read a book, an envelope, the letter that came in it, a prescription label, and anything else.

Place the document on the device’s base surface: the LyriQ will immediately scan it and start reading the contents out loud: no waiting, pressing buttons or any other ways of getting frustrated. The interactive and responsive LyriQ takes a couple of seconds to start the text to speech.

 

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Financing Is Available for low vision optical devices and low vision aids!

New England Low Vision and Blindness’ convenient Peace of Mind financing options make these products affordable with a low monthly payment. In addition, our Peace of Mind Program means everything is included in your affordable monthly payment, designed to eliminate any worry or concern.

Here’s what is included in your low monthly payment:

Easy Monthly Payments:

Our easy-to-understand monthly payment plan allows you to own the latest technology to help you live independently and enhance your life!

Delivery & Set-Up:

We drive to your location to deliver, set up, and provide you with instructions on your new technology. Premium White Glove service guaranteed.

Training & Tips:

Schedule a meeting at your home, work, or school, so you can be trained in the actual environment where you are using the technology.

Troubleshoot & Service:

If we can’t solve any issues you may have over the phone, we will drive to you and take care of everything – from logistics and shipping with the manufacturer to providing a loaner unit, etc.

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How Can We Help You Or A Loved One?

Mr. Magnifier:

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, our Mr. Magnifier handheld magnifiers are the perfect 1^st Step toward easing eye strain!  Here’s a link to very helpful information, including a free Magnification Guide – https://nelowvision.com/mr-magnifier-lp/

Free Low Vision Guide:

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, we have created this 12-section Low Vision Guide – a free resource to gain insights into getting the technology, training, and care you need. <Click here to download a PDF of the entire report.>

Technology:

We offer the latest and most advanced low vision aids and blindness technology supported by world-class personal service. We have nearly 100% of all major electronic low vision, blindness, and software products. Our complimentary, no-obligation demonstration on any of our products will ensure our clients get the right electronic low vision devices for their specific eye conditions. Let our experts help you find affordable low vision aids from low vision glasses and stand magnifiers, to video magnifiers and handheld magnifiers.

Training:

Low Vision technology rehabilitation training services for people with low vision and blindness.  We go to our clients – home, school, or business – training where they need it – from caring assistive technology professionals. Learn more about our Training services.

Smart Home:

Our Smart Home services can help design a solution to help our visually impaired clients or their loved ones remain independent by using the many features of a Smart Home. Learn more about our Smart Hime services.

Bring Hope:

We Bring Hope to people who are blind or visually impaired through the many products and services we offer. Learn more about our Bring Hope services.

Convenience:

Our two(2) state-of-the-art technology showrooms are a wonderful resource, showcasing a variety of leading electronic low vision magnifiers and blindness products. Our clients schedule an appointment with one of our Technology Specialists who can help you find the right technology, training, and care solution.  If our client cannot come to us, our staff can even drive out and bring our Vision Store to them, for a no-obligation product demonstration.

Contact Us To Learn More

To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, contact a Technology Specialist at New England Low Vision and Blindness today. You can call our toll-free number at 888-211-6933 or email us at info@nelowvision.com and we will be happy to help.