| With the use of proper lighting, large print books, | | | | print books. They can also be purchased on line |
| magnifying reading glasses and low vision | | | | from many websites. Consider a large print book |
| rehabilitation, someone with macular degeneration | | | | club. If you love to read, this may be one of the |
| or low vision can continue to enjoy reading their | | | | cheaper options. You can conveniently select your |
| favorite magazines, newspapers and books. | | | | books from a printed catalog or on-line. |
| 1. Improve your Lighting | | | | 4. Consider Electronic Book Readers |
| Lighting needs increase for those with dry or wet | | | | Many of the large print book clubs offer a |
| macular degeneration. Proper lighting can help with | | | | selection of around 400 large print books. But |
| seeing details clearer and reduces the need for | | | | what if you could select any book, newspaper or |
| magnification. This is the first and most important | | | | magazine in large print? Now you can with |
| reading aid. | | | | electronic book readers like the Kindle DX, the |
| Use a gooseneck or swing arm lamp that is | | | | Barnes and Noble Nook, or the Sony E Book |
| adjustable. With this type of lamp you can bend | | | | Reader. An E book reader is a portable and |
| the lamp to a position that directs the light to | | | | wireless electronic reader that provides font |
| exactly where you need it. Get a lamp that | | | | enlargement and contrast enhancement. After the |
| offers 3-way lighting. That way you can increase | | | | initial investment, it is possible to download many |
| the lighting up to 150 watts for reading. | | | | free e-books that are part of the public domain. |
| 2. Use Reading Magnifiers | | | | By simply pressing a button the font size is |
| Reading magnifiers come in many different styles | | | | increased or the contrast can be adjusted. |
| and forms - full page magnifiers, dome magnifiers, | | | | 5. Get Help from Low Vision Specialists |
| hands free magnifiers and hand held magnifiers. | | | | Low vision specialists can assist with selecting the |
| There are different reading magnifiers for | | | | power magnification that is needed and can help |
| different tasks. For quickly looking at a recipe, a | | | | train patients in how to use the magnifiers. They |
| label or instructions a hand held magnifier works | | | | can also make suggestions for lighting and how to |
| best. For extended times of reading, like reading a | | | | position the lamp to reduce glare. Special |
| book or a magazine, then a hands free magnifier | | | | magnifying reading glasses can be prescribed as |
| is preferable. | | | | well as training in how to better use one's side or |
| 3. Select Large Print Books | | | | peripheral vision. |
| Large print books use not only a larger font, they | | | | Many people with macular degeneration often give |
| often have a bolder and darker print making it | | | | up reading because of the strain it causes. With |
| easier to read. Check your local library first as | | | | proper visual aids one can continue reading and |
| many local libraries will have a section of just large | | | | enjoy it! |