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Vision Tools

 

This is the topic hub where we collect the results of our explorations and research relating to vision. The theme is seeking tools and gadgets that can postpone the time at which vision issues get in the way of living life.

 

As we grow older, vision deteriorates. It starts with needing reading glasses (presbyopia) — which afflicts most of us over the age of fifty. And various eye conditions, like cataracts and macular degeneration, can make seeing clearly increasingly difficult as we age. Luckily, there are various tools and assistive devices that can help compensate for imperfect vision, including magnifiers, low vision apps, and a variety of more or less complex low vision devices.

This work is designed to complement any advice you may receive from your optometrist or ophthalmologist. Please start by consulting a medical professional to help understand what specific vision issues apply to you. 

 

Where to Start

For an excellent overview of Low Vision Aids, Adaptations and Resources, read this article by Dr. Marlena Chu.

 

 

 

 

Featured Content: Vision

 

low vision products for seniors

Low Vision Products: Older Adults Explore

The community of Longevity Explorers are exploring different "low vision products" to see which ones help in various situations, and to share products individual explorers have used and wish to recommend. Ever have difficulty reading menus in a dim restaurant, or the fine print on a pill bottle? Or maybe you or a friend have more significant visual issues — like cataracts or macular degeneration — that get in the way of living life as you wish? If so, this article is for you.

Read: "Low Vision Products: Older Adults Explore"

 

 

Low Vision Aids

Low Vision Aids, Adaptations, Resources

Learn about Low Vision Aids & Adaptations in this detailed overview by Dr Marlena Chu. For people with low vision, these tools can make a big difference to the ability to live independently, and to quality of life.

Read: "Low Vision Aids, Adaptations, Resources"

 

 

Low Vision Apps for iPhone and Android

Low Vision App Overview

Here is an overview of useful Apps for people with Low Vision. It includes Low Vision Apps for the iPhone and for Android devices.

Read: "Low Vision App Overview"

 

 

lighted magnifier, magnifying glass with light

Lighted Magnifier: Read menus in dim light

Reading under poor lighting conditions is a common problem, not only for reading menus, but also for reading in bed, or seeing small type in a poorly lit space. What is needed is some type of lighted magnifier. There are four categories of solutions for this common problem. The pro’s and con’s of each solution are detailed below, as well as in the individual product listings we link to.

Read: "Lighted Magnifier: Read menus in dim light"

 

 

girl with popcorn covering her eyes with her hand

Improving Cinema Experience for the Vision Impaired

I recently became aware of an entire ecosystem of services to help people with all levels of vision impairment enjoy movies. These services provide an audio description of the visual scene. It's a bit like subtitles, but for the blind. Of course these services can help those with other vision impairments as well. This article explains how this all works.

Read: "Improving Cinema Experience for the Vision Impaired"

 

 

Older Adult Perspectives — Longevity Explorers Discuss:

Vision Aids
Topic(s): 
Hearing and vision
Thing(s): 
Assistive Devices, Gadgets and widgets
Key words: 

Last Updated: April 19, 2020.