Specifications

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MAGNIFICATION INFORMATION
MAGNIFICATION INFORMATION
Maxi-Aids strongly recommends that you contact your low vision eye care professional prior to ordering a magnifier for
low vision or if you are experiencing difficulties with your vision. A vision professional will be able to provide to you a
complete comprehensive examination and will prescribe or recommend the appropriate device to meet your individual
needs.
MAGNIFIER
AND MAGNIFICATION INFORMATION
Magnifier Power - Is shown by a number placed in front of
the letter X. This refers to how much larger an object will
appear when viewed through the magnifier lens.
Example a magnifier with a 2X power will make an object
appear 2 times its actual size.
Diopter – also a measure of magnification referring to the
curvature of the lens. As the curvature increases the object
will appear larger. The Higher the Dioptric power the greater
the magnification.
IMPORTANT FACTS:
A): As the power of the magnifier increases the smaller the
magnifier lens will become. This will decrease the total
viewing area under the Magnifier.
B). With Higher power lenses the focal distance, also
referred to as the working distance decreases. What this
means is that as you use a higher power lens both the
object that you want to view and your eye must be closer to
the magnifier for it to focus correctly.
C). Please remember that when it comes to a magnifier –
Stronger is NOT always better! Use the Magnification chart
to determine what strength magnifier you feel most
comfortable using, but again the best advice we can give
you is to consult with a Low Vision professional.
TYPES OF MAGNIFIERS:
Hand Held / Pocket magnifiers - are held in your hand when viewing an object and are available with or without
illumination. These magnifiers are usually small, portable and easy to carry in your pocket or purse.
Stand Magnifier - Stand magnifiers are designed with a fixed distance calculated from the lens to the surface. Stand
magnifiers must be placed directly on- top of the item surface to be magnified. As the power increases – the closer
your eye must be to the lens in order to focus. Stand magnifiers are available with or without illumination, and also are
available using battery, electric, or rechargeable power sources.
Illuminated Magnifiers - These magnifiers contain the added benefit of a Light source. This added feature is
especially helpful to those with Low Vision.
Dome magnifiers - clear acrylic dome shaped magnifiers that must be placed on top of the object to be magnified.
Please note these magnifiers are not illuminated but they do gather light from the surrounding light in a room causing
the object to be brighter.
TYPES OF ILLUMINATION (LIGHTING) AVAILABLE FOR MAGNIFIERS:
Incandescent - soft lighting found in standard lamps (lighting may appear to have a yellow tint)
LED (Light-Emitting- Diodes) - Provides an even soft-bright light. As a general rule - LED bulbs generally last for
several years, and they are generally not replaceable. LED’s also use less power, so battery’s last significantly longer.
Xenon - Illumination which provides whiter and brighter lighting then Incandescent.
**Many users of magnifiers have more than one – They usually purchase a stand or dome magnifier for their
home or office, and a hand held magnifier to carry with them in their pocket or purse.
ELECTRONIC MAGNIFICATION ALSO KNOWN AS A CCTV - SEE SECTION ON CCTV’S
A very powerful magnification device – that can magnify up to 60 times. These units consist of a camera, a moveable
table and a Monitor. They are available in several sizes and are available in Color and Black and White. They are ideal
for Reading, Writing, looking at photos, and even doing small craft projects and hobbies. There are also portable
models available. These units are ideal for those with low Vision and those with Macular degeneration. CCTV’s feature
Reverse Video, which transform a white background to a black background and black type to white type making it
easier to see!
Example of how reverse video would appear:
USE THIS AS A GENERAL GUIDE
FOR PICKING MAGNIFICATION
Standard Size Type
1X (6-point)
Three Times Standard
3x (18-point)
Four Times Standard
4x (24-point)
Six Times Standard
6x (36-point)
Eight Times Standard
8x (48-point)
Ten Times Standard
10x (60-point)
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