Vision loss can also take its toll on your emotional health: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cautions that people who can’t see well may choose to stop driving, reading, or traveling, and may also be more likely to develop depression later on. The good news: If you have DME, working with an occupational therapist or low vision specialist who can help you use low vision aids — i.e., magnifying glasses and computer devices — can ease your feelings of depression and improve your quality of life, according to a study published in 2017 in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. “In the last three to four years, technology has taken a big turn and is making major advances to help the low vision population,” says Kristen Shifflett, OTR/L,CLVT, SCLV, an occupational therapist at Lions Vision Rehabilitation Center at and certified low vision specialist at Johns Hopkins University’s Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Here are just a few devices that can help you go online, read books or medication labels, see distances, and more.
1. Closed Circuit TVs (CCTVs)
CCTVs are cameras that project a magnified image onto a computer or television screen. Some cameras are mounted on a stand (for example, next to a desktop computer), while others are handheld and can be brought to the grocery store or bank. “With diabetic macular edema, your vision can fluctuate,” says Shifflett, “and the CCTVs can provide varying levels of magnification and contrast to help you see different-size fonts when you’re reading.”
2. Low Vision Sun-Filtered Glasses
It’s hard to overstate the importance of good lighting — but too much lighting can also impede your vision. Filtered lenses, like those from NoIR, can reduce the glare from bright light and improve your ability to discern objects from their surroundings.
3. Magnifying Glasses
Magnifying lenses can help you see objects up close, at a distance, and everywhere in between. They also come in a variety of sizes and types; Shifflett recommends buying one that is outfitted with a light. Handheld magnifiers are portable and easy to use and stand magnifiers can prop themselves up on a page or other object.
4. Smartphones and Smart Home Devices
“The older population likes the technology because it can read books to them or play trivia with them, which helps keep them active during the day,” says Shifflett. Plus, some even have a “drop in” ability, which allows you to connect with friends or family members via their own smart home devices or with a compatible app. (Think of it as a backup emergency plan.)
5. E-Readers
Many people feel more comfortable reading large print on e-readers than books, especially in public, says Shifflett. Plus, with e-readers, you can adjust the font size and color contrast to a setting that feels comfortable for you. “Some people prefer black text on a white background, but others see better when there is white text on a black background,” she says. Some e-readers also have voiceover, and can read the book out loud — no audiobook subscription required.
6. Head-Mounted Technology
Wearables like IrisVision, eSight 4, and NuEyes use head-mounted magnification technology to help people see distances, faces, the television, and more. OrCam also has a device that mounts on your eyeglasses and can read text to you, help you recognize faces, identify money, and even shop for you. “With these devices, there’s some training involved,” says Shifflett. “And cost can be a barrier, as they can range from $2,500 to $10,000 and are not covered by insurance.” To find financial assistance, she recommends contacting your state’s organization for the visually impaired; they might have funds or other resources available that you can use.
