Eye Vitamins & Supplements for Eye Health

Eye Vitamins by Healths Harmony

What can you do to support your eyesight from deteriorating?

Of course you’ll need to consult your specialist for your particular medical situation, but as a general rule, we all benefit from taking in the right vitamins and minerals. So here we take a look at Eye Vitamins & Supplements for Eye Health.

This article starts with an overview of the vitamins and nutrients known to be crucial for eye health. The bottom line here is leafy green vegetables are crucial in getting the right nutrients for healthy eyes… so if you’re not keen on eating your veggies daily a supplement may be in order.

If you don’t really care about the explanations and want to go straight to finding a supplement designed for eye health, scroll down for reviews of top selling eye vitamins… or go to Amazon to get this top selling supplement specially formulated for eye health.

 

Which Vitamins and Nutrients do you need for Eye Health?

Healthy Food for eye healthEating a balanced diet full of fresh fruit and vegetables is a great way to get the nutrition you need for good health. Research indicates several vitamins in particular are helpful in the prevention and management of various eye conditions. The key vitamins to include in your diet (or to supplement if you need) are:

Lutein & Zeaxanthin

Lutein and Zeaxanthin are carotenoids found in the macula and retina of human eyes. They help to filter blue light, protecting your eyes from damage. They are found in leafy greens like spinach, kale, swiss chard and collard greens.

Studies have indicated they help in preventing the development and progression of cataracts and AMD.

Vitamin A

Found in “yellow” foods such as pumpkins, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes as well as in leafy green vegetables.

Studies have shown Vitamin A to reduce risks of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It helps maintain a healthy cornea and plays a role in your ability to see in low light conditions.

B Vitamins – B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12

These vitamins can be found in oats, whole grains, dairy products, fish, poultry, beef, mushroom and fortified foods. Some B vitamins, such as B2 (riboflavin), and B3 (niacin) are antioxidants.

Studies have shown certain B vitamins to be helpful to reduce risk of developing particular eye conditions including AMD, cataracts and glaucoma. B1 (Thiamine) has been linked to reducing the risk of cataracts and diabetic retinopathy.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant which may protect your eyes (and other parts of your body) against the damaging effects of free radicals. It is found in avocados, nuts, seeds, oils, salmon and leafy green vegetables.

Studies have indicated it is helpful in against AMD and age-related cataracts.

Vitamin C

Another antioxidant that can protect your body against free radicals. It is found in broccoli, kale, green leafy vegetables, bell peppers, citrus and tropical fruits.

Studies have found this helpful for people with AMD, and reduces the risk of developing cataracts.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The retina of the eye contains a high concentration of DHA, a type of Omega 3 fatty acid. You can get omega-3s from your diet in fish, seeds, nuts, soy, and olive oil.

Omega 3 fatty acids are believed to help prevent diabetic retinopathy and to help with dry eyes.

 

What is AREDS2 and how is it related to eye vitamins?

Older man with age related macular degenerationAREDS2 refers to the Age-Related Eye Disease Study sponsored by the National Eye Institute. The results of this study were published in 2013. AREDS2 was a follow up from the original AREDS published in 2001.

AREDS found that a daily supplement containing vitamin C, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, zinc, copper and beta-carotene reduced the risk of progressive age related macular degeneration by 25% among participants with early and intermediate AMD.

AREDS2 investigated a modification to the original supplement tested in AREDS, and included the nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin (and no beta-carotene). The study found this supplement reduced risk of AMD progression in participants, and was particularly helpful for people who had low amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin in their daily diet.

 

Review of Supplements for Eye Health

Often the foods we consume don’t provide us with enough minerals and multivitamins. Perhaps your diet isn’t as great as it should be, or perhaps you have become run down.

You can have vitamin deficiencies due to poor nutrition, illness, aging or other health conditions. In these situations supplementing can help you cover the bases.

Numerous research studies prove that supplements for eye health have several positive results. Taking a regular supplement may help to prevent the development or worsening of eye problems.

Listed below are the best eye vitamins available on the market:

PreserVision AREDS 2 Vitamin and Mineral Supplement

PreserVision Eye vitamins and mineral supplementThe PreserVision Vitamins by Bausch & Lomb are made from a clinically proven formula designed to help people with AMD.

This supplement uses the AREDS 2 formula developed for the Age-Related Eye Disease Study sponsored by the National Eye Institute.

It contains the key nutrients lutein, zeaxanthin and zinc. Full ingredients list: Ascorbic acid, gelatin, dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate, glycerin, soybean oil, zinc oxide, marigold flower extract, soy lecithin, yellow beeswax, silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, cupric oxide, FD&C Red 40, FD&C Blue 1.

The best way to consume these supplements is to take 2 gels daily: one on the morning and the other one in the evening, both should be taken with food.

This product is a #1 Best seller on Amazon in the category of Multiple Vitamin-Mineral Combination Supplements. Find the best price on Amazon now.

Pros

  • Formula based on extensive scientific research
  • Beta-carotene free, which is important for smokers and ex-smokers
  • Specially designed to help with aged related eye diseases, and is a more beneficial formula than a standard multivitamin.

Cons

 

Healths Harmony Lutein Eye Vitamin

Lutein is a type of carotenoid – a yellow to red pigment found in vegetables. As well as being found in plants, it’s also found in the macula of the eye.

Lutein is helpful for people who are facing eye diseases such as cataracts, AMD and retinitis pigmentosa. Apart from this, it is also used for preventing diseases such as diabetes, breast cancer, and colon cancer.

Most multivitamins comes with Lutein in them; however, it is only present in small amount per tablet. A larger quantity is required for vitamins targeting eye health.

Healths Harmony Lutein Eye Vitamins combine lutein with other helpful eye vitamins. They are made from a combination of powerful ingredients that will give your eyes the health they deserve.

Ingredients include grape seed, vitamin A, Bilberry and zinc. These help to prevent inflammation, enhances night vision and soothes your eye lens. Ingredients list: Vitamin A (beta-carotene) 25,000 IU, Zinc (aspartate) 25 mg, Lutein 20 mg, Bilberry (20% extract) 80 mg, Grape Seed (95% extract) 100 mg, Quercetin Dihydrate 100 mg, L-Taurine 400 mg, N-Acetyl L-Cysteine 200 mg. Other ingredients: Gelatin (bovine), vegetable magnesium stearate and silicon dioxide.

The best thing about these supplements for eye health is that they are full of natural ingredients and free from all fillers.

Find the best price now on Amazon.

Pros

  • Contains high dose of Lutein for optimal eye health
  • Natural vitamin and herb formula
  • No fillers or artificial ingredients
  • Reduces eye fatigue and inflammation
  • Premium quality, made in USA FDA approved facilities

Cons

  • Need to take 2 a day

 

Lipotriad Visionary AREDS2 Eye Vitamins

Lipotriad Visionary vitamins for healthy eyesLipotriad Visionary is completely natural and contains no artificial ingredients. Tthey are safe for smokers and the low zinc formula is useful for people who have digestion problems for larger doses of zinc.

The softgel is easy to swallow and you only need one softgel dosage a day.

The founder of this product has a family history of the eye disease called macular degeneration. She created the quality, natural product she wanted to buy.

This formula is based on the AREDS2 Study, but compared to its competitors this product stands out as being free from artificial ingredients.

Find the best price now on Amazon.

Pros

  • Doctor recommended formula based on the AREDS2 study
  • No artificial ingredients or dyes
  • Reduced zinc dosage for easy digestion
  • Only need 1 per day

Cons

  • Initially appears more expensive than alternatives, but it’s not when you consider that you only need one of these a day, whereas the other 2 products reviewed here require 2 doses a day.

 

Legal Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

 

Conclusion

If you experience eye problems you should pay a visit to an eye specialist to check what’s causing it.

However, good nutrition is important for everyone in maintaining eye health. If you don’t eat a wide range of vegetables, particularly leafy greens, on a daily basis, you may need to supplement to ensure you don’t develop age related eye problems.

The AREDS2 study has shown a particular formula of supplement was helpful for people with AMD and possibly other eye problems.

Taking the right eye vitamins, based on the AREDS2 formula, can act as a remarkable defense against several vision problems, and is a key part of keeping your eyes as healthy as possible.

Hands free magnifying glass reviews

Hands free magnifying glasses come in several variations. They may be used by people with regular vision for precision tasks, or by people with low vision to compensate for their vision loss.

These are used for many purposes including for hobbyists to read books or newspapers, sewing, knitting, quilting, jewelry design, woodworking, painting, drawing, puzzles, electronics, repairs and more. They may be used by professional trades people such estheticians / beauticians or jewelers.

These are my picks for the best hands free magnifying glasses for various purposes.

Compare the different types of hands free magnifiers

ProductMagnification rangeOther featuresMore details
Brightech LightView Pro Flex Magnifying Lamp

Brightech LightView Pro Flex Magnifying Lamp
Up to 1.75xFlexible gooseneck stand. Interchangeable stand or clamp.
Top rated magnifier
Read more below or buy on Amazon.
Brightech LightView Pro LED Magnifying Glass Floor Lamp

Brightech LightView Pro LED Magnifying Glass Floor Lamp
Up to 1.75xFloor lamp Read more below or buy on Amazon.
YOCTOSUN Head Mount Magnifier With 2 Led Professional Jeweler's Loupe


YOCTOSUN Head Mount Magnifier With 2 Led Professional Jeweler's Loupe
1.0X, 1.5X, 2.0X, 2.5X, 3.5X lensesHead mounted on eyeglass frame OR flexible headband.
Interchangeable lenses of varying strengths.
Top rated magnifier
Read more below or buy on Amazon.
Humanware Explore 7

Humanware 7" electronic magnifier reading the news paper
2.3x - 19x adjustable


For mild to moderate vision loss
Very large 7" screen
Built in stand so you don't have to hold it.
Distance viewing mode
Rechargeable battery
Read more below or buy on Amazon.
Humanware SmartView 360 Video Magnifier

Humanware Smartview 360 digital magnifier connected to an iPad for large display
2.6x to 57x adjustable


For moderate to severe vision loss
19" LCD screen sits on your table
Can point camera down to read, or at self for grooming, or in the distance.
Built in handle for portability (weighs 8kg)
Read more below or buy on Amazon.
GoVision 24" LCD portable electronic magnifier

GoVision Focus portable video magnifier reading a magazine with small text
1.7x to 83x adjustable


For mild to severe vision loss
Largest 24" LCD screen
Largest range of magnification
Enhanced color and contrast modes
Distance viewing and self view modes
OCR mode - speech feature reads text aloud so you can listen and rest your eyes
Read more below or buy on Amazon.

 

Best hands free magnifying glass with light

Brightech LightView Pro Flex Magnifying Lamp

Brightech LightView Pro Flex Magnifying Lamp

This versatile magnifying lamp has an impressive 5 star rating on Amazon after more than 1000 customer reviews. (Amazon also sells it with free shipping and with Amazon Prime.)

It can be used as a desk lamp or use the supplied clamp to attach it the side of a table, chair or desk. It has a fully adjustable goose neck that bends in any direction so you can get the right angle and distance to look through the lens.

It has bright energy saving LED lights surrounding the lens. The LED technology is is very bright and you don’t have to replace bulbs, as they are made to last for more than 20 years of use!

It magnifies up to 1.75x, which is fairly moderate magnification but suitable  for people with relatively good vision who want to make their task a bit more comfortable.

This is a great option for people with good vision or mild vision loss to make it easier to do craft, reading, crosswords or hobbies. It’s available in black or white.

Top pick as a hands free magnifying glass with light for crafts.

Brightech LightView Pro LED Magnifying Glass Floor Lamp

Brightech LightView Pro LED Magnifying Glass Floor LampBuy from Amazon

This floor lamp is perfect for someone who has a favorite chair they like to sit in to read. It’s also large enough to extend over a bed for nighttime reading, or for use at a desk or kitchen bench.

The top of the stand is a flexible gooseneck which allows you to position the magnifying lens where you want it.

It magnifies up to 175% (ie 1.75x magnification). This is fairly moderate magnification but suitable  for people with relatively good vision who want to make their task a bit more comfortable or those with mild vision loss.

It has a built in LED light with a dimmer.

Available in black or white stands.

Top pick as a hands free magnifying glass with light for reading.

YOCTOSUN Head Mount Magnifier With 2 Led Professional Jeweler’s Loupe

YOCTOSUN Head Mount Magnifier With 2 Led Professional Jeweler's LoupeBuy from AmazonThis head mount magnifier is a #1 best seller on Amazon for hobby tool magnifiers.

Wear your magnifier on your head with the Yoctosun head mount magnifier. There are 2 ways of wearing this:

  1. use the comfortable eyeglass frame with rubber nose-pad or
  2. wear the flexible headband for a more-secure fit.

It comes with 5 interchangeable lenses with 1.0x, 1.5X, 2.0X, 2.5X, 3.5X magnification lenses made of scratch-resistant acrylic. See your work pieces or text magnified up to 350% original size with high clarity.

A headlight is built into the magnifier, with 2 super-bright LED – powered by 3 AAA batteries (included).

Great for jewelry work, watch repair, arts & crafts. This is a versatile reading magnifier that doesn’t require you to stay in the one spot, which makes it great for use in the kitchen, when traveling, or when reading away from a desk.

A great pick if you want to wear your magnifier on your head to keep your hands free.

 

HumanWare Explore 7 Handheld Electronic Magnifier

Humanware 7" electronic magnifier reading the news paperBuy Humanware Explore 7 digital magnifier from Amazon

Click here to read my detailed review of the Humanware Explore 7.

This electronic magnifier is a top pick for someone with moderate vision impairment who wants a hands free magnifier for reading.

You don’t need hands to hold the Explore 7 magnifier, as it stands up on the table or other solid surface you rest it on. You will need to push it side to side as you read. The very large 7″ screen means you fit more words on the screen when reading, but it is still a portable size.

It has a 7″ LCD screen and adjustable magnification from 2.3X-19X. You can also plug the Explore 7 into a TV or computer screen via a cable to see the video image taken from the Explore on the TV. This allows you to magnify what you’re reading even more as you can look at it on a much bigger screen.

It runs on a rechargeable battery and comes with charger included. It also comes with a cleaning cloth and a sturdy case to protect it when you’re on the go.

Able to buy online and have delivered to you.

 

Best portable electronic magnifier

Top pick for desk size portable electronic magnifier

Humanware Smartview 360 digital magnifier connected to an iPad for large displayBuy Humanware smartview 360 digital magnifier from AmazonHumanWare SmartView 360 Video Magnifier

For people who want to read a lot for pleasure, or for those with more severe vision loss, the greatest solution is to get an electronic magnifier that sits on your table or desk. The SmartView 360 has a 19″ LCD screen, which means you can fit a lot on the screen at once. Compare this to using a strong magnifying glass where you only see about one word at a time through the lens.

The controls are easy to use with practice, and are attached to the screen by a wire so they don’t get lost.

The large screen is also great for looking at photos or pictures, which you can’t really do properly with a powerful magnifying glass.

The SmartView camera can point any direction. Point down to read, write or do handiwork; point across the room for meetings or classes; and point at self for personal grooming. This is very versatile and allows you to keep your hands free for crafts, writing, or other tasks and see what you’re doing magnified greatly on the screen in front of you.

Magnification levels for desktop – 2.6x to 57x; distance – 0.6x to 27x; self view – 1x to 4x

Buy online from Amazon to have delivered to you.

 

Best large electronic magnifier with speech

GoVision Focus portable video magnifier reading a magazine with small textBuy GoVision Focus electronic desktop magnifier from AmazonGoVision – 24″ LCD Auto Focus Portable Electronic Magnifier

This is the ultimate option for someone who wants a strong magnifying glass for reading.

The GoVision digital magnifier has the largest screen available at the time of writing – 24″, which is the size of a large computer screen.

It also has an exceptionally large range in its magnification abilities – it can magnify from 1.7x up to 83x. This means it can be helpful for people with mild vision loss right through to those with severe vision loss.

One particular benefit of this equipment is that it can read printed text aloud in speech. This is wonderful for people with severe vision loss, for those who tire quickly, and for people who prefer to listen rather than strain their eyes.

Read more or order now to have delivered to you

 

Fancii Magnifying Glass with Light – set of 3 – Review

ancii lighted magnifying glass set

A lighted magnifying glass set of 3 illuminated heads and one handleBuy Fancii illuminated magnifier from AmazonReview summary:

This Fancii magnifying glass set contains one handle and 3 interchangeable heads of different magnification strengths. Each head has built in lights.

Who it’s suitable for:

This package solution is a great option for someone with mild vision loss, who needs to read font of varying sizes. For example, perhaps you read large print books and only need a small amount of magnification for them, but when reading the print in the newspaper you need a stronger magnifying glass.

It is also a good option for people who’s vision varies from time to time. Many people, for example, find that their eyes tire towards the end of the day, so may benefit from using the stronger magnifying lens then.

Who it’s NOT suitable for:

It is NOT suitable for people with moderate or severe vision loss. They will need stronger magnification than this. In that case, try looking at the digital magnifiers.

It is NOT suitable for people with dexterity problems. Some seniors can have difficulty pressing in the buttons to change the heads. This is okay if you don’t need to change the magnifying heads regularly, or have someone to help you change them. If you do need to use different sized magnifying glasses in one day and don’t have good dexterity, consider buying multiple magnifying glasses instead of a set that only comes with one handle.

After more than 1,000 reviews on Amazon this magnifying glass set is rated at 4.5 stars. It is a great product if matched with the right people.

Buy Fancii illuminated magnifier from Amazon

About the Fancii Magnifying Glass Set

This set provides 3 heads containing magnifying lenses of differing strengths. Each of them is illuminated with LED lights.

  • The lens with the largest diameter (3.5″) has the mildest magnification of 2x. This will approximately double the size of what you look at through the lens and is suitable for people with mild vision loss. It has a focal length of 8.5″.  (This means it focuses best when you hold it 8.5″ away from the page.)
  • The second lens is slightly smaller in diameter (3″) but slightly stronger in magnification strength. It has a focal length of 4.5″ and provides magnification of 3.5x. This would be good for someone with mild vision loss to use when reading particularly small writing.
  • The smallest lens (1.5″) is the strongest lens. It has a focal length of 1.5″ and magnifies 10x. This magnification strength is suitable for someone with moderate vision loss.

Changing the heads

To change the heads, first remove the head currently attached to the handle. This is done by pressing the buttons either side of the head where it connects to the handle. After that’s removed, simply slide on the head you want to use until it clicks into place.

This process is relatively straight-forward for people with good dexterity.

For people who have a poor sense of touch, as well as poor vision, it can be very challenging. In this case, it would be better to buy multiple magnifying glasses rather than a set that only contains one handle.

Lighted magnifying glass set of 3 by Fancii

Buy Fancii magnifying glass with light from Amazon

The benefits of getting a set of magnifying glasses

  1. If you need to read font of varying sizes you can switch the head to the one that is most comfortable for the task. For example, perhaps you read large print books and only need a small amount of magnification for them, but when reading the print in the newspaper you need a stronger magnifying glass.
  2. If your vision varies from time to time you can change the magnifying head as you need to. Many people, for example, find that their eyes tire towards the end of the day, so may benefit from using the stronger magnifying lens then.
  3. You can share between multiple people who need different levels of magnification.
  4. As your vision deteriorates this set will last longer, without having to go out and buy a new magnifying glass. So it is an economical option.

 

A magnifying glass with light

I always recommend getting a magnifying glass with light, as this improves reading results significantly. Each of the heads in this magnifier set contains 2 energy efficient LED lights. They are powered with 3 AAA batteries which go in the handle. The batteries are not included.

 

Other benefits

This lighted magnifying glass is compact and stylish. It has an ergonomically designed handle with padding to ensure better grip and comfort. There are 2 color options, with either a black handle or a pretty pale blue handle.

It is made with quality materials, including a glass lens.

You are able to buy it online through Amazon and have it delivered to you. After more than 1,000 reviews on Amazon this set is rated as 4.5 stars. People have generally been very happy with this purchase. When bought through Amazon it comes with a money back satisfaction guarantee.

Buy Fancii magnifying glass with light from Amazon

 

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Humanware Explore 7 Electronic Magnifier Review

Humanware Explore 7 electronic magnifier

My verdict… The Humanware Explore 7 electronic magnifier is:

  • a great quality product by a reputable brand,
  • suitable for people with mild to moderate vision loss,
  • who want a large screen for easier reading,
  • with portability.

It is NOT suitable for:

Humanware Explore 7 electronic magnifier on small print newspaper

Buy Humanware explore digital magnifier from AmazonDetailed Review

The Explore 7 is a digital magnifier that has a magnification range from 2.3X-19X. As an electronic magnifier, it is a huge step above using a magnifying glass with light, as it displays magnified content on a big screen. Standard magnifying glasses of a comparable magnification (20X) are very, very small in comparison – probably about 1″ in diameter of usable lens in a circular shape. The Explore 7, however, provides a very large, rectangular 7″ screen. This makes reading much easier as you can see more words on the screen at once. Then you can better follow the meaning of a whole sentence as you read it.

Another benefit this magnifier is that you can adjust the color of what you’re reading. The most popular way of doing this is to increase the contrast with very dark black writing on a bright white background. Some people like to reverse the colors, so they’re reading white writing on black background. This works particularly well for people who have issues with glare. There are more than 12 color/contrast combinations available on the Explore 7, and different combinations will suit different users depending on their vision condition. The color you choose can also depend on the color of the writing or object you’re looking at. Do you find it frustrating when a magazine has tried to get fancy with their formatting and has a pale color writing on another color background? With this color changing feature, you can still view this in black and white. Adjust the color selection with the press of a button, and your setting preferences are saved when you power off.

The large tactile buttons are easy for visually impaired people to feel and easy to learn to use. Thankfully, it doesn’t have too many buttons, so it doesn’t confuse older people who aren’t familiar with technology. When the device is held with two hands, fingers around the back and thumbs at the front, the buttons are easily controlled with your two thumbs. Use your hands to move the device around the page as you read.

A quality product from a quality brand…

This  is a quality product by Humanware – a well-known and long established brand name in the low vision and blindness industry. As well as being made of good materials, there is also quality behind the R&D that goes into these products. This results in products that are easy to use and suits the low vision (often elderly) people who want to use them. Humanware has been around for more than 25 years, so there is a lot of experience behind them, and they have a good reputation to uphold. Their R&D and the production of the equipment happens in Canada.

Quality is an important factor to consider when you buy an electronic magnifier. On paper it may seem that two magnifiers are equal based on their specifications alone, but when you actually use them, it is obvious that there is a difference. The better quality products, such as this one, have a better quality image on the screen. This is particularly important for those users who have trouble with their vision at the best of times!! Some cheaper models have visual distortion in the screen, such as blurriness around the edges, which just makes matters worse. This model has a clear, high definition, LCD screen which makes reading magnified small print much easier. The anti-glare feature ensures it can be used well in different lighting conditions.

Size…

Humanware has three digital magnifiers in its Explore range. They have a smaller 3″ magnifier, a medium sized 5″ magnifier, and this large  7″ model .

The 7″ screen is a very popular choice, for those who can afford it, as it makes reading much easier when you can see more words on the screen. At the same time, it is still a portable size that can comfortably fit in a bag. The Explore 7 is slightly smaller and lighter than other brands of digital magnifiers with a 7″ size screen.

Features…

There is a built in stand which makes the equipment stand upright on your page as you read. This holds it at the right height for it to focus well, and saves you from having to hold it up. It also keeps the screen up at a good, diagonal angle from the page which provides a more ergonomic position for reading. Some cheaper digital magnifiers don’t display the screen up on an angle and just sit flat on the table. With those you have to lean right over them to view correctly which isn’t good for your neck or posture. The Explore 7 provides a comfortable reading position.

One clever feature of this digital magnifier is that it has a distance viewing mode. You can use this to zoom in on things that are further away – such as a product on a high shelf or a street sign.

Another clever feature is the ability to freeze-frame an image. This is useful for taking a temporary image of something like a phone number, then carrying it with you to another room to make the phone call.

There is no handle on the Explore 7 as it would be too big and heavy to hold a magnifier of this size for too long. It you want a model with a handle try the 5″ Explore digital magnifier instead.

You can even plug the Explore into a TV or computer screen via a cable to see the video image taken from the Explore on the TV. This allows you to magnify what you’re reading even more as you can look at it on a much bigger screen.

The device is powered by a built in, rechargeable, lithium battery, which is charged by plugging it into mains power. It takes 4-5 hours to fully recharge. The battery is long-lasting and provides 3-4 hours of continuous use. Usually, though, people are using equipment for small tasks, rather than for several hours at a time. So the battery life is usually more than enough. It is helped by a power saving feature which automatically switches it off after 3 minutes of inactivity.

It comes with a cleaning cloth and a sturdy case to protect it when you’re on the go.

Weight: < 440g
Dimension: 195mm x 139.5mm x 25mm

This product is available to buy online from Amazon with FREE delivery.Buy Humanware explore 7 video magnifier from Amazon

Summary

The Humanware Explore 7 electronic magnifier is a great quality product by a reputable brand. It is suitable for people with mild to moderate vision loss who want a large screen for easier reading and also have portability.

 

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Electronic magnifying glasses vs electronic magnifiers

Digital magnifier with large font

When people come to me asking about electronic magnifying glasses they usually mean one of two things:

  1. A battery operated magnifying glass with light; or
  2. An electronic magnifier.

While both these products are used to help people with low vision to read, there are big differences between the two categories. So I’d like to explain how they compare.

Battery operated magnifying glasses

Battery operated magnifying glass with set of 3 lensesThese look and feel like ordinary magnifying glasses. They magnify an image by using a concave piece of glass or perspex which distorts light to make the viewed object look bigger.

Battery operated ones are one step better than regular magnifying glasses, however, because they have a light source built into them. This means that as you hold the magnifying glass over your reading material the magnifier itself shines a bright light on what you’re looking at. This makes the effect of the magnification much clearer.

The built in light reduces or eliminates the need for extra lamps or lighting in the room when you’re reading. This is very handy as you don’t have to keep moving around to find a good light source.

For example, lets say you picked up a packet of food in your pantry and want to read its label. If you didn’t have a magnifying glass with light in it you would have to carry that packet of food over to a brighter area of your kitchen such as near a window or lamp.

Battery operated magnifying glasses are fairly economical. They range between about $5 and $100 depending on the quality, size, material, brand, strength etc.

The effective strength of these magnifying glasses ranges between 1.5x and about 20x. This is suitable for people with mild vision loss. They won’t be strong enough for people with moderate to severe vision loss, such as those with advanced macular degeneration or glaucoma.

If this suits your needs then you can find my recommended models of lighted magnifying glasses on this page.

 

Electronic magnifier

Humanware handheld electronic magnifier on stand reading small print in newspaperElectronic magnifiers are a lot more powerful than battery operated magnifying glasses. They don’t just use glass to distort light – they use a combination of video and software to enhance the image to a much greater extent. This allows the magnification to be much higher – up to 80x on some models. Therefore this is what would be required by someone with moderate vision loss or a more severe vision impairment.

These magnifiers also have other special features, such as being able to increase the contrast, change the colors, and magnify distance viewing. Some models can even read aloud printed material.

Many people assume because these use electronics they must be confusing – like using a computer or mobile tablet – but that’s not the case. This equipment is designed for elderly people with low vision to use, so they are quite straight forward with just a few buttons on them that are big and tactile.

Electronic magnifiers are also known as digital magnifiers, video magnifiers or low vision cctvs.

They come in different sizes – from handheld versions to big 24″ screens that sit on a desk or table.

One of the biggest differences is the price. These range from a couple of hundred dollars for the cheapest electronic magnifier to a few thousand for the best electronic magnifier with speech. While the price is much higher than the magnifying glasses, there isn’t really a fair comparison, because the 2 categories are for different groups of people. The former is for mild vision loss and the latter is for moderate vision loss. People with moderate vision loss are usually very happy that they spent the money to buy an electronic magnifier because it gives them back some of their independence by allowing them to read again.

If this is what you’re after then you can find my recommended models of electronic magnifiers on this page.

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