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Choosing a Magnifier
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 Before Choosing a Magnifier you need to know a little about them.
There are many types of magnifier and it can be very difficult
to choose which will most suit your requirements, we therefore
offer some guidelines and basic information.
• A large magnifier is not powerful, the power of a lens governs
its size, the greater the magnification power the smaller the
lens becomes!
• It is impossible to make a high powered magnifier which covers
a large area.
• The stronger a magnifier is, the closer you will need to position
it to the object in view and consequently to your eye.
• Suitable magnifiers can help to maintain independence.
• If you are able to make out the headlines on Newspapers then
a magnifier will probably be of help in most reading tasks.
• It is not easy to use a high powered magnifier, they enlarge
the viewed object, but only provide a small field of view ie:
you can only see a few letters at a time.
• You will need to be motivated to succeed, keep trying it does
get easier!
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• You cannot harm your eyes by using a magnifier.
All Prices on the site include VAT & carriage – for exemption
from VAT please ask for details before shopping on line.
Types of Magnifier
There are a number of different style of magnifier each with its
own merits.
To choose it is essential that you read the guidance notes.
Individual details including prices are available on the on-line shop.
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Hand Magnifiers (Including Pocket)
Available in powers from 1x magnification to 12.5x magnification.
They are generally easy to use but require a steady hand and have
to be held at a continuous distance from the viewed object. They
are also available in small pocket versions which are easy to
carry around and can be used when shopping, map reading etc.
These are used when wearing your distance glasses or without spectacles
if these have not been prescribed. Remember, the higher the power
of magnification, the closer you will have to hold the magnifier
to your eye and the closer the print will need to be to the magnifier.
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Illuminated Magnifiers
Both hand and stand magnifiers are available in illuminated versions,
illumination is helpful in most cases especially when using high
powered aids, as the necessary close working distance often results
in your head casting a shadow on the page.
There are both battery and mains versions available, the most
recent addition to these ranges, are the LED illuminated versions,
these are battery powered but provide a more white light with
the added advantage of never having to replace bulbs and a longer
battery life.
Illuminated Systems where handles and heads are sold separately
offer longevity as all heads and handles in this range are interchangeable
it not only gives a comprehensive choice, but allows for increasing
magnification with a new head rather than a complete magnifier.
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Hands Free Magnifiers
Stand magnifiers are available in powers from 1.7x to 20x magnification, these
have the advantage of having built-in legs which enable the user
to maintain the correct focal length at all times. It is also
possible to write underneath the lower powered varieties. Generally
these type of magnifiers should be used whilst wearing any reading
glasses you have been issued.
Bench Magnifiers are usually large magnifiers and therefore low powered, which
are mounted on moveable fittings. Many can be clamped to desk
or table tops and some are also available on heavy bases. Many
in this range are also illuminated which makes then ideal for
fine work tasks such as electronics and needlecraft.
Linen Testers fold flat, they were originally designed for 'testing' (proving)
linen by counting the number of threads per inch, today used for
anything flat: stamps, coins, prints etc.
Jewellers Loupes used for close up inspection of gemstones / diamonds,
forged coins etc,
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Bar, Dome & Brightfield Magnifiers
Bar Magnifiers are lenses which lie flat on a page and magnify
one line of text, whilst the concept appears useful, these are
only available in relatively low powers and can be susceptible
to reflections and distortions. Some versions are also available
with a guide line incorporated which can make reading a little
easier.
Dome & Brightfield Magnifiers are magnifiers which rest flat on
the page and have the appearance of a paperweight. They are always
in focus and have the ability to harness the surrounding light.
This type of magnifier is especially beneficial to those who are
short sighted who often find other types of magnifier difficult
to use. Coil has recently developed a range of these magnifiers
which have special "shaded" sections, designed to alleviate pattern
glare and therefore help those with Dyslexia and other associated
reading problems. This type of magnifier is only available in
relatively low powers.
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Telescopic (including Monocular and Binocular)
Monoculars can be spectacle mounted or as is more popular hand
held. Whilst this type of aid can be used for near vision, they
usually require specialist prescription and fitting. The hand
held versions are generally used to aid distance vision, to view
bus numbers, street signs etc and can be a useful mobility aid.
Some of these aids do have the ability to focus for near as well.
Using a Monocular (hand held telescope) successfully requires
much practice and perseverance but can become an invaluable aid.
Guide to Using a Monocular
Binoculars range include spectacle binoculars which incorporate
near and distance viewing, as well as traditional distance binoculars
for opera, bird watching etc.
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Electronic Magnifiers
These magnifiers can be extremely effective, we offer details
about what is available and as technology evolves, new products
are added. They come in a range of shapes and sizes from fully
portable rechargeable units to units that plug into the television
through to desk top systems.
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Screen Magnifiers
PC Magnifiers can be an additional support to the magnifying software by adding
an addition 1.5x magnification, they also have built in screen
filter to stop the glare.
TV magnifiers are available in a number of sizes to suit most televisions and
provide additional magnification of up to 2x and have a built
in blue filter lens. It is essential to measure your television
before purchase by measuring diagonally across the screen. Wheel
stands and overhand units are also available if required.
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