Reading light recommendation - mom has macular

[scottmel]

If anyone is familiar with macular degeneration you know reading can be a challenge. looking for book light or something that even magnifies words without you having to hold the magnifier. Anyone have a similar situation? thanks!

 

[DizMe]

Ott light makes something with a built-in magnifying glass. I got one because I do a lot of needlework. I love the light that it puts out--very, very clear and bright--but the lamp itself is terrible. The screws stripped out and I have had to rig up weird ways to keep the light from flopping down. It used to be that I could rotate it and adjust it in all kinds of directions but that quickly went away as the cheap plastic parts wore out. Mine is a floor lamp and was fairly expensive. I got the desk version for my dad, who also has macular degeneration, and that one has held up fine.

I've seen other lights with a built in magnifier but I don't know how well they work. The one on my Ott light was terrible, but I've seen pictures of some with a rectangular/square glass that look like they'd be better. I would avoid the round kind I have as it is very irregular in how it magnifies things.

The same type of light can be found in cheaper fixtures. I just saw some at my Costco (table version) but they didn't have a magnifier.

 

[Miffy]

I don't have a similar situation but I may have a solution for you: e-reader. Kindle app on a tablet is the way to go. The Google Play book app is also quite good. On both you can adjust the intensity of the backlighting and the text size and layout.

HTH!

 

[DizMe]

This is the one I have. They frequently go on sale, but unless they've really improved the construction quality, I'd be hesitant about it.

 

[Gigi22]

I don't have a similar situation but I may have a solution for you: e-reader. Kindle app on a tablet is the way to go. The Google Play book app is also quite good. On both you can adjust the intensity of the backlighting and the text size and layout.

HTH!

My DH had macular degeneration and experienced a lot of difficulty in reading, but he refused to use an e-reader. He found that sitting in an area with good natural lighting helped him read.

If your mom is comfortable with an e-reader, I agree that this is the way to go. Could you take her to a Best Buy or another retailer to try out the different types of e-readers? She may have a preference as to the model, controls, lighting, etc.

 

[Hikergirl]

I wouldn't go with a tablet for her. Reading on that type of screen can cause her eyes to get tired and with someone with MD that could make reading on it challenging.
I would go with a Kindle Paperwhite, its not backlit. The font size is adjustable so she can make it bigger if needed. Also you can read it outside.

 

[Hikergirl]

http://www.firststreetonline.com/Ho...0r1KmExGSrytVlvvoVAw3m7C4VsE3x4Y93xoCGJvw_wcB

 

[kid-at-heart]

I know this is not answering your question but I do not have any recommendations as to a light. My sister uses this one and likes it. She also has vision issues but not MD. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product...fl_title_23?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A302JHK8ZA18R6

My mother does have macular degeneration and has lost almost all of her sight. The local blind association hooked her up with a free books on tape supscription and a machine that plays them (not a cassette player). The books come in the mail, she may keep them as long as needed then sends them back by mail (free postage) for more books. She is able to choose the books or type of books that she wants the association to send. Also, our local PBS site sent her a special radio that plays volunteer readers reading the news and various books. You might want to check with your local blind association and find out what services are available in your area. We are in Michigan.

I hope you find what you need.
Kate

 

[scottmel]

http://www.firststreetonline.com/Ho...0r1KmExGSrytVlvvoVAw3m7C4VsE3x4Y93xoCGJvw_wcB

Perfect!!!! Thank u!!!!

 

[scottmel]

I wouldn't go with a tablet for her. Reading on that type of screen can cause her eyes to get tired and with someone with MD that could make reading on it challenging.
I would go with a Kindle Paperwhite, its not backlit. The font size is adjustable so she can make it bigger if needed. Also you can read it outside.

That is exactly what happens. Very tired eyes after reading too long. Thanks!