Best Reading Lights for Macular Degeneration

To improve reading ability with macular degeneration, low vision eyeglasses  (Prismatic Magnifying Readers and Spectacle Miniature Telescopes) and  enhanced illumination are often the keys to success.

Studies have shown macular degeneration patients need 3-4 times the amount of light to read and to do other visually-guided tasks as a person with normal vision.  High-powered glasses and telescopic glasses for reading require proper illumination to be effective.

Dr. Kinkade's Telescopic Magnifying Reading Light

for Macular Degeneration.

YouTube Video

 

 

What people with macular degeneration

say about their illumination needs for reading:

 

“I can read in the sunlight.”

“I read the paper in the morning next to the window.”

 

“I read with a flashlight in one hand
and a magnifier in the other.”

 

“If there is no good light, there is no reading or writing.”

 

“Lighting is what I rely on.”

 

The best lighting provides brightness and contrast enhancement. The best lighting does not create glare or heat. The best lighting reduces eyestrain. The best lighting for reading replicates sunlight.

 



Dr. Randolph Kinkade Glasses and Lighting Options for Macular Degeneration

 

  

There are different types of beneficial light bulbs and lamp designs depending on the level of vision and required task (i.e., reading, writing, cooking, and sewing).

 

Incandescent bulbs, regular traditional light bulbs, tend to have a yellower light.  They tend not to be the best for contrast enhancement and accurate color perception, but are effective when placed very close to the reading surface.

Fluorescent bulbs produce a bright light, but may cause glare for some macular degeneration individuals. Cool-white “natural daylight” fluorescents are helpful.

Halogen bulbs produce too much heat and are not recommended.

LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are semiconductors now offering bright enough light to help with reading while generating very little heat.

The equipment is as important as the light bulb for people with macular degeneration. Swing-arms, goosenecks and height adjustable features allow the light to be aimed exactly where it helps the best. Using a swivel reflector shade is also helpful in directing the light precisely on what is being read.

Clip on lights may or may not be bright enough without other illumination. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flash lights can be very beneficial for many activities around the house.

 

For reading, a 60 watt bulb 8-12 inches from the page is often dramatically more effective than 600 watts on the ceiling or even 150 watts up over the shoulder.

Reading reflector shade directed right on the page.

Macular degeneration is a common, incurable and potentially devastating disease.  It is a progressive condition that causes vision loss in the center of your vision.

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of permanent vision loss in people 50 and older. The older you are, the greater your chance of being affected by age-related macular degeneration.  Early detection is the key to reducing the effects of this condition.

Symptoms for macular degeneration often include a gradual or sudden loss of vision for tasks like reading, writing, driving or seeing faces clearly.  There may be haziness, small or large blind spots, or even distortions in vision.

Macular degeneration does not cause total blindness, but it can decrease your quality of life by blurring or causing a blind spot in your central vision. Clear central vision is used for reading, driving, recognizing faces and seeing any task requiring detail work.

In contrast, the peripheral retina is responsible for detecting objects and movement off to the side and this is not affected by macular degeneration.  Peripheral vision is naturally blurry, yet very beneficial.  It is necessary for keeping us safe as we move about throughout the day.  It also becomes more important for daily activities as macular degeneration progresses.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology 10 million Americans have some stage of macular degeneration. There are 200,000 new individuals developing this condition every year.

WTIC Television Interview

To down load a free

Guide for Macular Degeneration Eyeglasses:

Low Vision Treatment

please visit

LowVisionEyeglasses.com

 

 

Contact Dr. Kinkade for a free telephone consultation

to see if you or someone you know is a candidate

for his special glasses.

(800) 756-0766

rkinkade@optonline.net
 

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