The first assistive technology I ever remember using is a magnifying glass for low vision, specifically a handheld magnifying glass that I used to examine objects in my classroom. Since there is no universal magnifying glass I can use for every possible situation or for every type of content that I encounter, I have a collection of magnifying glasses for low vision access that I use for various tasks, in addition to the screen magnification and video magnifiers/CCTVs I use for enlarging digital content.
Here is an overview of magnifying glasses for low vision that I have personally used and that can frequently be found in my desk drawers, including examples of how I use different types of magnifiers for low vision to complete tasks related to accessing schoolwork, accessing information at home, and in other facets of daily life.
Characteristics of magnifying glasses for low vision
Magnifying glasses come in a variety of shapes, sizes, magnification powers, and configurations. While this is by no means an overview of optics or the science behind magnifying glasses for visually impaired users, it can be helpful to be aware of characteristics of magnifying glasses and what they mean for users with low vision. Here are features that are commonly included on product listings for magnifying glasses, and what they mean:
- Field of view. How much information is visible through the lens of the magnifying glass; a smaller field of view is generally associated with a higher magnification power.
- Focal length. The distance from which someone can hold a magnifying glass from an object and still be able to see it clearly. This is shorter in magnifying glasses with a higher magnification power.
- Magnifying power. How much an image is magnified, with higher magnification being used for detailed tasks like reading small print. Most magnifying glasses available off-the-shelf in stores have a magnification power between 2x and 6x (200% to 600% magnification).
- Other built-in features. Lights, color filters, stands, and other positional aids can be used to further enhance the magnified image.
Optical aids like bioptics, handheld telescopes (monoculars), spectacle-mounted telescopes, and specialty magnifiers are prescribed by a low vision specialist and offer options for higher magnification power or adjustable magnification. These may be prescribed in addition to prescription glasses, or used for specific tasks such as driving.
Related links
- Learning To Explain Usable Vision
- Two of Everything: Living With Double Vision
- Lighting And Low Vision
Magnifying glass vs video magnifier
Video magnifiers, also known as CCTVs, use a digital camera to enlarge images in real time at higher magnification powers than a typical magnifying glass. Unlike fixed-power magnifying glasses, users can adjust the magnifying power of a video magnifier and enable additional display settings; some devices also provide options for reading text out loud or capturing images. Video magnifiers can be used as a standalone device or connected to a larger screen to magnify images further.
Video magnifiers are available in multiple sizes and magnification powers, ranging from smartphone-sized devices to desktop options. Magnification powers are adjustable, with many models offering 12x, 25x, or even 50x magnification powers. A smaller handheld video magnifier may have a handle, kickstand, or lanyard to assist with positioning the camera over an item, while larger video magnifiers often have a remote for positioning the camera or an XY table for reading documents. Some mainstream devices like smartphones or tablets offer built-in magnifying applications or support for third-party apps that convert devices into video magnifiers.
I use both video magnifiers and magnifying glasses in my day-to-day life, but do not use them simultaneously; a magnifying glass isn’t very helpful for enlarging content that is already on a screen, and I can’t comfortably stack a video magnifier camera on top of an existing magnifying glass. Because my vision fluctuates due to environmental factors like lighting and temperature, I use video magnifiers more often because I can adjust the magnification power more easily.
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- All About The Eschenbach SmartLux Digital Video Magnifier
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Magnifying glass for computer screen
To enlarge content on a computer, tablet, or phone, many users turn to screen magnification or screen magnifiers. Screen magnification software enlarges all on-screen content, not just text or specific display elements. Users control the zoom level and visible area by using docked, full screen, or lens view modes; a lens view closely resembles a typical magnifying glass as it follows the cursor.
External devices like screen amplifiers or magnifying screens/magnification overlays are types of magnifying glasses that can be positioned over a device screen to enlarge computer, tablet, or phone screens. They are not designed for use with touchscreen devices, but can be useful for enlarging videos or images. I recommend using an external keyboard when using screen amplifiers or similar devices with other applications.
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Portable magnifying glass: pocket magnifier
A pocket magnifier is a compact, portable magnifying glass with a small viewing window designed for enlarging small text, labels, or intricate details. The lens of a pocket magnifier measures about two inches in diameter, and can have magnification powers ranging from 2x to 15x; most pocket magnifiers found in stores have a magnification power between 2x and 6x. Some pocket magnifiers also include a built-in light or rectangular frame that can be used for positioning, though they are not designed for reading large amounts of text.
I started using a pocket magnifier in elementary school to enlarge exponents or small details in math and science diagrams, but would often become frustrated because 2x magnification was not sufficient for my access needs. That said, using a slanted display or document stand has made it easier for me to position pocket magnifiers with low vision, and I also brought pocket magnifiers for summer camp and on field trips a few times.
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- Ten Lessons My TVI Taught Me
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Wearable pendant magnifying glass
Pendant magnifying glasses are worn on a chain and can be used to position a magnifying lens for reading small amounts of text or enlarging small images. Available in varying magnification powers from 2x to 10x, users can wear the magnifying glass on a chain around their neck or wrap it around their wrist/place it in a bag for easy access.
My first experience using a wearable pendant magnifying glass was in elementary school, and I preferred the larger handheld magnifying glass because I didn’t like wearing the chain. That said, I have used a wearable magnifying glass to enlarge small labels in a college dining hall, enlarge small objects quickly, or read exponents and subscripts; the higher magnification power is useful for these tasks, and people don’t notice I am wearing a magnifying glass.
Related links
- How I Take Math Tests With Double Vision
- Elementary School Classrooms And Low Vision Accessibility
- I Don’t Need An IEP!: Overcoming Internalized Ableism
Handheld magnifying glass
A handheld magnifying glass features a convex lens mounted in a handle, which is designed to enlarge small objects or text for easier viewing. Handheld magnifying glasses typically have a diameter between three and four inches, with larger lenses typically having lower magnification power due to the wider field of view. Magnifying glass lenses may be round or rectangular shaped, and offer magnification powers between 2x and 6x; specialty handheld magnifying glasses may offer higher magnification powers at 10x or more.
My family has always kept handheld magnifying glasses around the house so I could perform tasks like reading tags, examining small objects, or enlarging text in multi-column layouts independently. While I dislike having to hold magnifying glasses for long periods of time, magnification stands are helpful for positioning a magnifying glass in a consistent location.
Related links
- A to Z of Assistive Technology for Reading Digital Text
- Adapting Math Symbols: Math Problems and Low Vision
Bar magnifier
A bar magnifier is a handheld, flat, rectangular magnifying glass that sits on top of a page and magnifies between 1 and 3 lines of text at a time. Bar magnifiers typically include a colored tracking line to help with focusing on a particular line of text, and offer lower magnification powers between 1.5x and 3.5x compared to other types of magnifiers.
I have used a bar magnifier for standardized tests and for focusing on specific areas of a page, but find them more challenging to use for math and science content due to the use of exponents/multi-column layouts. That said, I find bar magnifiers useful for enlarging slightly-too-small text or for locating information in a table.
Related links
- Testing Accommodations For Low Vision Students
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Page magnifier or sheet magnifier
Full page magnifiers or sheet magnifiers are designed to enlarge an entire page of text, making them ideal for reading books, magazines, newspapers, or documents at 2x to 3x magnification. Some models come with stands or other positioning aids for hands-free use, while others require users to position the magnifier with one hand and write/position a document with their other hand.
Out of all of the magnifying glasses for low vision that I have used in school, the page magnifier has been one of my favorites for longer reading tasks or enlarging text that was slightly too small for me to read. That said, I would have to be aware of overhead lights and take breaks when using it because the glare from overhead lights could contribute to visual fatigue. At home, I use the page magnifier to enlarge flyers, forms, brochures, or other full-page content.
Related links
- Disability Accommodations For Fluctuating Eyesight
- Activity Ideas For Vision Breaks
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Flexible magnifying sheet
Different from a page magnifier, a magnifying sheet is a flexible, lightweight magnifier that can be used for enlarging an entire page of text. I typically encounter these as 2x magnifiers that are more challenging to position/write with as they remind me of thin paper; magnifying sheets like these are not generally helpful for low vision access or performing highly visual tasks, but can be useful for short-term magnification needs.
I typically encounter magnifying sheets at polling places, government offices like the DMV, and occasionally doctor’s offices; I do not personally own one and prefer to use other types of magnifying glasses or video magnifiers whenever possible.
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Dome magnifier
A dome magnifier, also known as a paperweight magnifier or globe magnifier, is a hands-free, plano-convex magnifying device that can rest on top of reading material for instant magnification and hands-free use. Users can position the dome magnifier or move it across the page for instant magnification, and typically range from 2x to 5x magnification power.
I wish I used a dome magnifier more often in school (especially elementary school/middle school) because they are easier for me to position and use for reading text, and don’t require me to use task lighting as often compared to other types of magnifying glasses. While they are heavier than other types of portable magnifying glasses, I find them helpful for reading text with narrow margins or filling out forms.
Related links
- Participating In Drama and Theater Programs With Low Vision
- What I Wish I Learned About Assistive Technology Before Starting College
Stand magnifier
A stand magnifier is a hands-free magnifying glass that can be repositioned over text or used to keep a magnifying glass in place for hands-free use. Stand magnifiers come in a wide range of sizes, magnification powers, and configurations, ranging from kickstands for handheld magnifiers to positioning aids that hover over objects for easier magnification.
I find it easier to write underneath a stand magnifier compared to other types of magnifying glasses that require me to position the lens with my other hand. I have also used stands that allowed me to switch out magnifying glasses or use different types of handheld magnifiers; the stand was not built-in to the device.
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Wearable magnifying glasses
Different from bioptics/monocular optical aids and pendant magnifiers, wearable magnifying glasses are another hands-free option that can be useful for individuals with low vision. Wearable magnifying glasses range in magnification power from 1.5x to 5x, and can be worn on the face or worn around the neck/shoulders, mimicking the appearance of a large handheld magnifying glass. Some models are designed for specific tasks or hobbies, or include built-in LED lights for additional illumination.
Since I wear prescription glasses, I don’t have any experience with the wearable magnifying glasses that mimic the appearance of traditional glasses. That said, I helped one of my friends choose a wearable magnifying glass that they could position around their neck to use while sewing, knitting, or crocheting, as they needed a hands-free option with LED lights that did not require them to lean over at an uncomfortable angle.
Related links
- Creating Accessible Crafting Tutorials For Visual Impairment
- Making Friendship Bracelets With Low Vision
More resources on magnification and magnifying glasses for low vision
- Want to learn more about my prescription glasses and lined bifocals that I use for reading? Check out Veronica’s Four Eyes: All About My Glasses For Low Vision and Wearing Tinted Glasses for Low Vision
- Interested in exploring other assistive technology for low vision? Read A to Z of Assistive Technology For Low Vision
- Want to learn more about how I access print materials or read text in large print? Read Low Vision Accommodations For Print Materials From My Low Vision IEP and File Formats For Low Vision and Print Disabilities
Published August 18, 2019. Updated February 2026