Often we think of low vision to simply mean a need for glasses so low vision aids can seem unnecessary, but low vision isn’t a synonym for needing glasses. Low vision is “a visual impairment, not correctable by standard glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery, that interferes with a person’s ability to perform everyday activities” (National Eye Institute). Vision is an integral part of our daily lives, and low vision aids such as portable video magnifiers help people with macular degeneration and other visual impairments maintain independent living.

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AMOLED, or Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode, displays have been used in high definition televisions to provide crystal clear, evenly-lit resolution for viewers on larger screens. In addition, AMOLED displays have been used in mobile phones and portable devices to provide clear resolution and decrease power consumption. Eschenbach, a designer and manufacturer of award winning low vision aids, has incorporated AMOLED technology into the design of its newest magnifier, the Mobilux Digital Portable Video Magnifier.

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Like many people, I have the worst time with waking up on time in the morning. Incessantly looking at my cell phone with the hopes that time will reverse itself simply is not cutting it any more…especially when that act turns into oversleeping. Now, compound that situation with a schedule that involves travel. Regardless of how little or how much time zones may impact your sleeping cycles, the need to wake up is still a priority.

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In regards to personal hygiene, the one tool that is by far the most important and commonly used device in the entire bathroom is a mirror. Mirrors provide us with a view of something we normally wouldn’t be able to see, they allow us to see ourselves as the rest of the world does. Bathroom mirrors range in size, shape, magnification, color and style, and are a necessity for many delicate grooming activities like shaving, applying makeup, and more. Mirrors play a pivotal role in hygiene and upkeep and there are some innovative designs on the market that make it easier to keep you looking your best.

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According to the National Federation for the Blind, there are over 700 known causes of vision loss. Vision loss can be devastating at any age, imagine losing your sight after a lifetime of being able to see; no longer able to focus the eyes or even having areas of vision blocked or totally lost. Loss of vision has an incredible effect on those who have had sight. The tragedy of losing the ability to read and see can significantly reduce one’s level of independence and confidence while also causing fear and depression. Those who are experiencing changes or loss of vision will often become recluse and must depend on others for the very basic of needs. With proper information and training there are opportunities and devices out there that will provide assistance to help us learn to live and adapt to the disability. Finding these products can be a challenge, especially with vision difficulty. We all know about the basic aids for the blind and we naturally think of, guide dogs, red tipped canes, Braille and large print books as well as various magnification implements. Few people know that there are many other items that have been developed to aid those whose have been diagnosed with vision conditions that cause reduction or distortion. Talking watches, books on disc, talking scales and thermometers are all devices which also give the visually impaired the ability to function independently. In today’s world, we need so much more to allow the visually impaired to maintain a career, experience life in the world of business and continue to live a full and independent life. Fortunately, constant progression of technology is providing new and improved programs and devices, to provide assistance to the visually impaired person in the use of computers.

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Living independently becomes increasingly more difficult as we age. Sometimes everyday tasks can become extremely difficult. Fortunately there are a number of tools and devices that are designed to make your life easier. Whether you are living with limited mobility or just need a little extra help around the house, here are 7 suggestions you can use to continue living independently.

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