Using a Computer and Phone with Low Vision

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Digital Devices and Low Vision

People with low vision often struggle with computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices. The following article addresses various options to assist these people with such devices. There are a wide range of effective programs, software, vision aids, assistive technologies, and general good practices that can be used to maximize vision.

This article focuses exclusively on people with low vision and the problems they have with digital devices. It should not be confused with the more common condition of visual eye strain (also known as "Computer Vision Syndrome") that many people experience when spending excessive time in front of computers.

This article is not intended as a diagnostic tool or replacement for an optometrist's advice. Always speak with a qualified eye doctor regarding ocular health.

Using Hardware, Software, Settings, and Devices to Improve Low Vision

There are many visual aids to assist low vision patients with computers and digital devices. These include using optimal hardware settings, assistive technologies, and various aids to improve vision.

Hardware

Hardware options include:

- Special screens/filters: These include screens for magnification and screens to reduce glare.
- Keyboards/mouse: Keyboards with large buttons or larger letters/numbers are often helpful for those with visual impairment. Many people also benefit from a mouse trackpad.
Keyboard Commands: Some people with low vision prefer keyboard commands instead of a mouse.

Software

There are numerous assistive technology products and special software to aid people with visual impairment:

Magnification software
Screen reader programs: Various software programs will read your screen to you.
Speech to text software for dictation
Visual aid technologies

Settings

For those struggling with computer screens and other digital devices, the settings on computers and smartphones can be modified to assist vision difficulties. These include:

Options to magnify or enlarge the screen, or parts of the screen. There are also options for enlarging icons.
Options for illuminating devices by increasing or decreasing brightness. Additional options allow modifications of color and contrast.
Options to change mouse settings for optimal usage.
Using assistive voice technologies such as SIRI embedded within the hardware

Devices

CCTV: Allows for the magnification of images onto a larger monitor.
Magnifying glasses
LED lighting to maximize vision

Digital Vision Aids for Low Vision

People with low vision struggle with computers, smartphones, and other digital devices. Modern technology provides options to assist these people. Speak with a low vision optometrist to find out which options can aid vision when using computers, smartphones, tablets, and other types of electronic technology. Patients with low vision visit our clinic from all over Tennessee, and we are proud to be a leading provider of low vision services for patients from Hixson, Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Middle Valley.

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Testimonials

Vision therapy is well worth the response, time and effort. Our Son had a hard time focusing and writing neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time if previously took. His abilities to focus improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent, we wanted learning to be fun for our Son, and vision therapy made this possible.

Amanda T.

Vision Therapy is well worth the expense, time and effort. Our son had a hard time focusing handwriting neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time it previously took his abilities to focus and improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent you wanted learning to be fun for our son and vision therapy made this possible.

Alexa H.

Vision Therapy has given or son the tools he needs to be able to scan and read the written word more effectively and efficiently.

He love working with John and these working sessions give him the motivation to gladly work on his homework assignments.

It amazed us to see the difference in the tracking of his eyes and along a line of it's from the beginning to the end of the treatment.

Dr. McBryar , Kristen and John are all marvelous and we would recommend them to anyone I only wish that we would have found them sooner!

Charlotte M.

Prior to coming to the institute for vision development my son complained of daily headaches. Therapy has eliminated his headaches completely. I love knowing my son is able to learn pain-free for the rest of his life because of the work that has been done over just a few weeks in this office. He he absolutely loved coming that didn't even feel like going to a doctor or therapy. We are grateful for the relief he was able to find by coming here.

Thank you!

Olivia C.

Seems much less frustrated with life

Reads non-stop and fast

Spelling abilities have been hugely improved

Seems much more confident

Thank You!!!

Kelly O.

When we first came to the practice, my son did not have huge issues, but lots of small ones- trouble with reading, sports (hitting the baseball consistently), coordination, etc- that were not easily detectable,but when put together presented issues. The staff here were all very professional and loving towards him. While I was concerned in the reading, my son was concerned with the athletic side. Seeing improvement night off the bat gave him confidence that i have nor seen in him and made him want to not only Come to therapy, but also made him want to work hard. He has surpassed his grade level and above in reading and hit his first home run this year! Thank you!!!