What is the best magnifying glass for reading?

The right hearing and vision aids can make an enormous impact in the lives of those living with sensory impairments. For those with low vision, a magnifying glass can be particularly useful. This is a type of convex lens that helps make text appear larger and easier to read.

From enjoying your favourite books to studying medication labels, a quality magnifying lens can open up a world of clarity. But what is the best magnifying glass for reading, and how do you choose the right magnifier for your needs? Read on to find out.

Types of magnifying glass for reading

There are many different kinds of magnifying glasses for reading. They are available in various shapes, sizes and magnification strengths, each designed for different uses.

The right type of magnifying glass for you will depend on your level of vision and what you need to magnify. Let’s explore some of the best magnifiers for reading.

Handheld magnifying glasses

Classic handheld magnifying glasses are one of the oldest and most familiar reading aids for low vision. They are typically round in shape, with a long handle allowing you to move the lens over whatever you’re reading. Handheld magnifiers are compact and easy to use, and are typically among the most affordable magnifying glasses for reading. They come in a wide range of sizes and magnification strengths.

Full-page magnifiers

Full-page magnifying glasses are one of the most popular choices for reading. As the name suggests, they are big enough to magnify an entire page or section of text at once. This makes them ideal for reading books, magazines and newspapers. The larger viewing area allows you to see more text without constantly repositioning the lens. They are usually rectangular in shape, and may feature a soft frame for comfort.

Pocket magnifying glasses

Small, lightweight and ultra-portable, pocket magnifiers slip easily into a bag or pocket when not in use. Despite their compact size, many still offer impressive magnification power. They are great for reading medication bottles, food labels, price tags and other small text on the go. 

Pocket magnifiers typically come with a protective pouch or case to help prevent the lens from getting scratched. Many are made from durable acrylic, rather than glass, to reduce the risk of the lens shattering if dropped.

Hands-free magnifiers

Hands-free magnifying glasses are designed to keep the lens in position without you having to hold it. Their main purpose is to free up your hands for turning pages or making notes. Ideal for those with shaky hands, they can also help to reduce strain and fatigue during long reading sessions.

Some hands-free magnifiers come with an adjustable stand for mounting on a table or desk. Others are attached to a sturdy neck cord, allowing you to balance the lens on your chest while reading.

Magnifiers with lights

LED magnifying glasses feature a built-in light for illuminating the text as well as magnifying it. This can help to make small text much easier to read. They are especially useful for reading at night or in low light conditions, and for people with reduced contrast sensitivity. Magnifying glasses with lights do require batteries, but can be used without the LED if the battery runs out.

Folding magnifying glasses

Some magnifying glasses for reading come with a folding case or frame that doubles as a stand. You can unfold the stand to prop the magnifier up on a table, and fold it flat again when not in use. Folding magnifiers are a convenient choice for reading on the go, or for storing flat in a cupboard or drawer. 

What is the strongest magnifying glass for reading?

Most magnifying glasses designed for reading provide 2x-4x magnification, meaning they make text appear 2-4 times larger. For most people with low vision, this is generally considered the best magnification strength for everyday reading. It provides a good balance of text enlargement with a wide enough field of view.

However, your ideal magnification will depend on your level of visual impairment and the tasks you need to accomplish. You may find you need a higher level of magnification for reading things like fine print on medication labels. If so, it may be worth investing in a more powerful magnifier. The Pocket Magnifying Glass from Complete Care Shop, for example, offers an impressive 6x magnification. 

Where to buy magnifying glass for reading

At Complete Care Shop, we have an extensive range of magnifying glasses and other low vision aids to suit all reading needs. Our selection includes handheld and hands-free magnifiers, pocket-sized models, jumbo lenses, illuminated magnifying glasses and more.

Visit our website to browse our full range of magnifying glasses and other living aids. Alternatively, contact us today for expert advice and personalised product recommendations.