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Reading is possible for those with Macular Degeneration and Low Vision A recent reader sent me a question asking, “Can you provide some information on e book readers - such as Kindle readers, magnification, contrast and which works best for those with age related macular degeneration? Also what are the costs of book downloads? “ E book readers have made reading possible for those with age related macular degeneration (AMD) who has given up on reading. Features like font magnification, glare free screens, and sharp, dark text are appealing to those who are experiencing symptoms of macular degeneration. Screen Size Amazon’s Kindle comes in two different screen sizes. The smaller Kindle screen size is 6” while the Kindle DX is 9.7”. Many people with macular degeneration have been happy with the smaller screen size. However keep in mind that the more one magnifies the font, the less words or sentences appear on a page. Contrast Soon to be released, October 22, 2012, is the Kindle Paper white. It has 25% more contrast than the Kindle 2 with a backlight that doesn’t produce glare. The text is sharper and darker providing even better contrast than previous versions of Kindle readers. Wireless Reader Ebooks are delivered one of two ways. The less expensive reader delivers ebooks through a Wi-Fi hot spot. The most convenient delivery is the Kindle reader with a built-in 3G cell phone network. This reader uses the same wireless signals that cell phones use, without any monthly fees. Amazon pays for 3G wireless connectivity. I have enjoyed the convenience of having the 3G connection on my Kindle which means I can download books anywhere and at any time. Large Print Books Large print books are not easy to find, are expensive and are available in limited genres. Hard copy large print books range in price from $15 to $25 while most Kindle books are $10 or less and many can be purchased for $5. Did you know that books that are part of the public domain, such as most of the classics, can be downloaded for free? I have downloaded books like Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, War and Peace, Les Miserable and many more for free right onto my Kindle. Macular Degeneration Kindle Reader Here is a quote from a Kindle user who has macular degeneration. By George L. Pagh “I love the Kindle 2! My eyesight has deteriorated due to age and Macular Degeneration and I had to quit reading because of the strain it caused. Now I can enlarge the print so I can see the print with little effort. I am already halfway through book three! Convenient, easy, compact and amazingly fast book delivery. I would give it 10 stars.” Find out about other special features such as touch screen, line spacing and font choices for better readability by going here: Enhanced Vision Leslie Degner, RN, BSN Better Health for Better Vision www.WebRN-MacularDegeneration.com
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Recent response from one of our readers of Macular Degeneration
I received a recent response from one of our readers of Macular
Degeneration News after sending out a newsletter about a not so well
known, but not uncommon symptom of advanced macular degeneration.
Soon after reading about this symptom, the reader experienced it herself,
but was grateful for the advanced knowledge so as not to be alarmed.
The symptom involves seeing things that one knows are not there. Since
most people with advanced age related macular degeneration belong to the
senior population, this symptom triggers concerns of dementia or other
neurological health conditions..
This was the situation my father-in-law found himself in when he began
seeing children riding tricycles up and down his driveway when sitting
outside or mothers walking with their children on the side of the road when
he was riding in the car. My father-in-law has had wet macular
degeneration in both eyes for about 5 years. He has no history of dementia,
neurological or psychological conditions. He is on very few prescription
drugs and there had been no recent changes in his medications.
The name of this symptom is Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS). Charles
Bonnet Syndrome is named after a Swiss philosopher and biologist who
observed this phenomenon in his 87 year old grandfather way back in the
1760’s. His grandfather suffered severe vision loss from cataracts, but was
cognitively very alert. Mr. Bonnet was able to associate the detailed images
his grandfather was seeing with his vision loss.
There are three main criteria for a diagnosis of CBS according to the
authors of Charles Bonnet Syndrome; Visual Loss and Hallucinations
CMAJ. 2009 August 4; 181(3-4): 175–176. They are:
1. Visual Loss
2. Clearly formed recurrent visual hallucinations, and
3. Insight into the unreal nature of the hallucinations
My father-in-law was seeing these pleasant scenes regularly - everyday in
fact for several months. He had told his primary care doctor about them,
but she was not familiar with CBS. Fortunately he told us about the children
he was seeing and I was able to explain to him and to my mother-in-law
that CBS was most likely the cause of these visions. Feeling quite relieved
to know that the hallucinations were not caused by something more
serious, my father-in-law became more comfortable sharing about his
“visitors” with some of his elderly friends who also have age related
macular degeneration. Not surprisingly, several of them shared that indeed
they also see things that they know are not there. One lady who had been
a quilter all of her life, sees colorful quilts hanging behind people while
another friend who is a cat lover, sees beautiful cats in strange places. Find
out more about this syndrome, how common it is, who develops it and what
my fahter-in-law does to help deal with his visions and visitors:
Charles Bonnet Syndrome - Symptoms and Treatment
Better Health for Better Vision
Leslie Degner, RN, BSN
