Because macular degeneration results in the loss of straight ahead or central vision, reading books, newspapers or magazines becomes a challenge - but not impossible. There are many reading magnifiers and vision aids that can help a person read. However, some of the latest technology offers some great opportunities for those with vision problems - electronic book readers are one of them. E book readers offer the ability to adjust the contrast for better visibility and increase the font size for magnification. Here are some of the reasons why someone with macular degeneration may want to consider this low vision technology.
1. Font Magnification
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All of the e book readers offer font magnification - which means by simply pressing a button the font adjusts to the next size. However, the Apple iPad offers zoom text - just by pinching or expanding ones fingers the text (and pictures) enlarges to almost any size.
2. Contrast Adjustment
The latest Kindle DX boasts of a 50% better contrast than the older version. The Apple iPad offers brilliant colors and good contrast but in some settings there can be some glare.
3. Portable
A wireless reading device like the Kindle readers or Barnes and Noble nook are small and lightweight - which means they are portable. There is no need for a computer. You can take it with you to your favorite reading chair or to the kitchen to open up a downloaded cook book to see a recipe. If you are traveling it can go on the plane with you or you can take it to your vacation spot or family member's house.
4. Navigation
The Barnes and Noble Nook, the Sony Touch Reader, and the Apple iPad offer touch navigation. The Kindle reader uses hard to see buttons that can make turning pages or finding books in your library a challenge.
5. Screen Size
The larger the screen the more viewing area. The screen size becomes more important for those who need to magnify the font. The Kindle DX and the Apple iPad have the largest screens at 9.7" compared to the Kindle 2 and the Nook e book reader at 6".
6. Color Screen
If you are interested in using your e book reader to read magazines or perhaps a children's book to your grandchild, a color screen is necessary. Almost all of the popular magazines are available, or will be soon, as e-magazines. Meaning your favorite magazine can be downloaded right to your electronic book reader.
Who wants to read a magazine without seeing the color pictures? I've downloaded several magazines onto my Apple iPad. The pictures are crisp and are in vivid colors. Some of the magazines, like National Geographic and Popular Science even offer interactive videos.
The only way to find out what the best ebook reader is for you, is to try one. You can try the Nook at your local Barnes and Noble store and the Apple iPad at an Apple store. Although at the time of this writing, one can try the Kindle 2 at Target, the larger version, the Kindle DX can still only be purchased through Amazon.
The Best E Book Reader For Those With Macular Degeneration BARNES AND NOBLE
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