Your kitchen smells absolutely lovely as you begin to prepare a new recipe. You attempt to read the pages of a cookbook with your magnifying glass, but every time you turn to prepare another ingredient, you are dismayed by the closing of the book.
In an instance such as this, a dome magnifier would be the ideal low vision reading device.
YOCTOSUN 3-Inch Acrylic Dome Magnifier
Listed as Amazon’s Choice for dome magnifiers, the YOCTOSUN 3-Inch Acrylic Dome Magnifier is cost-friendly and practical. Due to its sturdy design, this piece is perfect for users who fear dropping and breaking their dome magnifier.
WITHit Lighted Dome Magnifier
Amazon’s Choice for “lighted dome magnifier,†WITHit comes equipped with 3 LEDs and a sturdy, aluminum build. Because it is battery operated, it is the perfect dome magnifier for the user who forgets or is unable to charge their electronic accessories before or after use.
LONGWIN Crystal Dome Magnifier
The LONGWIN Crystal Dome Magnifier is the most affordable choice on our list, but it still gets the job done. This dome magnifier is only 2.4 inches in size, making it perfect for smaller projects.
What is a dome magnifier?
Dome magnifiers are essentially half-spherical, fixed-focus magnifiers that are hands-free. (Sometimes referred to as “brightfield†or “paperweight magnifierâ€)
How do dome magnifiers work?
They work by using a Plano-Convex lens that illuminates text naturally and are ideal for magnifying maps, charts, small fonts, and even blueprints. They rest flat on a surface and can serve as a paperweight. (Hence the name paperweight magnifier.)
Who needs a dome magnifier?
If you happen to suffer from macular degeneration, albinism, arthritis, or tremors, a dome magnifier could potentially work wonders for you. They are also perfect for those who cannot physically hold a magnifying glass, or for those who need both hands while working on a project.
Because they sit directly on the reading material, dome magnifiers do not have a need for refocusing. They also have the ability to “gather light.â€
Other dome magnifiers we liked
Somalia XC LED Lighted Magnifying Glass Dome. Equipped with 3 bright LED lights to assist with vision, the Somalia XC Glass Dome is one-of-a-kind. With a catchy, modern pink design, accompanied by no battery, USB charging capabilities, this dome magnifier is perfect for the trendy user who is always on the go.
Magnabrite 64mm Dome Magnifier. Including a handy drawstring pouch for protection, as well as 4x magnification and scratch-resistant design, the Magnabrite 64mm dome magnifier is great for low vision. With an infinite eyepoint, this dome magnifier is perfect for use by multiple people simultaneously.
OwnMy 4-Inch Crystal Glass Magnifier. With 1.8 magnification and showcasing the ability to be used as a paperweight as well, the OwnMy 4-Inch Crystal Glass Magnifier is a fine addition to a collection of low vision gadgets. Arriving in a small gift box, this dome magnifier is the perfect birthday or Christmas present for someone needing assistance with low vision.
Beileshi 5X Acrylic Dome Magnifier. Created using high quality, scratch resistant acrylic, the Beileshi 5X Acrylic Dome Magnifier is lightweight and easy to use. It is the perfect dome magnifier for someone with mobility issues or limited use of their hands.
Sumnacon Crystal Magnifier Dome. The Sumnacon Crystal Magnifier Dome showcases a clean, smooth finish, allowing easy gliding during use. Accompanied by a professional, sleek box for storage, this dome magnifier is perfect for the workplace or professional setting.
Electro-Optix 2.5-Inch 4X Magnifier. The Electro-Optix 2.5 Inch 4X Magnifier comes equipped with a handy polishing storage pouch. The easy clean-up feature makes this dome magnifier perfect for the user who needs to read text while working on potentially messy projects, such as reading a cookbook while preparing a meal.
BIJIA 3.2-Inch Acrylic Magnifying Glass Dome. “Of the dozens of options out there, this is the real one to go with,†said a proud verified Amazon user on the BIJIA 3.2-Inch Acrylic Magnifying Glass Dome. Small in size, created for ideal multipurpose use, this dome magnifier is perfect for the user who wishes to match their accessories and decor.
Alternatives to Dome Magnifiers
We personally prefer the dome magnifier because it looks cool and doubles as a nice paperweight. But there are some alternatives, or even complimentary magnifiers that you may want to take a look at.
Bar Magnifiers
Where dome magnifiers cover a large surface area, bar magnifiers provide magnification for one or two lines of printed material at a time. They also lie flat on the reading surface, similarly to dome magnifiers, and can be moved down the page as reading progresses. They may also come equipped with feet so you can raise the magnifier a few inches above your project.
Binocular Magnifiers
Binocular magnifiers can be conveniently worn around the neck. You may use them either alone or combine them with prescription eyeglasses to ensure precision.
Fresnel Magnifiers
These particular magnifiers vary in size and are normally used to view a larger field of text. Books, maps, puzzles, or a telephone directory are examples of instances when you may opt to use a fresnel magnifier. Whether framed, unframed, handheld, attached to a stand, or used in front of a computer screen, they are undoubtedly useful.
Sources
- “Dome Magnifiers – Magnifier & Magnifying Glass Superstore ….” https://www.magnifier.com/dome-magnifiers.htm. Accessed 11 Dec. 2020.
- “Choosing LVAs – Flat Field … – Optima – The Low Vision Experts.” http://www.optimalowvision.co.uk/choosing.cfm?id=1580. Accessed 11 Dec. 2020.
- “Magnifying Devices: A Resource Guide – National Library ….” https://www.loc.gov/nls/resources/blindness-and-vision-impairment/devices-aids/magnifying-devices/. Accessed 11 Dec. 2020.
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