Research required on magnifiers

More evidence is needed on the effect of different types of low-vision aids on reading performance.

A review published by The Cochrane Library looked at 10 studies of reading speeds with different electronic devices and magnifiers.

Two studies found moderate to low quality evidence that reading speeds were higher with electronic devices than optical magnifiers.

Low quality evidence from three other studies found reading using head-mounted electronic devices was slower than with stand-mounted ones, but it was stated that the technology of electronic devices may have changed and improved since the studies were conducted.

Optician clinical editor Bill Harvey said: ‘What is clearly stated in the review is the lack of evidence from research into the impact that magnifiers have rather than that the magnifiers themselves have limited if any impact.