Now that LCD monitors, for the TV, the computer and for the CCTV, come in all sizes, is bigger better when it comes to low vision? Not necessarily. It is good to have a choice. That's for sure. Many professionals, who teach people with compromised vision how to work with the new reality of seeing with eyes that are different, feel that what is important is to be close to your monitor or TV, to be ergonomically comfortable, and to have a high definition screen and high resolution. Regarding electronic magnifiers for reading, it is important, if you have macular degeneration, not to address the screen looking dead center, where vision is blurred. Instead, find where the largest segment of your vision resides and look there, off to the side somewhere. The technique of bringing the letters to that spot takes practice, but if you use an electronic magnifier to read (a CCTV, and highly recommended), it is well worth the effort. What you do is bring the letters and words to that spot on the screen where vision is strongest. If your CCTV has an XY tray, use the movement of the tray to bring the words to your vision spot. If you have a CCTV that does not have an XY tray, like the IBIS HD, you move the reading itself. Sometimes it is a simple sliding movement of the reading material, back and forth, as you read. So a big monitor, which increases the expense of your reader, may help you, but it could actually hinder your progress. Sitting close to the screen is advised because your best vision is in close, usually. But a great big screen could throw off too much light, causing your eyes to work harder, fatigue quicker. Certainly, if the large monitor causes you to move your head and neck and back as you read on your screen, you should know you have a problem. There is a definitely a point were bigger is simply too big.
