Tips for managing MS sight problems

• use specially designed kitchen equipment (like measuring spoons and jugs). They have easier to read markings or displays, or ones you can touch
• use talking equipment like weighing scales, measuring jugs, timers, even talking microwave ovens
• make your home brighter by changing shades and bulbs
• have an anglepoise lamp shining its light over your shoulder on to where you need to see
• carry a magnifying glass. A low vision service or clinic can recommend one for you

• use the magnifier app on your smartphone
• change the font size on things like tablets, mobile phones and computer screens
• install free software on your computer that makes what’s on the screen bigger. Examples are Dolphin SuperNova, Windows Magnifier or ZoomText
• try screen readers (like ClaroRead, Narrator, VoiceOver and TalkBack) that turn words on your screen, emails, and so on, into speech
• use voice recognition software (like Dragon) that turns what you say into text on your screen
• use voice assisted technology like Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant to carry out tasks like setting reminders, sending messages or making calls
• change to a big button telephone and a high contrast keyboard

AbilityNet has lots of information on using computers

• when driving at night, it can help if you wear antiglare glasses
• for tips on making banking easier, including cash machines and cards, check out accessible banking options on the Choose website
• allow extra time to do things and get places
• if eye problems are affecting your balance, using a stick can help. Some people use two ‘ski poles’ like walkers sometimes use for exercise

Contact the RNIB for more ideas on managing sight problems

Check out useful products for living with sight problems on the  Living Made Easy website