For individuals with low vision, everyday activities like watching TV can become challenging. Whether it’s difficulty seeing small details on the screen, struggling with glare or navigating channels and settings, these obstacles can make a once-relaxing pastime feel frustrating.
However, with the right adjustments and tools, enjoying your favourite shows and movies is entirely possible. Small changes to your TV setup, environment and viewing habits can make a big difference, ensuring that entertainment remains a source of comfort and joy.
Trinity Homecare, in partnership with OutsideClinic, is committed to enhancing the support we offer to our clients. OutsideClinic provides professional eye and hearing tests right in a client’s home, performed by specialists equipped with the latest portable testing technology. This ensures bespoke and comprehensive care without the need to travel.
In this article, we’ll share six practical tips to help make watching TV easier and more enjoyable for those living with low vision.
Six tip for for watching TV with low vision
1. Optimise the TV setup
The right TV setup can significantly improve the viewing experience for individuals with low vision. Consider investing in a television with a larger screen size, as it provides better visibility of on-screen details. High-definition (HD) or 4K resolution can also enhance image clarity, making it easier to discern faces, text and subtle movements.
Ensure the TV is positioned at the correct distance—not too far to strain your eyes and not too close to cause discomfort. A professional installer or family member can help set it up for an ideal viewing experience.
2. Adjust the display settings
Your TV’s display settings play a crucial role in improving visibility. Adjust the brightness and contrast settings to find a balance that works best for your eyes. Increased brightness and contrast often make on-screen details stand out more vividly.
Colour settings can also make a difference—experiment with modes like “Vivid” or “High Contrast” to enhance the overall experience. Many modern TVs include accessibility features, such as larger captions, voice guidance or simplified navigation menus. Be sure to explore these options to personalise the viewing experience.
3. Use assistive devices
Assistive devices are invaluable for those with low vision. Magnifiers designed for TV use can help zoom in on specific parts of the screen, while screen readers convert text into audible speech for better comprehension.
Another excellent option is video magnifiers, which project images onto a larger screen. Smart TVs often come with voice assistants that allow you to control the device, search for content and adjust settings hands-free. These tools can make navigating the TV much more accessible and enjoyable.
4. Improve the room lighting
Lighting in the room where you watch TV can either enhance or hinder visibility. To reduce glare on the screen, position lights behind or beside the TV instead of directly in front. Anti-glare filters can also help minimise reflections.
Consider adjustable lamps or smart lighting systems to create the perfect ambience. Ensuring the room has consistent lighting can prevent eye strain and make it easier to focus on the screen. Drawing curtains or blinds can also help block out sunlight that might wash out the screen’s image.
5. Explore alternative ways to enjoy TV content
Sometimes, visual aids aren’t enough and alternative methods for enjoying TV content can bridge the gap. Many shows and movies offer audio descriptions, which narrate visual elements like settings, character actions and scene changes. This feature is especially helpful for following storylines.
Streaming services often provide accessibility settings, such as customisable subtitles or voice-guided navigation. Additionally, some programs have companion podcasts or audio-only versions that make it easier to stay connected to your favourite content without relying on visuals.
6. Consult a vision specialist
A vision specialist can provide personalised advice and recommend tools or techniques tailored to your specific needs. Specialised eyewear, filters or electronic devices can enhance your ability to see the TV.
It’s also important to schedule regular eye check-ups. As your vision changes, adjustments to your viewing setup or assistive devices may be necessary. Consulting an expert ensures you’re using the best resources available to maintain a comfortable and enjoyable TV-watching experience.
Home care for vision loss
If you are concerned your deteriorating vision is affecting your ability to carry out everyday tasks and how safe you feel in the home you love, home care could be the ideal option for you. With home care, you can get fully bespoke support tailored to your requirements from trained carers who have experience in assisting with the challenges faced by deteriorating eyesight.
At Trinity Homecare, this could involve having a carer move into your home to provide round-the-clock live-in care. Or you may prefer visiting care, where a carer just drops in a few times a day or week to help with the tasks you’re finding harder because of your eyesight health. Whatever your needs, contact us to find out more about how we can support you to live well in the home you love.
Home care you can trust
Trinity Homecare is a fully managed care agency with an ‘Outstanding’ CQC rating, placing Trinity amongst the top 4% of all nationwide care companies in England. With this in mind, you can rest assured that your loved one will receive the highest standard of care and specialist support.
If you have any questions about arranging care, simply get in touch with our helpful and knowledgeable care team.
Arranging nationwide home care with Trinity is straightforward.
Simply follow these five steps:
- Call our care team
- Undergo a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your care needs and arrange a care assessment
- After the assessment, a plan of care is created
- A well-suited carer is found and placed
- Care can be adapted at any time