UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hey Everyone.

I was just wondering whether anyone has a e-reader and what they are like for someone with KC? I am thinking of getting one, because it is cheaper to download large print books, than to buy them! I hope someone can help.

Love, Jennie x

Jennie

I don't have an eReader, but I have been looking at them. Actually, for me, I think that the iPad is most practicable.

Andrew

Hi Jennie
Its an interesting point, actually. It depends what you want an e-reader for. I have asked quite a few of patients what they prefer to use and their response is varied. It really comes down to how much you rely on them to read. As in - is it just for part time use when you have "down time" from contact lenses or will you rely on it for reading almost everything if you can't wear lenses at all?

I have started to compile information on e-readers on my website here and would be interested in any reviews or comments on these or any other devices that I could add to the page to help people decide what would be of use to them.

Lynn

I am quite interested in this topic as I dont read books much these days because of the amount of light I need on the page. A friend has a Kindle and is going to lend it to a friend who is going to let me have a play.

I'd be interested to know if you find it helps?

Lynn

I'll update once I get my hands on it.

From what i have read, the Kindle is meant to be very good and as it is open source, you can download books from a variety of places - you arent just tied to one provider.

I actually like the Kindle a lot. It is nowhere as high tech as i-pad but the anti glare screen and the e-ink technology make it nice to read. That's with me being a "normal" person just being short sighted (I have tried it out with no glasses or contacts!).

Thats why I would be interested to know how anyone with KC gets on with it.

Also, I think you do have the widest choice of books and periodicals and whats more, you can have a (free) Kindle App on your i-phone, so if you are reading a a book and are out and about with just your phone, you can pick up where you left off straight away on your phone.

Lynn

To read a normal paperback I wear my contact lenses and +2.00 ready readers if the light is not good I use an additional magnifier which is +4.

If the light is poor I dont read.

For those who don't have separate equipment, books can be downloaded onto your laptop/PC and a variety of software packages can be used either to enlarge the print or as text readers. Some text readers are free or already in your computer systems.In Scotland we have access to "Books for all" set up by CallScotland at Edinburgh university - available to Print impaired pupils in schools via the Glow network or scran, including class text books.There are also sites like gutenburg where you can download books, which are out of copyright restrictions for free.Happy reading. There is access to books for all of us.