I have two more ideas to add....first, I always thread by natural light; it works so much better for me than a lamp. Also, I try to thread needles early in the day when my eyes are less tired and therefore work better. I wear reading glasses (drugstore cheapies) and they work well too; I just don't always have a pair in the craft room when I need them. Trying to teach myself to thread my machine needle by touch for those times.....