I bought "Mag-eyes." They swing down over your forehead so I can wear them while watching TV and sewing or ripping. I look up at the TV through my glasses and down through my glasses and Mag-eyes for closeup work. Works like a charm for me!

Here's is a video showing it in action. I use a mustache trimmer I got for a buck and it works fantastic. Combine this with a gum eraser to remove the stitches and you have a fantastic duo.
http://www.nancysnotions.com/product...uick+ripper.do

I also find it helpful to sit out on my front porch or back deck, if I have a lot of ripping to do. The natural light is very helpful for me! Of course, that doesn't help at night, during inclement weather or in the winter.

I don't use one yet but I think it would be helpful, especially white stitches on white fabric or black on black. My husband has a hands-free headband that has a light and a fold-down magnifier glass that he uses for airplane models that I have thought about trying out. They are sold at places that sell model kits. Might look a little silly, but sew what??? ;o)

I have used all different types of magnifiers but the one I find most helpful now is a pair of glass that have a magnifier on them with a light which can be used if needed.

Here is a picture of my handy dandy seam ripper with attached magnifying glass and light! Sure helps these old eyes see those tiny stitches!

edit: whoa! time to dust that keyboard!

Magnifying glasses do not work but reading glasses do. The lights with the magnifier attached, or magnifier you hang on your neck, the plastic magnifier you rest on your page, all that -- you have to hold the item close or far enough to the glass to make it work.

Reading glasses, on the other hand, come in several strengths and one will work for you. I have 20/20 vision but have found and my eye Dr. confirmed 1.75 strength works for me.

Since I knit, I also have 3.0 reading glasses and find I have to hold my work about 8" from my eyes, but can detect mistakes.

I use the "reader glasses" for any up close work, including threading hand-sewing needles, seam ripping, and even free motion quilting. I love those things!

and they are cheap at the dollar store, just make sure they aren't warped. I have them all over my house.