How to Read Large Print

Big, black and bold is easy to read.

Large print is intended for those who have some loss of vision or vision problems, and is available in books, magazines and other reading materials. The website www.blindreaders.info is an excellent resource for materials available in a large-print format. Large print is typically 18 pt type or larger, printed black on white, with no typeface that uses serifs (those little squiggles that can be seen on some letters). Ariel is considered to be one of the best typefaces for large print. Reading large print is easy, and can be a solution for many people who thought reading printed material was no longer possible for them.

Things You'll Need

• Large-print reading materials

Instructions

1. Try reading glasses first. If you can get your eyes checked and get prescription reading lenses, it is best to use this method to enhance your reading ability first. And even eye professionals agree that the over-the-counter "readers" you can buy in many strengths are good to use when reading smaller print is a problem.

2. Experiment with large print. Go to a public library where they usually stock at least a few titles in large print. Try a book or magazine to see if this larger type solves your problems in reading. If so, you have found a solution and can access many types of reading materials available.

3. Wear your glasses with large print too. Some people, many with macular degeneration, have to continue to use reading glasses even when reading large print. If it is comfortable for you and you can read without blurred vision or headaches, large print and glasses is your answer.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't use large print if you don't need to. It may keep you from comfortably reading smaller print, and no one wants their eyes to get used to reading print larger than necessary.

References

• Guidelines for large print