Reading with Low Vision
Reading with low vision can feel challenging, but with the right strategies and tools, it can become more enjoyable. In addition to braille, two of the most effective ways to support reading for people with low vision are increasing print size and improving lighting. From choosing large print books and accessible materials to selecting the right lamps and bulbs, these adjustments can make a significant difference in comfort and clarity while reading.
Font Size
Perhaps the most comfortable way to transition to reading when low vision, at least initially, is also the simplest: larger print. Most major publishing houses today produce bestsellers and other materials in large print formats, available at retail bookstores. Large print collections are also available at most public libraries.
The standard font size for large print is 18 point, although you might need larger (or smaller) print, depending on your needs and vision. When advising your employer, senior center, or church, for example, on how to make brochures, newsletters, schedules, menus, programs, and other materials accessible for you, the best size type for these items is generally 18 point, which regular printers can produce.
It’s also best to use bold black print on a matte (not glossy or shiny) white or cream background and limit the use of graphics. Also, avoid using italics or all capital letters. Generally, lower-case lettering is easier to read.
Font Styles
Use plain, simple “sans-serif” fonts, such as Arial.
Serifs are details on the ends of some strokes that comprise letters and symbols. A typeface with these strokes and details is called “serif.” A typeface without these details is called “sans-serif,” from the French “sans,” meaning “without.” In many cases, using fonts with serifs can reduce the readability of print for people with low vision. Therefore, sans-serif fonts are the recommended print options.
This is an illustration and comparison of serif and sans-serif fonts:
Use Strong Contrast
Strong contrast between the print and background is very important. Light lettering, such as white or light yellow, on a dark background may sometimes be easier to read than black lettering on a white or light-colored background. To enhance print contrast, you can also use a yellow acetate overlay or filter to enhance the contrast between the print and page color.
Use a Reading Stand
A reading stand is a simple, effective solution that can help you read the material at the best angle and distance. A reading stand can also help you keep your reading material in proper focus, which is sometimes hard to do if your hands shake or tire quickly. A reading stand or clipboard can also help to stabilize the reading material and free up your hands.
Adjust Lighting
While large print can make text easier to see, print size is only part of the equation. The way your reading material is lit is just as important. Proper lighting can reduce eye strain, improve contrast, and make it possible to read for longer periods of time with greater comfort. By combining large print with the right lighting solutions, you can create a reading environment that maximizes your usable vision.
Have a Low Vision Examination
If you have some remaining vision, it can be helpful to make an appointment with a low-vision specialist, either an optometrist or ophthalmologist with additional training in this area, and discuss the ways that low-vision optical devices and non-optical devices, such as magnifiers, small telescopes, improved lighting, or electronic video magnifiers, can supplement your reading needs. Find out more about low vision.
If you have low vision, improving the lighting in your home is the key to making everyday tasks easier, and reading is no exception. It’s important to find the proper lighting to help you read most effectively, even with the best magnification. Keep in mind that depending on your eye condition, lighting can also cause glare; therefore, it can be helpful to work with a low-vision specialist to learn what types of lighting work best for you. In most cases, it’s best to use direct lighting that can be adjusted to focus the light directly on your reading material.
The Different Types of Light
There are several different types of light, each with its characteristics. When you go to the store to purchase a new light bulb, it’s helpful to pay attention to three terms that you can find on every light bulb box:
- Lumens: the amount of light that a light bulb produces. The higher the lumen number, the more light the bulb will produce.
- Wattage: the amount of electricity a light bulb uses. The higher the wattage number, the more electricity the bulb will use.
- Kelvin or K rating: a measure of “color temperature.” A Kelvin or K rating of 2,700 produces a warm, or yellowish, light; a K rating of 4,500 produces a white light closest to actual daylight; and a K rating of 5,000 or above has a cool or “bluish” light.
- For most people with low vision, a Kelvin rating of under 5,000 is usually recommended. This is partly because there will not be any blue light or ultraviolet if a lamp is under 5,000 K. Also, the lamp will probably be better contrast if it is under 5,000 K.
- The most important terms for people with low vision are lumens and Kelvin rating.
Sunlight/Natural Light
Although natural sunlight is ideal for most everyday tasks, it can also present problems. Sunlight is inconsistent throughout the day, and it can create glare spots and potentially dangerous shadowy areas in your home.
Incandescent Light (Basic Light Bulbs)
Incandescent light emphasizes the red/yellow end of the visible light spectrum, which is closer to natural sunlight. The light from an incandescent light bulb is also very concentrated. That makes it best for “spot” illumination on close work, such as reading, sewing, and crafts. It is not recommended for overall room lighting since, like sunlight, it creates glare spots and shadowy areas.
Please note: At the end of 2014, the United States phased out production of all incandescent bulbs. Until supplies run out, these bulbs will remain on store shelves alongside the energy-saving alternatives replacing them.
Fluorescent Light and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
Fluorescent light and CFLs produce less heat, use less energy, and are more cost-effective than incandescent bulbs. Fluorescents are usually recommended for overall room lighting because they don’t create glare spots and shadows. A CFL is a compact version of a fluorescent tube that is curved or folded to fit into the space of a standard bulb. Look for CFLs with a K rating of around 4,200 but under 5,000.
CFLs have some drawbacks, however:
- CFLs take time to warm up and achieve full brightness.
- Some models can’t be used with a dimmer switch.
- Because they contain a small amount of mercury, CFLs must be recycled at a hazardous materials facility. Also, it’s difficult to avoid mercury contamination when cleaning up broken CFLs.
Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
LED bulbs produce minimal heat, are very energy-efficient, and achieve full brightness instantaneously. The energy-producing part of the light, the diode, is encased in a hard plastic cover that looks like a standard bulb and will not break easily. LED bulbs do not contain mercury, have a life expectancy of 50,000 hours, and work best for concentrated lighting on close work in a flexible-arm lamp with a shade that directs the light downward. They are not recommended for overall room lighting. Look for LEDs with a K rating of around 4,200 but under 5,000.
Halogen Light
Some people prefer halogen light because it is brighter, “whiter,” and very concentrated. It is used in lamps, track lighting, and ceiling fixtures and is also available in adjustable gooseneck and flex-arm lamps.
There are some disadvantages to halogen light, however:
- Since it is hotter and more focused than other types of light, it is not recommended for prolonged close work.
- When used in a reading lamp, the bulb must be shielded by a piece of protective Plexiglas or durable plastic.
- It produces intense heat and can cause fire and severe burns if misused. Always follow the manufacturer’s safety precautions when using halogen lighting fixtures.
Combination Lighting
This type of lighting combines CFL, LED, and fluorescent light. For example, some lamps combine CFL, LED, and fluorescent lighting in the same fixture. Some adjustable flex-arm lamps contain a fluorescent “ring” (a Circline bulb) surrounding a CFL or LED light. Combination lighting is usually the most comfortable light for everyday activities because it provides a fuller-spectrum light that more closely resembles natural sunlight.
While vision loss may change the way you approach reading, it does not have to take the joy out of it. Exploring large print materials, optimizing contrast, and tailoring your lighting can make a world of difference in comfort and independence. By combining these strategies and seeking the support of a low-vision specialist when needed, you can continue to enjoy reading as part of your everyday life.
Learn More
To learn more about large print:
For more information about helpful lighting for reading, you can view Positioning a Light Source and Minimizing Glare.
- Helpful Products and Technology
- See Lighting and Glare for additional lighting information.