Large Print Books

Combine large print books with better lighting, a reading magnifier and enjoy reading again. Larger fonts, better contrast, and more spacing will definitely make reading easier for those with vision loss due to macular degeneration.

Large Print Format

A book with large print format will follow these guidelines:

√ The font size or the size of the letters.

Large print is usually a 16 point font - however, some books are labeled as large print and may have as little as a 12 point font. So be sure you know the font size before you make your purchase.

Some links in the following sections are eBay or Amazon affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through them I receive a small commission. There is no extra cost to you. Find more details on this page.

√ Contrast

For people with macular degeneration it is helpful to have bold print so that the contrast with the white page makes the words easier to see and read. When the letters are very dark and crisp, your reading will be more enjoyable.

√ Matte paper

Although contrast is good, it is usually better to have a matte paper so that there is little or no glare.

√ Formatting

Formatting that allows more space around the words and more space between the lines, with wide margins reduces eye strain and increases readability.

After looking at several book companies I've noticed that many of them offer some of the above, but not many offer these types of books with all of the features that I mentioned. Decide what feature is most important for your reading enjoyment and then make your purchase.

Free Large Print Books

Check with your local library. I was pleasantly surprised to see a large selection of of large print books at my library.

As you can see our library has several rows of books with large print.

If your library does not have the book you want, you can ask the front desk to see if another library has one. If they do, they will notify you when it comes in.

Many people with macular degeneration or low vision can no longer drive so getting the library can be a problem.

Some libraries offer a delivery service for those who can't drive or get there on their own. Again this varies with each library. Give them a call and find out what services are available at your nearest library.

Buy Large Print Books

A bricks and mortar book store has a very limited selection of these types of book.

You will find the largest selection from the comfort of your own home at Amazon. For many books the purchase of $25 or more qualifies for free shipping. Of course hard cover books cost more than paperback.

If you look to the far right in the column of prices of the book you selected you can often find used ones that cost much less then a new book

Check out the selection here at Amazon:

Large Print Books

Combine Large Print Books with Page Magnifier

Sometimes the combination of a large print book and a lighted page magnifier will make it possible for those with macular degeneration to read.

It's important to use an adjustable gooseneck magnifying floor lamp so the light is positioned on the reading material and the magnifier is in clear focus.

Brightech LED Magnifying Floor Lamp with Adjustable Gooseneck

Best E Book Reader

The Kindle Paperwhite can turn every book into a large print. You get to adjust the font size to what is best for you with a simple touch.

If your eyes tire, just increase the font size and continue reading comfortably.

The new e-ink display screen gives it a paper-like appearance, unlike other LCD screens and doesn't have the glare. The bright ness can be adjusted to fit different light levels.

Change your setting so that there is more spacing between lines for easier reading. 

Electronic books download right unto the Kindle Paperwhite by a 3G network or Wi Fi. 

Once you make the initial investment, you actually have access to thousands of e books for free - most of the free electronic books are classics and are now considered public domain. 

Check out the new Paperwhite here:

Kindle Paperwhite E-reader - Black, 6" High-Resolution Display (300 ppi) with Built-in Light, Wi-Fi - Includes Special Offers

Large Print Newspapers

Any newspaper can become large print by downloading them to your Kindle, iPad or e-book reader and enlarging the font.

If you are looking to subscribe to your favorite daily newspaper in a large print edition, it is now possible - thanks to electronic book readers.

To see a listing of newspapers that can be sent directly to your Kindle every morning go here:

Newspaper Subscriptions on Kindle

Large Print Magazines

A large print magazine is a great way to adapt to the vision loss that comes with macular degeneration.

However, the selection of these in hard copy is very limited at this time.  With a color ebook reader you have hundreds of magazines to choose from and you can zoom in on pictures and enjoy the vivid colors.

To find out what your other options are click here:

Large Print Magazines

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