Age-Related Vision Problems & Your Customers

Age-related vision problems will eventually affect everyone. Some people are more affected than others, but as we age, our visual acuity declines. 

Because so many people experience poor vision as they age, large print is one of the most requested accessible formats. Larger print, more widely used than braille, benefits a wide range of people at various stages of life. So, why should you incorporate large print into your company’s offerings? Who does it benefit and how does it benefit your company? Let’s explore these questions.

Age-related vision problems

Did you know that there are several common age-related vision problems? Think about it: How many people over the age of 45 do you know who wear glasses or contacts regularly? Many people use them for reading, at the very least. Declining vision as people age is expected, and there are a plethora of age-related eye conditions.

One of the most common age-related vision changes shows up in your 40s. It’s called Presbyopia. The term may sound intimidating, but it simply means that your eyes have more difficulty focusing on nearby objects and small text. Presbyopia generally worsens until the mid-60s and can usually be corrected with reading glasses, prescription glasses, contacts, or other treatments.

As we continue to age, other common eye diseases and disorders can develop. These include cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and corneal diseases, to name a few. These common diseases and disorders cause a range of vision problems from reduced vision to blindness. 

There’s no arguing that, in one way or another, our eyes fail us as we age. But why is this important to you and your company?

Why this is important

The majority of people with vision issues also have the greatest spending power.

Did you know that the Baby Boomer generation—people born from 1946 through 1964 who turn 62 through 80 in 2026—holds more than half of the nation’s wealth? This generation boasts $89.8 trillion in net worth. That’s a lot of money they could spend on your products or services.

Reaching this massive pool of wealth means making the Baby Boomers’ shopping experience pleasant and easy. And, because of common age-related vision problems, large print becomes a major asset in doing just that.

Related: Who Benefits from Large Print Documents? You Might be Surprised.

Enter large print

The Baby Boomer generation, as well as people with visual disabilities, need to be able to read your marketing materials. In addition, they need to be able to read their credit card statements, medical information, menus, and other documents your company provides to its customers. 

Properly formatted large print is crucial for people with severe vision issues. Large print benefits your customers because it reduces eye strain, provides high contrast, and presents information in a way that’s easy to understand. It contributes to the pleasant and easy experience you want your customers to have when shopping for your goods and services.

Beyond small print

Don’t leave money on the table. Make sure you’re reaching everyone with your print materials. Large print not only provides independence for people with age-related vision problems and visual disabilities but also offers a pleasant, easy experience when interacting with your company.

Bonus: Baby Boomers aren’t the only generation to consider. Gen Xers, born between 1965 and 1980, are now in their mid-40s to early 60s. Many are already experiencing the vision changes that make small print harder to read. By offering large print now, you’ll be ready for what your customers need next.