Many websites do not adjust text size to accommodate people with low vision, cataracts or other eye problems. If you or someone that you care for could benefit from larger text, you do have options! In many cases, your web browser (a browser is the software, such as Explorer or Firefox that displays text and images on the world wide web) will allow you to change the size of the text on a web page so that you can read and see things more easily.

In the following sections, you'll see how to adjust the size of the text on a web page using features built into your web browser. Experiment with a few different sizes before you decide which one is right for you and your vision. Once you've set your text size, your web browser should remember how you like your text displayed. However, you may have to reset it again periodically - just follow the same steps.

Too, keep in mind that some websites "override" your settings. That is, they make you view the webpage as they have created it. In these cases you'll have to do your best to view the information as is. If it is a site you plan to use frequently or information that you really need, look for a "Contact Us" link, feedback form, or email address. Send a note to the webmaster and let him or her know that the text size on the page is an issue and you would like the ability to make it larger.

Internet Explorer

To adjust the text size in Internet Explorer, choose View from the menu bar and Text Size. You'll be able to select how large you'd like the text to be by choosing one of the options ranging from smallest to largest. You may always return text to its normal size by choosing "Medium."

Mozilla Firefox

To adjust the text size in Mozilla Firefox, choose View from the menu bar and Text Size. You'll be able to select how large you'd like the text to be by choosing to increase or decrease the size. You may always return text to its normal size by choosing "Normal."

Other Web Browsers

If you happen not to use Internet Explorer or Firefox you should still be able to access this feature. Whichever web browser you choose to use will have the same features but they may not be in the same locations; however, the capability to adjust the text size and the process for doing so should be similar. Play around with your particular browser to see what the process for changing the text size may be.