The National Eye Institute (NEI) Website is designed so that you can view it using the text style, color and size that you prefer. You may also use the background color that works best for you. To take advantage of these options, you may need to adjust the settings on your browser (software that you use to view websites, e.g. Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator.)

On this page:

• Changing Text Size
  
• Making Other Browser Adjustments
  
• Using AOL Browser
  
• Updating Your Browser
  
• PDF Files
  
• Other Resources
  
• Obtaining Information in Alternate Formats
  

The two most widely used browsers are Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator. Use the following steps to change the text size for each of these browsers.

In Internet Explorer (5.0 and above):

• From Tools on the main toolbar, choose Internet Options
• Under the General tab, choose the Accessibility button
• Check the box in front of "Ignore font sizes specified in Web pages"
• Choose OK

Further adjustments can be made to the text size by choosing View on the main toolbar, then Text Size. Choose a relative text size (smallest to largest).

In Netscape Navigator:

• From Edit on the main toolbar, choose Preferences
• From the left tree menu, choose Appearance, then Fonts
• Check the radio button in front of "Use my default fonts, overriding document-specified fonts"
• Choose OK

Further adjustments can be made to the text size by choosing View on the main toolbar, then selecting Increase Font or Decrease Font.

You can specify the text style and color as well as the background color you prefer when using Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator. To learn more about how you can make other adjustments, check the Help index of your web browser. (In Internet Explorer, see under the term Accessibility. In Netscape, see under the term preferences, Navigator.)

The NEI Website works best when you use full-featured browsers such as Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer. If you use AOL, please follow these steps:

• Sign on to your AOL account
• While you are still signed on, minimize your AOL browser window
• Open Netscape or Internet Explorer
• Type or paste the NEI URL (http://www.nei.nih.gov) into the browser's address field

Certain web pages are best viewed by using recent versions of Internet browsers. If you are using an older browser version, you may have trouble viewing certain webpages.

You can find out what version of your browser you are using by choosing "Help" at the top of your browser and "About (your browser)".

Internet Explorer: You can download a more recent version for free at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/v.

Netscape Communicator: You can download a more recent version for free at http://home.netscape.com/computing/download.

Portable Document Format (PDF) files preserve all the fonts, formatting, graphics, and color of a printed document once it is placed on a website. Several documents on the NEI Website are provided in PDF format. PDF files require the free Adobe® Acrobat Reader software for viewing. If you have a visual impairment, please visit access.adobe.com for help in working more effectively with PDF files.

Need help working with PDF files?

Alternative Web Browsing
http://www.w3.org/WAI/References/Browsing
Web Accessibility Initiative
Discusses whole range of approaches used for browsing by people with visual impairments or reading difficulties.

Guidelines for Web Users with Low Vision
http://www.afb.org/info_document_view.asp?DocumentID=1452
American Foundation for the Blind
Offers detailed instruction for making adjustments to Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator.

Understanding Adobe Acrobat Reader
http://www.cyberseniors.org/artman/publish/cat_index_16.shtml
CyberSeniors.org
Provides an illustrated guide to downloading the Adobe Acrobat Reader and using PDF files.

Understanding Web Browsers: Font Sizes
http://www.cyberseniors.org/artman/publish/cat_index_17.shtml
CyberSeniors.org
Provides an illustrated guide to making adjustments to Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, and AOL for both PC and Mac users.

The NEI is making every effort to ensure that the information available on our website is accessible to all. If you use special adaptive equipment to access the Web and encounter problems when using our site, please let us know. Write to: 2020@nei.nih.gov and we will provide the information to you in an alternate format. Please be as specific as possible when describing the information you need. If you prefer, you may call the NEI's Information Office at (301) 496-5248 for assistance.