The total is far greater if we include those who cannot see fine print without spectacles - and this includes most people over 50. There are also those who are illiterate or dyslexic who may not be able to read the labels, as well as those with arthritis who have problems in opening packages. In all about, about one person in ten probably has problems in reading or opening packaging. It is reported that 49,000 people each year have injuries from opening packaging that necessitates going to a hospital for treatment. The popular image of a blind person is someone in their 20s or 30s carrying a white stick, who reads braille, is musical and is always happy.
Most visual disability is acquired late in life.
This association between age and loss of vision has a number of consequences. As far as grocery labelling is concerned, there is no single optimal size and style for presenting printed information. It could be unfortunate to confuse super-glue for one's eye drops, or to confuse an aerosol of oven cleaner for one's hairspray. The grocery industry could help by informing all their customers of the meaning of this symbol. Openability is another problem for those with impaired vision.