How to learn from sheet music when your eyesight isn't good?

[geopianoincanada]

I have a lot of difficulty with reading some various qualities of sheet music. I recently bought some new Czerny books which seem to be duplications of 100 year old originals, are extremely densely packed on paper and they are impossible for me to read. My RCM material seems well printed and isn't too difficult to read but I couldn't read it all day.

Electronic sheet music such as on tablets absolutely doesn't work for me as the harsh glare of the backlit screen is extremely tiring on my eyes (even typing this on my laptop I'm doing most of the typing with my eyes dimmed so the backlight of the laptop screen doesn't tire my eyes out).

A traditional incandescent light reflecting off the clearly well-spaced printed paper music is least tiring but still has it's challenges.

How do blind or low-vision people learn piano?

[quantum]

I know you said you have difficulties with reading from screens.  Before dismissing digital altogether, I would recommend investigating different panel technologies, one may work better for you.  I like IPS panels for the wide viewing angle.  There is also refresh rate, some people are sensitive to lower refresh rates.  You can get anti-glare panels that reduce the reflection of any ambient light.  Digital will let you dynamically magnify a score, something paper can't do, so I would encourage you in persisting to find which digital technology works best for you. 

Also try playing with the colours on screen.  If you have only ever stuck to the default colour scheme, you will be surprised how significant a simple change in colour affects the usability of a device.  Try configuring your computer or software into dark mode (dark background, light text). 

Try large screen sizes (27 inch and larger), as there is more room to fit sheet music and magnify.

Electronic sheet music such as on tablets absolutely doesn't work for me as the harsh glare of the backlit screen is extremely tiring on my eyes (even typing this on my laptop I'm doing most of the typing with my eyes dimmed so the backlight of the laptop screen doesn't tire my eyes out).

Is it the light from the screen (incident light source), or is it the ambient room light (reflected light source) that is causing problems?

How do blind or low-vision people learn piano?

One of my profs while studying at university had a visual impairment, an incredible pianist and educator.  Reading was a challenge for him, but he could sight read as well as any able bodied musician.  It obviously took a lot of effort, but having a visual impairment never stopped him from achieving the level of skill needed to be both a performing musician and university educator.

[geopianoincanada]

Quantum - besides plain nearsightedness which I’ve had as long as I can remember it is a couple of eye issues which give me trouble.

Optic neuritis is in both eyes which leads to blind spots in my field of vision (thankfully nothing in my central vision) and metamorphopsia in my right eye which does very strange things with vertical lines. The optic neuritis, caused by pressure on my optic nerves, also causes non linearity in my eye’s response to light so even moderate glare becomes extremely severe.

[lostinidlewonder]

How do blind or low-vision people learn piano?

If they need to use sheet music the totally totally blind they use Braille Music Code or have someone verbally tell them the notes. Low vision can use with a page magnifier Fresnel lens of different magnifcations on top of sheet music.

[quantum]

The optic neuritis, caused by pressure on my optic nerves, also causes non linearity in my eye’s response to light so even moderate glare becomes extremely severe.

There are things called monitor hoods, they reduce glare from ambient light sources in the room.  They are often seen in work spaces that demand very accurate vision on screen, such as design and photography studios. DIY options exist if you enjoy that route.  It might be something that helps manage glare in your situation.