Transitional spaces from exterior to interior as functional vision barriers in ageing

Abstract

We examined the visual efficiency and visual discomfort of users of a typical transitional space in a bright climate. The subject moves from a brighter exterior to a dimmer interior, facing an abrupt change in light level as a potential functional vision barrier, mainly for old people. We measured suprathreshold visual efficiency in different age groups by asking people to identify two Landolt ring orientations after entering and to answer some visual discomfort questions. Results show that the oldest group (60-67) took more than three times longer than the youngest group (25-30) to perform the task but, in terms of discomfort, there were no noticeable differences in the disturbance or the sensation of reduced mobility between the age groups.