The “intermediate vision” is the most used by those over 60 years of age

 Alberto Gómez 

When we talk about our level of vision, we are basically referring to how far or near we see. However, experts give greater importance to the “middle view. This type of perception is the most important for the independence and quality of life of people over 60 years of age, and with the pandemic its use has increased due to the time we use screens. 

For this reason, the survey "Vision and daily activities of the Spanish elderly" has been carried out by the Chair in Value Generation and Visual Health of the Rey Juan Carlos University. The final conclusions show that in 36,9% of the daily activities carried out by older people, the "intermediate vision" is used. 

Within that percentage of activities in which this perception is used, we can find daily tasks such as using cutlery, cooking, washing oneself looking in the mirror, using the computer or looking at the rear-view mirrors of the car. On the other hand, 64,8% of those surveyed declare that they carry out activities in which close vision is used to read or do hobbies. Finally, 56,8% use their distant vision for activities carried out outside the home, such as reading signs or practicing outdoor activities. 

Dr. Alfonso Arias, director of the Chair in Value Generation and Visual Health at the Rey Juan Carlos University, states that "results like those of the survey are what make us ophthalmologists talk about functional vision to refer to the intermediate vision, since it is the one that grants personal autonomy”. Ángel Gil, professor of Preventive Medicine and Public Health at the URJC, also comments that “When there is a loss of autonomy, it is usually associated with isolation, staying at home and not doing certain tasks. This diminishes the quality of life and, in turn, produces an important psychological affectation”.