MONTENARE EYE CARE
& VISION THERAPY
Accommodation
Accommodation is the ability to change focus from a distant to a near target (and vice versa). It is a complex process in which the crystalline lens (i.e. the "camera lens" positioned on the inside of the eye) alters its shape to bring an object into focus.
Function
Accommodation allows one to quickly bring a distant or near target into sharp focus.
Accommodative Insufficiency
Accommodative insufficiency is a condition in which the eyes have trouble increasing their focusing-power. In other words, the patient cannot make a near target clear or cannot sustain clarity for long periods of time.
Accommodative insufficiency may be functional in nature, in which the child fails to develop normal eye focusing abilities. It may also be acquired such as from an injury or concussion. In both cases, vision therapy is the treatment of choice. In some cases, however, accommodative insufficiency may be due to organic causes such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's, or diabetes and would require the consult of an ophthalmologist or neurologist.
Signs and Symptoms
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Blurred vision
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Headaches
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Eyestrain
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Reading problems
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Fatigue and sleepiness
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Loss of comprehension over time
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A pulling sensation around the eyes
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Movement of the print
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Avoidance of reading and other close work
Treatment
Vision therapy is the treatment of choice for accommodative insufficiency. A therapy program should emphasize the ability to increase eye-focusing power and its ability to integrate with vergence ("eye teaming") and oculomotor ("eye tracking") skills. In some cases, glasses for reading (e.g. bifocals or progressives) will immediately relieve symptoms.