Our eyes have an automatic focusing system which adjusts the lens inside our eye in order to see clearly at all distances. When we look far away, up close, and back again, our eyes change focus rapidly to allow us to see things clearly at all distances. If there is a problem in how easily or quickly our eyes focus, that visual problem is called an accommodative dysfunction.
Normally, children have a large amount of focusing capacity. However, some children do not have the ability to maintain focus for a long time while reading, or they may be unable to quickly change the focus of their eyes from near to distance to near, etc.
Accommodative dysfunctions can cause:
- Blurred vision at distance or near
- Eye strain
- Headaches
- Difficulty reading and concentrating
- Avoidance of near work
In some cases, glasses for near use only, or in special bifocal form, may be needed. Improved focusing ability can usually be developed with a program of Vision Therapy.
Adults can also have Accommodative Dysfunction. However, this is not to be confused with a very common visual condition called presbyopia. Presbyopia is the term for age-related focusing problems. In adults, age-related focusing problems are due to loss of the natural elasticity of the lens inside the eyes. As we age, the focusing lenses become less flexible, and we begin to experience blurred vision at close distances.