The amplitude of accommodation is the maximum potential increase in
optical power
In optics, optical power (also referred to as dioptric power, refractive power, focusing power, or convergence power) is the degree to which a lens (optics), lens, mirror, or other optical system converges or diverges light. It is equal to the Mu ...
that an
eye can achieve in adjusting its focus. It refers to a certain range of object distances for which the retinal image is as sharply focussed as possible.
Amplitude of accommodation is measured during routine eye-examination. The closest that a normal eye can focus is typically about 10 cm for a child or young adult. Accommodation then decreases gradually with age, effectively finishing just after age fifty.
The average amplitude of accommodation, in
diopters
A dioptre (British spelling) or diopter (American spelling) is a unit of measurement with dimension of reciprocal length, equivalent to one reciprocal metre, 1 dioptre = 1 m−1. It is normally used to express the optical power of a lens or cu ...
, for a patient of a given age was estimated by Hofstetter in 1950 to be 18.5 - (0.30 * patient age in years) with the minimum amplitude of accommodation as 15 - (0.25 * age in years), and the maximum as 25 - (0.40 * age in years). However, Hofstetter's work was based on data from two early surveys
[Donders F. On the anomalies of the accommodation and refraction of the eye. (W. Moore Trans.) UK: The New Sydenham Society, 1864. p 207-209.] which, although widely cited, used methodology with considerable inherent error. (Donders, Sheard, Duane, Turner for reference)
See also
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Convergence insufficiency
Convergence insufficiency is a sensory and neuromuscular anomaly of the binocular vision system, characterized by a reduced ability of the eyes to turn towards each other, or sustain convergence.
Symptoms
The symptoms and signs associated with con ...
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Eye examination
An eye examination is a series of tests performed to assess vision and ability to focus on and discern objects. It also includes other tests and examinations pertaining to the eyes. Eye examinations are primarily performed by an optometrist, op ...
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Negative relative accommodation Negative relative accommodation (NRA) was proposed by Joseph Kearney of Oxford University in 1967 as a measure of the maximum ability to relax accommodation while maintaining clear, single binocular vision. This measurement is typically obtained by ...
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Positive relative accommodation Positive relative accommodation (PRA) in biology, is a measure of the maximum ability to stimulate eye accommodation while maintaining clear, single binocular vision. This measurement is typically obtained by an orthoptist, ophthalmologist or optom ...
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Presbyopia
Presbyopia is physiological insufficiency of accommodation associated with the aging of the eye that results in progressively worsening ability to focus clearly on close objects. Also known as age-related farsightedness (or age-related long si ...
References
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Ophthalmology