Accommodative Spasms

What are the symptoms of accommodative spasms?

• Blurred distance vision or fluctuating vision
• Headaches or brow aches
• Eyestrain and poor concentration while reading

What is the cause of accommodative spasms?
Inability to relax the ciliary muscles. The small ciliary muscles are responsible for changing the shape of the lens in the process of accommodation. Accommodation is the automatic process by which the lens sharpens (brings into focus) images in the distance.
This is involuntary and is associated with stressful situations. Fatigue and prolonged reading may also bring on episodes.

How is it diagnosed?
Complete ophthalmic examination, including an initial manifest refraction and cycloplegic refraction to determine the true refraction.

What can be done? Glasses are usually prescribed if there is a true refractive error. Avoidance of stressful situations may help. Atropine drops may be used to help break the spasm, but this rare.