Vision disorders
Accommodative dysfunction: when your eyes struggle to focus
Accommodative abnormalities happen when your eyes have trouble focusing on objects at different distances — especially when switching between something far away and something up close.
What is accommodative dysfunction?
Your eye's focusing system adjusts constantly as you look from near to far. When it doesn't adjust well, close work becomes blurry or tiring.
Symptoms of focusing problems
- Blurry vision when reading or doing close-up work
- Difficulty switching focus between near and distant objects
- Eye strain or fatigue, especially after reading for a while
- Headaches after reading or working on a computer
- Frequently squinting to see clearly
What causes it?
Accommodative problems can come from a problem with the eye's focusing ability, and are often related to age or certain health conditions.
How is it treated?
Accommodative problems can be treated with corrective glasses, eye exercises or other therapies. Seeing an eye care professional is important for the right diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently asked questions
When to go to a hospital instead
Go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately if you have:
- Sudden loss of vision
- Flashes of light or a shower of new floaters
- Eye injury or chemical splash
- Severe eye pain or a very red, painful eye
- Double vision that comes on suddenly