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Accommodation Reflex

The accommodation reflex of the eye is a reflex reaction when the eye looks at a distant object and then focuses on a near object. It is essential for a high degree of visual acuity. 

This 2D animation will guide you through the process of accommodation reflex, and help visualise how the eye changes in response to near vision. Let's get started!

Accommodation Reflex

Accommodation Reflex

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Eye Anatomy

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Three Responses of the Eye

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Convergence of the Eye

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Constriction of the Pupil

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Increase of the Curvature of the Lens

Accommodation
Pathways

How are the changes of the eye achieved?

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Related Testing

During a neurological examination, it is common for examiners to assess the accommodation reflex by instructing the patient to concentrate on a small object such as the examiner's fingertip or a pen. The examiner will ask the patient to maintain focus on the object from a distance and then gradually bring it closer to the patient’s eyes, observing the eyes for convergence and the pupils for constriction.

Recommended Reading

  1. Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. 2018. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 8th ed. Wolters Kluwer, pp. 902-912.

  2. Blumenfeld, H. 2010. Neuroanatomy through Clinical Cases. 2nd ed. Sinauer, pp. 59-60, 578.

  3. Drake, R. L., Vogl, A. W., Mitchell, A. W. M., & Gray, H. 2019. Gray’s Anatomy for Students. 4th ed. Elsevier, pp. 935-937, 939, e58.

  4. Hall, J. E. 2021. Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology. Elsevier, pp. 631, 660-662.

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