How Our Eyes Focus Up Close

When we are focusing at something near, it is called accommodation. Here’s what happens to our eyes when we are focusing on something at near like our cell phones and computers.

This process is called Accommodative Response.

1. Eyes Converges. When viewing something up close, our eyes are pulled in (convergence). When it is distance viewing like driving, our eyes are straight ahead and they’re generally at a relaxed state. The closer the object is, the more convergence needed to have both eyes aligned to the object. The longer we are viewing something up close, the longer the eye muscles have to maintain tension to keep the eyes converged.

http://www.forbestvision.com/accommodation-and-convergence/

2. Lenses Thicken. Aside from muscles “pull” our eyes to converge, there are also muscles inside our eyes that “squeeze” and allows our lens to get thicker. This thickening of the lenses increases the power in our eyes which allows the near object to be more in focus.

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akkommodation_(Auge)

3. Pupils Constricts. Lastly, our pupils or the black space we see in the mirror in our eyes gets smaller by the same muscles mentioned above when viewing something close. When pupils are smaller, it blocks out light from the periphery thus only allowing light entering the eyes centrally. This in turn increase the depth of focus.

https://pmgbiology.com/tag/pupil-reflex/

So now you know how our eyes work when seeing something up close. Now what?

Unique prescription eyewear can help reduce the stress that is put on your eyes. The prescription is determined based on your daily working distance.  It is dedicated mainly for up close work so instead of YOU doing the focusing, the lenses do the focusing FOR YOU.

Interested in how we can improve your working environment? Give us a call or e-mail!