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What are Accommodative Spasms? What Can Cause Blurred Vision?

You have 20/20 vision but still have occasional blurred vision. If it happens when looking far away, you're having Accommodative Spasms.

neuro optometrist Dr. Kalie McCartin

Dr. Kalie McCartin

Developmental and Neuro-Optometrist

Owner, Visual Processing Institute



Are Your Eyes Suffering from Accommodative Spasms?


In today's digital age, our eyes are constantly bombarded with visual stimuli from screens of all sizes. This constant strain can lead to a variety of eye problems, including accommodative spasms. If you've been experiencing blurry vision, headaches, or eye strain, you might be wondering what's causing it. In this blog post, we'll explore the intricacies of accommodative spasms, their symptoms, causes, and effective treatment options.


Understanding Accommodative Spasms

Accommodative spasms occur when the ciliary muscle, responsible for focusing your eyes, becomes overworked and strained. This can lead to difficulty focusing on distant objects, even when you're not actively trying to. Imagine your eyes as a camera lens; when you look at something far away, the lens relaxes to focus on the distant object. With accommodative spasms, the lens remains partially focused, making it difficult to see clearly at a distance.


Accommodative Spasms Cause Blurred Vision

Common Symptoms of Accommodative Spasms

If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, it's worth consulting with an eye care professional:

  • Blurred vision, especially at a distance

  • Headaches

  • Eye strain and fatigue

  • Difficulty reading or focusing on close objects

  • Double vision


Causes of Accommodative Spasms

Several factors can contribute to the development of accommodative spasms, including:

  • Excessive screen time: Prolonged exposure to digital devices can strain your eyes and lead to muscle spasms.

  • Eye strain: Engaging in demanding visual tasks, such as reading or doing fine work, can also contribute to eye strain and spasms.


Accommodative Spasms Cause Blurred Vision

Diagnosing Accommodative Spasms

A Binocular Vision evaluation exam is essential for diagnosing accommodative spasms. Our evaluations reserve over an hour of the doctor's time and include tests you have probably never had performed at any doctor's office. The exam includes test that evaluate vergences, accommodation, tracking, saccades, fixation stability, eye resting positionss, and more.


Treatment Options for Accommodative Spasms

The appropriate treatment for accommodative spasms will depend on the severity of your condition. Common treatment options include:

  • Vision therapy: Exercises designed to improve how your brain processes space and light data will correct the neurological miscalculation and then incorrect guidance of the muscle inside of your eye to flex and spasm when it shouldn't.

  • Eyeglasses or contact lenses: In some cases, corrective lenses can help alleviate symptoms.

  • Lifestyle changes: Reducing screen time, taking breaks from demanding visual tasks, and managing stress can also help.


blurred vision watching TV

The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment of accommodative spasms are crucial to prevent further complications and improve your quality of life. If you're experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned earlier, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor.


Conclusion

Accommodative spasms are a common eye condition that can significantly impact your daily life. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options, you can take steps to manage your condition and enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision. If you're struggling with eye strain or blurry vision, don't ignore the signs. Seek a binocular vision evaluation as it can help to determine if accommodative spasms are occurring.

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