Understanding Accommodative Support Lenses

Many young individuals today suffer from Digital Eye syndrome. Based on our lifestyle and extended use of blue-light devices, our vision and eyesight may be severely impacted. Prolonged periods of close-up tasks such as reading or computer use can strain the eye muscles to such an extent that one may develop an accommodative dysfunction.

Accommodation is the eyes ability to adjust its focus by changing the shape of the lens, allowing clear vision at different distances. This process enables the eyes to focus on close objects and then quickly adjust to see objects at distance. When one has an accommodative dysfunction, this process is rather difficult and strenuous for the eyes to achieve.

Accommodative dysfunction may develop at any age and can have various causes: Often excessive screen time may contribute to digital eye strain impacting accommodation causing discomfort. Previous incorrect prescriptions or outdated prescriptions may contribute to accommodative issues as well, hence regular eye check ups are important. As people age, the flexibility of the eyes lens tends to decrease, making it more challenging to focus on close objects. Underlying eye conditions such as high myopia and/or astigmatism coupled with accommodative dysfunction causes blurry vision and discomfort when working on close up tasks.

Common symptoms of accommodative dysfunction and digital eye syndrome includes eye strain, headaches, blurred vision or difficulty on focusing on close-up tasks. These issues are often detected from a comprehensive eye exam.

Accommodative Support Lenses are specialized lenses that would be recommended by your Optometrist to support your visual needs.

If your single vision or a normal prescription does not help you see far and upclose,accommodative support lenses assist with everyday tasks.

Accommodative support lenses differ from general single vision lenses as they ‘accommodate’ for all distances; i.e. distance and near objects. These lenses have an invisible near power added to the bottom of the lenses to help relieve the eye muscles, thus giving you a smooth transitional focus when looking from distance to near objects and vice versa. This in turn provides clear and comfortable vision and over time may help eliminate digital eye syndrome.

These lenses have become very popular among younger individuals due to our growing lifestyle on electronics.

Another recommendation when using accommodative lenses would be a blue blocking filter. This lens is highly beneficial in blocking out all the harmful effects of blue light.

When wearing your first pair of accommodative lenses, it will take time to get used to. It is recommended that you wear your new pair as much as possible to ease the adjustment period. The adjustment phase should range between 2 to 4 weeks. One needs to learn how to use their new pair of spectacles. When looking at distance objects, always look through the upper part of the lens. When looking at close-up objects, look through the bottom part of the lens. Over time, you will form a habit with your eye and head movements and use the lenses with ease.

Accommodative Support Lenses are the perfect pair for today’s digital world!

Visit us at The Optik Studio and our Optometrist may best advise if this lens is for you!