Akkommodationsspasmen

Akkommodationsspasmen, also known as accommodative spasm or ciliary spasm, is a condition where the ciliary muscle in the eye involuntarily contracts. This muscle is responsible for changing the shape of the lens to focus on objects at different distances. When it spasms, it causes prolonged contraction, leading to a temporary inability to focus on distant objects, a condition often referred to as "spasm of the near reflex."

The primary symptom of akkommodationsspasmen is blurred distance vision, which can be intermittent or constant. Individuals may also experience eye strain, headaches, a feeling of pressure behind the eyes, and sometimes double vision. Difficulty reading or performing other near tasks can also occur, though this is less common than distance blur. The condition can be mistaken for myopia (nearsightedness) because of the difficulty seeing far away.

Several factors can contribute to the development of akkommodationsspasmen. Prolonged periods of intense near work, such as reading, computer use, or intricate handcrafts, are often cited as a common trigger. Eye fatigue, stress, and certain medications that affect the autonomic nervous system can also play a role. Some individuals may have a predisposition to developing this condition.

Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Special tests, such as cycloplegic refraction, where eye drops are used to temporarily paralyze the ciliary muscle, help differentiate akkommodationsspasmen from true refractive errors like myopia.

Treatment strategies aim to relax the ciliary muscle and reduce strain. This often includes taking breaks during prolonged near work, using artificial tears to combat dry eye, and in some cases, prescribing cycloplegic eye drops to temporarily paralyze the ciliary muscle and alleviate the spasm. Vision therapy exercises may also be recommended.