Measurement of apparent accommodation with a 20/20 near vision optotype

PURPOSE: The value of apparent accommodation varies with methods of measurement. To discuss the details of apparent accommodation, it is appropriate to measure it with the smallest possible near vision optotype. In the present study, we used a 20/20 near vision optotype for the measurement of apparent accommodation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-six eyes of thirty-eight patients (45-84 years old) who had undergone cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation, and had at least 20/20 best corrected visual acuity at near and far distances, were used in this study. After the eyes were corrected by glasses to gain the best corrected long distance visual acuity, they were forced to watch a 20/20 near vision optotype. Then we gradually added plus lenses until they could recognize the optotype. The value of apparent accommodation was recorded by subtracting the value of plus lens by which the eye could first recognize the 20/20 near vision optotype from three diopters. RESULTS: The value of apparent accommodation was 0.00-3.00 D (medium 0.50 D). Two eyes had three diopters of apparent accommodation. CONCLUSION: In the present study with correction of astigmatism and small near vision optotype, most eyes showed smaller apparent accommodation than those in previous studies. Despite that, patients with three diopters of apparent accommodation do exist. To analyze high quality visual functions, we should use the smallest possible near vision optotype for the measurement of apparent accommodation.