Age-related changes in accommodation measured with a double-pass system.

PURPOSE

To measure the accommodative response in a wide age range population using the retinal image quality assessments provided by a double-pass system.

METHODS

The accommodative response was measured using a custom-built double-pass setup in 84 patients from 15 to 55 years of age. Patients were classified in four groups (A: 15-25 year old; B: 26-35; C: 36-45; D: 46-55). Accommodation was stimulated from 0 to 5 dioptres (D) with the push up method using an open field fixation test. The total accommodative response in the stimulated range, the accommodative stimulus-response curve, the slope and the progression of optical quality with accommodation were measured.

RESULTS

The total accommodation obtained in groups A and B was high, with a mean value of 4 D or higher, whereas values in older individuals were significantly lower. The accommodative stimulus-response curve and the slope were also high with a sudden decrease in patients over 35 years of age. The optical quality of the eye during accommodation did not change significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants aged 15-35 years showed a good accommodative response. Thereafter, a significant decrease of the response in the total accommodation, stimulus response curve and slope was observed. The younger groups showed a larger accommodative response than previously published.