Purpose
To investigate the changes occurring in the axial length, choroidal thickness, and anterior biometrics of the eye during a 10-minute near task performed in downward gaze.
Methods
Twenty young adult subjects (10 emmetropes and 10 myopes) participated in this study. To measure ocular biometrics in downward gaze, an optical biometer was inclined on a custom-built height- and tilt-adjustable table. Baseline measures were collected after each subject performed a distance primary gaze control task for 10 minutes to provide washout period for previous visual tasks before each of three different accommodation/gaze conditions. These other three conditions included a near task (2.5 diopters [D]) in primary gaze and a near (2.5 D) and a far (0 D) accommodative task in downward gaze (25 degrees), all for 10 minutes’ duration. Immediately after and then 5 and 10 minutes from the commencement of each trial, measurements of ocular biometrics (e.g., anterior biometrics, axial length, choroidal thickness, and retinal thickness) were obtained.
Results
Axial length increased with accommodation and was significantly greater for downward gaze with accommodation (mean ± SD change, 23 ± 13 μm at 10 minutes) compared with primary gaze with accommodation (8 ± 15 μm at 10 minutes) (p < 0.05). A small amount of choroidal thinning was also found during accommodation that was statistically significant in downward gaze (13 ± 14 μm at 10 minutes; p < 0.05). Accommodation in downward gaze also caused greater changes in anterior chamber depth and lens thickness compared with accommodation in primary gaze.
Conclusions
Axial length, choroidal thickness, and anterior eye biometrics change significantly during accommodation in downward gaze as a function of time. These changes seem to be caused by the combined influence of biomechanical factors (i.e., extraocular muscle forces, ciliary muscle contraction) associated with near tasks in downward gaze.
Such a nice optician. My grandson is only 4 and needs glasses. We were so sad, but he explained the issues, and we will follow up as he suggested.
I had such a good experience with the clinic. Very friendly staff and doctor, did not have to wait for long to be called, and was treated respectfully. Thanks, American Family.
Dr. Zurcher has gone above and beyond what any other eye doctor has ever done to figure out what is going on with my eyes. Very happy with American Family Vision.
Family Vision Clinic changed our lives! My daughter was frequently car sick, and she was getting headaches every day, often painful enough that they brought her to tears. We saw a string of doctors and therapists, but we made no progress. Finally, we found Dr. Levi Zurcher and his eye therapist Rain. After ten weeks of eye therapy my daughter no longer gets headaches, and she no longer gets car sick. Daily tears are a thing of the past. I really can’t say enough about this clinic. It was fascinating to watch Dr. Zurcher work. For the first time, someone who knew what they were doing was intently studying my daughter, really trying to figure out all of her eye issues, and his therapist Rain is one of the most patient and lovely people that I’ve ever had the good fortune to meet. We’re finished with eye therapy—yay!—and I have switched to American Family Vision Clinic for all of my family’s other eye health needs.
Very professional, yet kind and helpful. They do what they can to make the appointment comfortable. I was running a bit late, I made sure ti call. They were able to switch me with a patient who was already there, they treated me with respect, and helped my son have confidence by getting him the eye care he needed that day. Thank you so much! Would recommend to anyone. It's a blessing that they care enough to work with people who have all different types of insurance from work to state coverage.
The staff is friendly. The Doc is very knowledgeable. The office is family friendly and everyone is so patient with the little ones.
Is foggy vision troubling you? Let our experienced optometrist restore your sight – book an appointment today and see the difference! The term foggy vision often refers to a visual disturbance characterized by blurred, cloudy, or hazy vision, which can make seeing clearly challenging. As your local optometrist, we recognize the significance of maintaining optimal […]
According to the National Eye Institute, nystagmus affects approximately 0.24% of the general population in the United States. This means a whopping 720,000 individuals in the US face the challenges of nystagmus. How does Nystagmus Impact Vision? Nystagmus is a condition that affects the eyes, causing involuntary and rapid movements that can make it difficult to […]
Are you tired of dealing with eyelid inflammation? Well, there's good news for you! Hypochlorous acid, a natural bactericidal compound, has been clinically shown to help fight against various eyelid conditions such as blepharitis, and it's even effective at preventing the development of styes and other eyelid infections. In this blog, we'll be exploring the […]
