Comparison of accommodative adaptation using laser and infra‐red optometers

Abstract

Previous investigations have reported differences in the rate of decay of accommodative adaptation depending on the form of optometer used to assess dark-focus (DF). This study has used both laser and infra-red optometers to measure pre- and post-task values of DF in 10 subjects. DF was assessed before and immediately after an 8 min near-vision task performed at the subjective near-point of accommodation. Examination of the data from the two optometers revealed significant differences in both magnitude and distribution of pre-task DF. Additionally variations in the post- to pre-task shift in DF were observed between the two methods of assessment. Using the laser optometer, six subjects exhibited positive adaptation following the near-task which was not apparent with the infra-red optometer. The data suggest that both instruments may not be sampling open-loop accommodation; the laser optometer is particularly vulnerable to extraneous influences.