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What does Eye Accommodation Mean?

Patients often hear the term ‘accommodation’ used when Optometrists discuss the ability of the eye to see properly.

 

Accommodation is the process whereby the eye is able to change the point of focus from a distant object to a near object.

 

It’s an optical change in the eye and happens when the muscles inside the eye contract, allowing the optical power of the crystalline lens to be increased so that near objects can be brought into focus on the retina.

 

The young eye can do it without any trouble, and with objects very close to the eye. The older we get; the less power we have to ‘accommodate’.

To Infinity and Beyond!

When a healthy eye (not suffering from any refractive errors, i.e. not nearsighted or longsighted) is relaxed, it is focused at optical infinity.

 

This sounds quite profound; and means that when a normal eye is relaxed, distant objects are in focus. Optical infinity extends from about 20 feet on front of your eyes to the distant horizon ‘infinity’).

 

A short sighted or myopic eye, on the other hand, is focused at a point nearer than optical infinity when it is relaxed. This means that it needs to be corrected with a pair of glasses or contact lenses to again be focused at optical infinity.

Accommodation and Presbyopia

In all normally sighted individuals, the ability to focus near objects is gradually lost with increasing age. The process starts from birth and just gets worse, although most people don’t really notice it until they get to about 45.

 

The ‘accommodate amplitude’ or ability to focus on near objects is almost completely lost between 45-50, and once it’s sufficiently reduced for people to have a major problem with reading or seeing print close to the eye, it’s recognised as an issue. Most people get reading glasses-reluctantly.

Solve your Sight Problems

You don’t have to be slave to corrective eyewear, or pull out those reading glasses and let the world know you’re of a certain age. Optilase have two methods that can address the issue of presbyopia.

 

Just call +353 1 223 8821 to find out more about KAMRA and Presbia, the Optilase solutions to presbyopia.

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Patient Reviews

Margaret Mc Clafferty
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Margaret Mc Clafferty
August 29, 2026

I had LASIK done in Dublin after a consultation and follow up in Derry. From the very start, Elizabeth in Derry put me at ease with her approach. Such a warm, helpful way about her. Surgeon Mikhall Hernandez took the time to meet me in advance to explain the process. All the staff- Iwona, Julie, Jess, Robbie (from Donegal!) and Rachael, I really appreciated the way they supported me from start to finish

Aline Bortolotti Secco
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Aline Bortolotti Secco
July 31, 2026

I had a great LASIK experience at Optilase Carrickmines and couldn’t be happier with the results. Dr. Tom Materman is incredibly kind, attentive, and made me feel comfortable throughout the entire process. I highly recommend him, as well as the whole Optilase team! I didn’t feel anything during the procedure, which was much easier than I expected. My recovery has also been going really well—I’m only on day two, and everything has been smooth so far. Thank you to everyone at Optilase for the excellent care!

Carl Thorne
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Carl Thorne
July 28, 2026

Life changing. From the initial consultation to the aftercare, Optilase have been friendly, professional and caring every step of the way. No worry or concern was too small for a detailed discussion and helpful response. 3 months after my phakic lens surgery my vision is as good as it ever was with glasses without the hassle. Would recommend the Optilase Carrickmines team to anyone.

Colm Smith
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Colm Smith
July 28, 2026

Very happy with the operation, results and the aftercare

Gerard Mcphillips
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Gerard Mcphillips
July 24, 2026

Very professional and appointments on time

D
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D
July 24, 2026

Great team, great experience. Anyone thinking about doing it, do it. Always on the end of the phone if there was any issues. Highly recommend!

jason farrell
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jason farrell
July 23, 2026

The entire process was smooth professional and completely stress free, I couldn't be happier with my outcome

Tara Dowds
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Tara Dowds
July 22, 2026

Excellent experience in the Cork clinic. Dan O'brien explained everything so throughly. I really appreciated the consultation.

Michael Britton
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Michael Britton
July 22, 2026

Absolutely brilliant service from consultation through to surgery and aftercare. The whole team are really friendly and efficient. Would recommend to anyone thinking about getting corrective surgery.

Majella Murphy
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Majella Murphy
July 22, 2026

Excellent service and care. Laser eye surgery went well and have had no issues. Highly recommend Sinead and the team in Optilase Cork

Saidhbhe OShea
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Saidhbhe OShea
July 21, 2026

Highly recommended the team in the cork clinic. Very professional and friendly throughout the whole process.

wiktoria szmerdt
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wiktoria szmerdt
July 21, 2026

Lovely staff, very knowledgeable, made me feel calm and comfortable during my consultation

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