1.2 - Blurry Close-Up? Here’s How to Tackle Accommodation Problems for Clearer Vision

Ever struggle to switch focus between your screen and the world beyond it? That frustrating lag might not be your imagination—it could be a classic case of accommodation problems.

Think of your eyes like a camera. When the lens struggles to adjust between close-ups and wide shots, the image goes fuzzy. That’s what happens when your eye’s accommodation system isn’t working smoothly.

What Are Accommodation Problems, Really?

Accommodation refers to the eye's ability to shift focus between distant and near objects. This system is most flexible in youth, but with age—typically after 40—it naturally begins to decline. This age-related change is called presbyopia, and while it can’t be reversed, it’s a normal part of the visual aging process.

However, when accommodation problems occur in children or adults under 40, they often indicate an underlying visual dysfunction rather than aging. These problems can cause blurred vision, headaches, fatigue, and difficulty maintaining focus during reading or screen time.

The Three Types of Accommodation Issues

• Insufficiency: Can’t hold focus on near tasks for long—reading becomes tiring.

• Infacility: Trouble switching focus between distances—like struggling to read the board after checking your phone.

• Excess: The eyes stay “locked in” near focus—distant objects seem blurry even after looking away from a screen.

These issues are common in kids, students, and screen-heavy workers—but often go undetected in basic vision tests.

🚨 Signs You Might Be Dealing with This

• Blurry near vision

• Headaches after close-up work

• Eye fatigue and frequent rubbing

• Avoidance of reading, writing, or screens

• Difficulty shifting focus between near and far tasks

School-aged children often show symptoms of accommodative dysfunction but are misdiagnosed with attention issues.

How to Fix or Manage Accommodation Problems

1. Vision Therapy - A personalized program retrains your visual system. It's especially effective for kids struggling with reading.

2. Plus Lenses - Low-powered reading glasses reduce strain on the eyes during close-up work. These aren’t just for seniors—young adults can benefit too but these are only a temporary solution.

3. Smart Screen Habits - Use the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (6m) away for 20 seconds. Also, increase font size and adjust lighting to reduce strain.

4. Functional Vision Testing - Don’t settle for a standard eye test. Ask for a functional vision evaluation to assess how your eyes team, track, and focus in real-life scenarios.

Quote to Remember

“Accommodation dysfunction can seriously impact reading and learning—but the good news is, it’s treatable with the right diagnosis and care.”

— Dr. Leonard Press, Developmental Optometrist

Final Thoughts

Accommodation problems may sound technical, but they’re incredibly common—and fixable. Whether you're a parent worried about your child’s reading habits or an adult squinting at screens all day, understanding and managing this functional vision issue could be the game-changer your eyes need.