The phrase "amplitude of accommodation" refers to the measurement of the maximum ability of the eye to focus on objects at different distances. The pronunciation of this phrase is [æmˈplɪt(j)ud əv əˌkɑməˈdeɪʃən]. The first syllable, "am", rhymes with "ham", the second syllable "pli" rhymes with "lie", and the third syllable "tude" rhymes with "food". The fourth syllable "of" is pronounced like the word "off", and the fifth syllable "ac" is pronounced like "ack". The final two syllables, "commodation", are pronounced like "come-a-day-shun".
The amplitude of accommodation refers to the maximum range of focusing ability of the eyes, specifically the lens, to adjust and focus on objects at different distances. It is a measurement of the distance between the closest point and the farthest point at which clear vision can be achieved without the aid of corrective lenses.
The amplitude of accommodation is determined by the elasticity and flexibility of the crystalline lens, which adjusts its shape to change the focal length of the eye. This adjustment allows the eye to focus on near objects, as well as distant ones. The process of accommodating occurs when the ciliary muscle contracts, causing the lens to thicken and increase its refractive power, allowing objects to be seen clearly up close.
However, as individuals age, the elasticity of the lens decreases, resulting in a reduced amplitude of accommodation. This is why many people require reading glasses or bifocal lenses as they get older, as the lens becomes less capable of flexing and adjusting for close-up vision.
The amplitude of accommodation is typically measured in diopters, with the average for a young healthy eye being around 14 diopters. It can be influenced by various factors such as age, refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness), eye diseases, and certain medications. Accurate measurement of the amplitude of accommodation is important in determining the right prescription for corrective lenses and assessing the overall health of the visual system.
The total amount of accommodation between that necessary for distinguishing objects near at hand and for distant vision.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.