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The accommodative response, refractive error and mental effort: 1. The sympathetic nervous system

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Abstract

The accommodative response of 12 emmetropic subjects was measured for an array of numbers located at -1,-3 and -5 dioptres using an objective infra-red optometer. Responses were compared for passive (reading numbers) and active (adding numbers) conditions. The imposition of mental effort induced a significant increase in mean response for the -1 D stimulus, a response equivalent to the passive condition at -3 D and a reduction in response at -5 D. Mental effort induced similar responses for the -1 D and -3 D locations when sympathetic innervation to the ciliary muscle was blocked with the beta-receptor antagonist timolol maleate. Responses for the -5 D location were, however, significantly increased. It is proposed that sympathetic inhibition can modify the effect of mental effort on near accommodative responses.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics Research Group, Department of Vision Sciences, Aston University, B4 7ET, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, UK

    Mark A. Bullimore & Bernard Gilmartin

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  1. Mark A. Bullimore
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  2. Bernard Gilmartin
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Bullimore, M.A., Gilmartin, B. The accommodative response, refractive error and mental effort: 1. The sympathetic nervous system. Doc Ophthalmol 69, 385–397 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00162751

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