The Effect of Homatropine on the Accommodation-Convergence Association

Abstract

INTRODUCTION The accommodative convergence 'is defined as that portion of the total convergence of the eyes that is initiated by the stimulus to accommodation by virtue of the accommodation-convergence synkinesis. The existence of this part of the convergence can be easily demonstrated by the change in the lateral heterophoria that occurs when ophthalmic spheres are placed before the eyes to alter the stimulus to accommodation. The initiation of this involuntary psycho-optical association is assumed by Bielschowsky¹ to be in the prestriate area of the occipital cortex. There are three points of view relating to the origin and to the stability of the accommodation-convergence association. The first of these points of view is that the association is a labile and flexible one and is entirely learned. According to this point of view, the association probably develops in the early years of the life of the individual because of the constant