Mechanical Changes During Accommodation Observed by Gonioscopy

Abstract

It is relatively easy to observe the mechanical changes taking place during accommodation in the centrally located parts of the structures of the anterior segment of the eye. These changes have been carefully studied and form the basis of the various theories of accommodation. But such investigations could indicate only indirectly what, if any, specific changes were occurring in the peripheral parts of the structures involved, since direct observation was difficult or impossible with ordinary means of examination. Direct observations were possible only in cases of gross anatomic, and probably also functional, abnormalities, such as colobomas of the iris or aniridia. Even in these circumstances the chamber angle was not accessible to direct study. It is, however, of interest and importance to have a detailed knowledge of the behavior during accommodation of the periphery of the lens and iris and of the trabecular band, all of which are intimately concerned