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Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Corneal Confocal Microscopy: A Novel Non-invasive Technique to Quantify Small Fibre Pathology in Peripheral Neuropathies
Published on: January 3, 2011
Instrument myopia--microscopy
Abstract:
Looking through optical instruments stimulates the eye to accommodate more than would be necessary for naked eye viewing; this increased near power is called instrument myopia. The amount (up to -5 diopters) varies with the observer and the conditions of viewing. Using microscopes produces -1.5 to -2 diopters of instrument myopia. More instrument myopia is found with low-power magnification, inexperienced users, and when focusing form minus blur to sharp image. Physiologically, the instrument myopia appears to be associated with an accommodative equilibrium position and, psychologically, with a sensing of proximity.
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