Nearpoint visual stress: a physiological model

The nearpoint visual stress theory holds that a tendency for convergence to localize closer than accommodation is intrinsic to the nearpoint visual demands imposed by our culture. A physiological model is presented, suggesting that this effector system mismatch arises from the activation of autonomic reflexes related to stress, vigilant attention and information-processing. Autonomic arousal exerts a cycloplegic-like effect. Excess accommodative effort, which must be exerted to achieve required accommodation, produces a tendency towards overconvergence. The demand for integration of accommodation and convergence, essential for efficient nearpoint function, is thus incompatible with our own physiology, since autonomic arousal is inherent in task demands for attention and mental effort associated with reading. Additionally, autonomic arousal is generated by the high levels of stress pervasive in our society. Various refractive, binocular and accommodative deviations may arise adaptively in order to resolve this mismatch and facilitate efficient nearpoint visual function. These nearpoint stress-induced visual disorders parallel stress-induced systemic illness in that both result from the activation of physiological processes which are inappropriate for the demands and stresses of our society.