Fiveable
Fiveable

accommodation

Definition

Accommodation is the process by which the eye adjusts its focal length to clearly focus on objects at various distances, primarily achieved by changing the shape of the lens. This adjustment allows for sharp images to be formed on the retina whether the object is near or far.

Analogy

Imagine your eye as a camera that automatically adjusts its lens to take clear photos, whether you're zooming in on a flower right in front of you or capturing a mountain in the distance. Just as a camera lens moves to bring subjects into focus, your eye's lens changes shape to ensure you see details both near and far.

Related terms

Refraction: The bending of light as it passes through one medium to another, crucial for focusing light rays onto the retina.

Ciliary muscles: Muscles that adjust the shape of the eye's lens during accommodation, allowing it to focus on objects at different distances.

Pupil constriction: The narrowing of the pupil size which improves depth of field and sharpness in vision, often occurring simultaneously with accommodation

collegeable - rocket pep

Are you a college student?

  • Study guides for the entire semester

  • 200k practice questions

  • Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab



© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.