Functional Spasm of Accommodation

Convergence spasm in conversion disorders: prevalence in psychogenic and other movement disorders compared with controls

“…Described by von Graefe in 185615 in two cases of ‘acute spasm of accommodation’, a link between this neuro-ophthalmologic sign and hysteria dates back to the early 20th century when ‘spastic hysterical convergent strabismus’ was reported by Knapp in 1918 12. Bielschowsky described convergence spasm as ‘frequently’ occurring in ‘hysteria’, sometimes as its only symptom 13.…”

Combined Interventions for Nonorganic Visual Loss in a Case with Pseudo-Myopia: A Perspective from Vietnam

“…Spasm of accommodation has been described as a presentation of functional vision loss in children with mental illness [1]. Studies have reported that the prevalence of nonorganic visual loss in children was approximately 50% at a routine ophthalmological examination [5] and its annual incidence was roughly 3.5% [6].…”

Refractive Lens Exchange with Multifocal Intraocular Lens for Treatment of Chronic Intermittent Spasm of the Near Reflex

“…The etiology of chronic accommodative convergence spasm or spasm of the near reflex is not always understood. Neurologic disease as well as endocrine metabolic dysfunction has to be excluded [ 4 , 5 ]. In our case, no organic cause was found for the spasm, which was intermittent for years.…”

“…The characteristics may appear together or separately [ 3 ]. Possible organic causes are of neurologic cerebral origin, attempts to overcome vertical gaze palsy, or endocrine metabolic dysfunctions [ 4 , 5 ]. Treatment depends on the possible etiology, but often no organic cause can be found [ 6 ].…”