Accommodation
Accommodation is the ability of the eye lens to change its curvature so that objects at different distances are seen clearly.
Practice This ConceptMain explanation
Teacher explanation
When you look at a nearby object, the ciliary muscles contract and the lens becomes thicker, so its focal length decreases. When you look at a distant object, the ciliary muscles relax and the lens becomes thinner, so its focal length increases. This adjustment helps the eye form a sharp image on the retina without moving the eye itself.
Example
A student can read a notebook held close to the face and then quickly look at the classroom board across the room. The eye lens changes shape in both cases to keep the image clear.
Simple analogy
Near object, thick lens; far object, thin lens.
Common confusion
Many students think the eye moves forward and backward to focus. In reality, the eye lens changes shape while the eyeball stays in place.
Exam tip
In answers, mention ciliary muscles, lens curvature, and focal length change together. That combination earns full concept credit.
Answer writing and exam use
1-mark use
Write the exact meaning of accommodation in one clean line.
2-mark use
Define accommodation and add one example or condition.
3-mark use
Explain accommodation, show the method or example, and mention the common mistake.
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