The effects of ingested alcohol on accommodation

Abstract

To determine the effects of ingested alcohol on accommodation, seven males, aged 21-22 years, had their accommodation assessed under three alcohol dosage conditions (placebo, 0.8 ml/kg, and 1.3 ml/kg of 95% ethanol). For each of these conditions, following drinking, static accommodation to near and far targets (viewing distance = 30 cm and 6 m) and dark focus accommodation were measured every 15 min for 3 h in the placebo and medium-dosage conditions and for 6 h in the high-dosage condition. Results showed that dark, near-target, and far-target accommodation all increased with intoxication. Observations regarding the relationship between dark focus and alcohol-induced static accommodation changes were inconclusive, although there was some indication that this relationship increased at the highest intoxication levels. It was concluded that moderate amounts of ingested alcohol produce small, but significant, increases in accommodation. © 1985 Psychonomic Society, Inc.