Pseudomyopia (from ψεῦδο, "pseudo": false; and μυωπία "myopia": near sight) occurs when a spasm of the ciliary muscle prevents the eye from focusing in the distance, sometimes intermittently; this is different from myopia which is caused by the eye's shape or other basic anatomy.
It is common in young adults who have active accommodation, and classically occurs after a change in visual requirements, such as students preparing for an exam, or a change in occupation.
Accommodative amplitude and facility may be reduced as a result of the ciliary muscle spasm.
There is a close correlation between unaided distance visual acuity and myopia; however, this correlation is not maintained in the presence of pseudomyopia, while pseudomyopia maybe presented as decrement of distance visual acuity.
Functional pseudomyopia is managed through modification of working conditions, an updated refraction, typically involving a reduction of a myopic prescription to some lower myopic prescription, or through appropriate ocular exercises.