The ability of the eye to focus at close distances by becoming more rounded as the ciliary muscles contract is called visual .

The ability of the eye to focus on close distances by becoming more rounded as the ciliary muscles contract is called accommodation. This process allows the eye to adjust its focal length, enabling it to focus on objects that are nearby. When the ciliary muscles contract, it reduces tension on the zonules (suspensory ligaments), allowing the lens to become thicker and more rounded, which increases its optical power. This ability to accommodate decreases with age, often leading to a condition known as presbyopia, where individuals have difficulty focusing on close objects. Understanding this mechanism is essential in fields like optometry and ophthalmology, as it relates to various visual tasks and the overall health of the eye.