Purpose 

To describe a patient with accommodative esotropia who developed spasm of the near reflex.

Case report 

A 6-year-old girl with a history of successfully treated refractive, accommodative esotropia suddenly developed spasm of the near reflex after the death of a relative. The condition resolved after 2 months.

Conclusion 

Spasm of the near reflex should be considered in children with accommodative esotropia who seem to deteriorate and become esotropic once again while wearing their hyperopic glasses.