Becauſe in the Conſpection of Objects remote, the Pupil of the Eye is expanded circularly, for the admiſſion of more Rays, and the Chryſtalline Humour ſomewhat retracted toward the Retina Tunica, for the Determination of the Point of Concurſe in the ſame, which otherwiſe would be ſomewhat too remote: and on the contrary, in the Conſpection of Objects vicine, the Pupil is contracted circularly, and the Chryſtalline Lens protruded ſomewhat outwardly, for the contrary reſpects.
Source: wiktionary