Understanding Convergence Insufficiency
Convergence insufficiency (CI) is the most common binocular vision dysfunction that affects the ability to align both eyes inward on nearby objects. This can lead to a range of symptoms and can significantly impact daily life activities which include reading, writing and using digital devices.
Let’s explore what convergence insufficiency is, its symptoms, causes, and why vision therapy is your best treatment option.
What is Convergence Insufficiency?
Convergence is the process by which both eyes move inward to align on a nearby object. Individuals with convergence insufficiency are unable to accomplish this inward movement adequately. This can lead to visual discomfort, eye strain and challenges in maintaining sustained attention on a near point task.
Symptoms of Convergence Insufficiency
The symptoms of CI can vary in intensity and may include:
● Double vision: Difficulty seeing a single image when looking at near objects
● Eye strain: Discomfort, fatigue, or pulling sensation around the eyes after reading or doing prolonged near work
● Headaches: These tend to occur towards the end of the day or after performing extended near point tasks
● Difficulty concentrating: Challenges in maintaining/sustaining attention on near tasks
● Avoiding near activities: It may seem that words move or jump around
● Blurred vision: Vision may become blurry, especially after prolonged near tasks
● Closing one eye: Some individuals may find relief by closing one eye to eliminate double vision
Causes of Convergence Insufficiency
Converging on a near point target is a learned skill. Most often, if someone is unable to efficiently align their eyes on a near point target it's because developmentally they have not learned how to do so. Once learned though, the skill is present for life. Alternately, if someone was able to converge but then an incident occurred such as a concussion, the ability to effectively converge can be subsequently lost.
Diagnosis of Convergence Insufficiency
A comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist is essential for diagnosing CI. The evaluation typically includes special tests to measure how much effort is required to align the eyes on a near point target. All optometrists are aware of how to perform the necessary testing, however, it is not performed all of the time. Further investigation by a developmental optometrist may be needed.
Vision Therapy for Convergence Insufficiency
Vision therapy is the most effective treatment. It involves a series of activities designed to improve eye coordination, convergence and divergence abilities, gross and fine motor movements. Vision therapy offers personalized plans based on the individual's needs and includes in-office therapy sessions with optional home activities for added practice. Once the treatment program is completed, the visual skills needed for convergence are in place and generally require no maintenance vision therapy.
Conclusion
Convergence insufficiency can pose challenges, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, most individuals can be cured of this visual condition. If you or someone you know experiences symptoms of CI, consider scheduling an eye exam to explore potential treatment options. Early intervention can make a significant difference in daily life, allowing for more comfortable and enjoyable experiences with reading and other near-vision tasks.
Denisa Suteu
Class of 2025
Chicago College of Optometry