Convergence is the ability to cross or turn the eyes inward. Convergence insufficiency is a binocular vision condition that occurs when the eyes cannot turn inward to focus on a near target while keeping the target clear and single. This can cause issues with near tasks such as reading or writing as well as lead to headaches and fatigue by the end of the day. Treatment options include vision therapy, prism glasses, and special reading glasses.

Why is Convergence Needed?

When the eyes are looking at something far away, both eyes can be straight ahead and still focus on the same object.

However, whenever the object is closer the eyes must turn in to stay focused on the object.

If only one eye turns in or the eyes do not turn in equally, there will be a double vision from the misalignment of the two images.

In order to prevent double vision or blurry vision at near, convergence is required.

This convergence is an eye movement that is uniform between the two eyes and directs both eyes to turn towards the nose and focus closer than before.

What is Convergence Insufficiency?

When the eyes cannot adequately converge, it is deemed convergence insufficiency. This can be diagnosed in an eye examination or at a special binocular vision eye examination.

When testing the eyes, they should be able to keep a small target clear and single to within a few inches of the nose.

If the target becomes two images or the patient sees double farther away, there is a problem that is preventing the eyes from converging properly.

If the problem is related to keeping the target clear, rather than keeping it single, then it may be due to a pseudo-convergence insufficiency.

However, the more common finding is that there is difficulty moving the eyes inward enough to keep the target single and a true convergence insufficiency is diagnosed.

Symptoms of Convergence Insufficiency

Many binocular vision disorders have similar symptoms including eye strain, headaches with near work, and difficulty with sustained reading.

However, additional symptoms that may occur with a convergence insufficiency include words or near objects going double, one eye turning in or out more than the other, and blurry vision up close.

All of these symptoms are related to near work because when focusing far away, there is no need for the eyes to have to converge.

Treatments for Convergence Insufficiency

To treat convergence insufficiency, there are two main options: improve the ability of the eyes to converge or reduce the need for the eyes to converge.

Vision therapy is the only method for actively improving the eyes’ convergence ability.

Vision therapy can be an office-based or home-based program that targets the muscles responsible for convergence and begins to train them on how to converge correctly and adequately.

If the goal is to quickly improve symptoms, it may be easier to use a pair of glasses to relieve the symptoms by changing the amount of convergence needed.

Glasses can have a prism or a special reading prescription that will help alleviate the symptoms of convergence insufficiency.

Our eye doctor at Local Eyes Optometry in New Braunfels, TX excels in prescription of glasses, contact lenses and the diagnosis of a variety of eye diseases. Call our optometrist at (830) 627-9272 or schedule an eye exam appointment online if you would are experiencing or would like to learn more about eye floaters. Our eye doctor, Dr. Marcus Page, provides the highest quality optometry services and eye exams in New Braunfels, Texas.