Convergence Insufficiency and Accommodative Insufficiency

Convergence and Accommodative Insufficiency are another two related conditions. Sometimes the eyes are unable to properly turn inward enough to converge successfully on a single point when looking close up. This difficulty is called convergence insufficiency, and is often due to complications related to strabismus. Other times, the eyes are unable to hold sufficient focus on objects in close vision. This is referred to as accomodative insufficiency, and is not a defect in the eye itself, but rather a problem with maintaining accurate, comfortable focus on objects close up. Convergence and Accommodative Insufficiency are often connected.

Symptoms for Convergence and Accommodative Insufficiency include Headaches, difficulty reading, and poor concentration.

Click on this link to an article showing benefits of vision therapy to treat convergence insufficiency: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.covd.org/resource/resmgr/research/scheiman_et_al-interventions.pdf

Vision Therapy for Milder Eye Conditions

Convergence Insufficiency, amblyopia (“lazy eye”), focusing problems and eye teaming disorders also respond well to vision therapy. With convergence insufficiency, for example, the eyes are unable to converge to focus on images up close. This can cause double vision and a sense that the words on a page are moving around. In children, this can affect their ability to read and write. In adults, it can lead to eye strain and headache during fine hand-eye activities and other close-up operations. With a tailored exercise program, the eyes can be trained to focus more comfortably. Children who have trouble reading, and adults who have been suffering from eyestrain often turn out to have Convergence Insufficiency, which can be effectively treated with vision therapy.

Professional studies indicate that vision therapy can reduce symptoms of computer vision syndrome, which affects children and adults who spend large amounts of time on computers or other electronic devices.

Are you a good candidate for vision therapy? Find more information by your local vision therapist. If you are in the San Gabriel Valley area, contact our eye care professional who is a residency trained Behavioral/Developmental Optometrist at Vizen Optometric Center and see how we can help.