Convergence Insufficiency & Double Vision

About Convergence Insufficiency

Convergence insufficiency (CI) is a vision condition that causes difficulty or inability to effectively converge or align both eyes together to perform near oriented visual tasks, like reading, writing or computer work. This condition directly affects the ability to read, focus and process information.

Details

CI occurs in both children and adults and can significantly handicap ones reading and learning abilities. Adults with CI often experience tired eyes and headaches at work, which reduces job performance and makes work unbearable at times. When developing CI later in life, teens and adults are often able to spot a visual problem because they have experienced normal vision before. However, when a child is born with CI, they are often unaware of the condition and are unable to explain why they are struggling with reading and learning.

The most common symptom of convergence insufficiency (CI) is double vision. However, when both eyes incorrectly team together to make a single image, all the following symptoms may occur:

  • Double vision
  • Difficulty reading & writing
  • Headaches
  • Tired or sore eyes
  • Rubbing or closing an eye
  • Avoidance of near work
  • Poor attention and concentration
  • ADD/ADHD characteristics
  • Blurred vision
  • Sleepiness

AFFECTS MANY

CI is a common vision condition that affects roughly 5-8% of the U.S. population.

HIDDEN

CI is not typically detected in a standard school vision screen. Even with 20/20 eyesight, an individual can still have CI or other vision-related conditions.

OFTEN MISDIAGNOSED

ADHD is the most common misdiagnosis because there are several overlapping symptoms between convergence insufficiency and ADHD.

LIFELONG

Without treatment, Convergence Insufficiency does not go away on its own.

Treatment

Research shows that office-based vision therapy is the most effective treatment for CI when compared to all other methods. Furthermore, clinical trials have proven that home-based treatment models are no better than a placebo or significantly less effective than office-based vision therapy.

At Wow Vision Therapy, we are a leading developmental and rehabilitative vision therapy practice. Our advanced office-based approach goes beyond basic at-home treatment. Our doctors and board-certified vision therapists provide innovative vision therapy that incorporates coordinated movement, balance, auditory processing and cognitive skills. We address convergence insufficiency and other vision problems with a personalized approach. Each session is one-on-one (therapist-to-patient), conducted under doctor supervision. Our providers utilize the most advanced technology including in-office and home support virtual reality. This treatment model gives our patients the visual abilities they need to succeed in and outside of the classroom.

Our advanced vision therapy includes:

  • Visual processing development
  • Oculomotor therapy
  • Accommodation “focusing” development
  • Binocular vision therapy
  • Visual imagery therapy
  • Visual-motor integration development
  • Visual-vestibular integration development

RESULTS

Our patients report the elimination of:

  • Double vision
  • Eyestrain
  • Visual stress headaches

In addition, our patients report improvements in:

  • Academic performance
  • Reading Fluency
  • Work performance
  • Attention and concentration
  • Confidence

Testimonials

Now that she has completed VT, she is able and wants to read independently. She has developed a new self-confidence that I don’t think she otherwise would have. I would recommend Wow Vision Therapy to parents who are struggling with how to help their child. I wish I wouldn’t have waited so long to do it finally!

- Michele

Once Camryn started therapy at Wow Vision Therapy, we started seeing improvements within weeks. We were truly amazed! I will never forget the day that Camryn brought home her first 90% on a reading quiz. She was so proud of herself!

- Sarah

Before I came to Wow Vision Therapy, I struggled with tired eyes, car sickness, and migraines. Now, I no longer suffer from car sickness and migraines, and it takes much longer for my eyes to get tired. I have greatly enjoyed therapy and am excited to use all I have learned.

- Lydia

Since starting vision therapy, Grayson’s writing has improved, and he can now read stories without skipping words. He can read more fluently and is doing better in school. He has also improved with his hand-eye coordination and is doing better in sports.

- Deanna

Now that Sam has gone through vision therapy, his ADD symptoms are pretty much gone. He can sit still when he reads and seems actually to enjoy reading. His eyes are working together without blurriness. Overall, his vision and behavior have completely turned around, and we are just so excited for him going into his 3rd-grade year of school this fall.

- Mia

We are all amazed at the results within such a shorty time. Her teacher said when she talked to us about her test scores that she has never seen such an improvement in such a short time and no medication all. Wow Vision Therapy changed Ella’s life, and she became her happy self again.

- Kimberly

After going through vision therapy, the frequency and severity of my headaches and strain have greatly reduced. I also find that I am less sensitive to light, it is easier to maintain eye contact with people, and my eyes are not exhausted by the end of the day. I had struggled with busy environments, seeing rapid movement, and riding in cars since I was a teenager – but never knew it could be linked to vision problems. I now am less sensitive and anxious in these situations. Thank you to the Wow Vision Therapy staff for improving my quality of life and making it a pleasant treatment experience!

- Adam

Over the course of his vision therapy, we saw major changes in Nasim’s behavior and attitudes. He wanted to play ball during recess (previously he refused to play any sport involving a ball). He was able to complete school assignments and homework without tears and procrastination. Now Nasim comes home from school and excitedly talks about what he’s learned that day.

- Andrea

She never wanted to read, and it was such a struggle to get her to pick up a book. Now every day she reads multiple times a day and is starting to get caught up in reading the same books as her friends.

- Kimberly

After starting therapy, I began to see the difference and felt validated for my curiosity and willingness to learn so that I could improve my vision and live life to the fullest.

- Annie

Since starting vision therapy, Grayson’s writing has improved, and he can now read stories without skipping words. He can read more fluently and is doing better in school. He has also improved with his hand-eye coordination and is doing better in sports.

- Deanna

Hudson reports everything is easier since he started vision therapy including no more double vision, playing sports, reading, writing, and seeing in general.

- Amanda

After all of the medical treatment I received over the last 10 months, I CAN SAY VISION THERAPY IS THE ONE THING THAT WORKED!!!!!!!

- Eugene

Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey

If you or your child struggle with near oriented visual tasks, like reading/learning, writing or computer work, this free online vision test helps determine if a Developmental Vision Evaluation is needed. When answering for a child, ask the following questions exactly as written. If the child responds with “yes”, please ask “how often” and answer accordingly. Try not to give examples.

Get In Touch

To learn more, please fill out the form below and one of our Patient Care Coordinators will be in touch to answer your questions or help schedule an evaluation for you.


Additional Resources and Research

Randomized Clinical Trial of Treatments for Symptomatic Convergence Insufficiency in Children

Nearpoint of Convergence: Test Procedure, Target Selection, and Normative Data

Penlight Red/Green (PLRG) Procedure For Screening of Convergence Insufficiency

Measuring ADHD behaviors in children with symptomatic accommodative dysfunction or convergence insufficiency: a preliminary study

How to Identify Convergence Insufficiency (CI) | Wow Vision Therapy

Convergence Insufficiency (CI) InfoGraphic | VisionHelp

Treating Convergence Insufficiency (CI) with Vision Therapy | Wow Vision Therapy

A Mother's Vision Therapy Story | Wow Vision Therapy