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
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
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