Convergence Insufficiency in Kids: Signs and Treatment

Convergence insufficiency (CI) is a binocular vision condition in which the eyes have difficulty working together when looking at close objects. The National Eye Institute (NEI) explains that it usually starts in childhood and can cause blurry or double vision and other symptoms during reading and close work.

Commonly reported symptoms

• Tired or sore eyes, or headaches with reading
• Words that blur, move, or double
• Trouble concentrating on reading; losing place
• Closing or covering one eye

How it's diagnosed

An eye doctor measures things like near point of convergence and eye alignment at near. The NEI notes you can have perfect vision and still have convergence insufficiency, which is why a regular eye exam won't catch it.

Treatment evidence

The Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial (CITT) randomly assigned 221 children aged 9 to 17 with symptomatic CI to one of four 12-week treatments. Office-based vergence/accommodative therapy with home reinforcement led to significantly greater improvement in symptoms and clinical measures than home-based pencil push-ups, home computer therapy plus pencil push-ups, or office-based placebo therapy. NEI also lists prism glasses and, rarely, surgery as options. Treatment decisions should be made with your eye doctor.

Sources: National Eye Institute: Convergence Insufficiency; CITT Study Group, Arch Ophthalmol. 2008;126(10):1336-1349.