Symptoms of Convergence Insufficiency

Convergence insufficiency, according to the Mayo Clinic, is a condition marked by eyes that don't turn inward properly when focusing on a nearby object. Normally, the eyes converge, or turn inward to focus, on objects held close to the face. When someone with convergence insufficiency tries to focus like this, the eyes do not move inward correctly. The condition is most often diagnosed in older children and adolescents and can be indicated by a number of symptoms.

Physical Discomfort

• Those with convergence insufficiency may feel certain discomfort around the eyes. Often, a "pulling" sensation of the eyes is associated with this condition. Patients may also suffer from tired sore, or uncomfortable eyes or eyestrain, according to the Mayo Clinic. Headaches and sleepiness may also result.

Vision Problems

• Certain vision troubles may also indicate that a person has convergence insufficiency. Blurred vision and double vision are commonly associated with this condition, according to the Mayo Clinic. Those with convergence insufficiency may also have trouble reading because words seem to float on the page or they commonly lose their place on the page.

  According to Converge Insufficiency online, children with the condition reported they often lost their place while reading, re-read the same lines over and over, read more slowly, had trouble remembering what was read, or saw the words as blurry.

Behavioral Indicators

• The Mayo Clinic explains that a person with convergence insufficiency might exhibit certain behaviors due to their other symptoms. It is common for those who have difficulty reading, for example, to also have difficulty concentrating as a result. Those experiencing eyestrain also might react by squinting, rubbing their eyes or closing one eye in an attempt to better focus.