What Is Convergence Insufficiency?

Convergence insufficiency is an eye muscle coordination condition that makes it difficult for a person to maintain proper binocular eye alignment on objects as they approach from distance to near, according to Medscape.com. The condition is treated by performing eye muscle strengthening exercises or using reading glasses that force the eyes to focus.

Prevalence

• According to Medscape.com, 3 to 5 percent of the U.S. population is affected by the condition. It is most often diagnosed in older children and adolescents, according to MayoClinic.com.

Caution

• Convergence insufficiency can easily be misdiagnosed as a learning disability. The condition makes it difficult for children to read and is typically not diagnosed during a regular eye exam. A person can have the condition and have 20/20 vision.

Significance

• There is no racial or sexual predilection for the condition. The condition worsens as a person afflicted gets older.

Symptoms

• According to MayoClinic.com, symptoms include headaches, blurred vision, eyestrain, double vision, difficulty reading, sleepiness and squinting.

Diagnosing

• Since convergence insufficiency may go undetected in a routine examine, medical history must be evaluated and specific tests must be completed to accurately diagnose the condition. The NPC (near point of convergence) and PFV (positive fusional vergence) must be administered along with a routine exam, according to MayoClinic.com.