Eye Exercises for Convergence

A disorder called convergence insufficiency happens when the eyes do not work together when looking at something near the eyes. When doing close work, the eyes tend to drift outward and do not "converge" the way they should in order to prevent problems like double vision. It is a common binocular disorder that in addition to double vision may cause headaches, blurred vision, inability to concentrate on reading and difficulty performing close activities. One of the best treatments to begin working on convergence problems is eye exercise to strengthen the muscles that control the eyes.

Focal Flexibility Exercise

• Often called "pencil push-ups," this exercise is meant to help your eyes focus correctly by improving the flexibility of the crystalline lenses, according to Eye-exercises-for-good-vision.com. You may use your finger or a pencil to do this exercise.

  Focus on your finger while you hold it near the tip of your nose. Slowly extend your arm, keeping focused on the tip of the finger, until the arm is fully extended. Bring the finger back to the tip of your nose, keeping your gaze fixed on it. Repeat this exercise for 20 reps each day.

String Exercise

• This exercise can work for several types of eye problems, including convergence problems. You will need a piece of string 15 feet long and three buttons that can be strung onto the string. Tie off one end of the string to a doorknob or something else stationary, then position the buttons on the string (untied) about six inches, 18 inches and four feet from the loose end. Hold the loose end tight against the tip of your nose.

  When you fix your focus on the nearest button it should look like two strings cross exactly where the button is. Closing one eye will make one of the strings disappear. If the strings appear to cross before or after the button, it indicates a convergence problem. Try and fix your focus where the strings cross on the button. When that image appears, try and hold the focus, as relaxed as possible, for 10 seconds. Move to the second button and repeat the exercise, then on to the third. Repeat the cycle five times.

Effectiveness

• According to Virtualmedicalcentre.com, eye exercises are not always successful in fixing eye problems. However, the best support for eye exercises among all disorders are the ones used for convergence problems. There is evidence that shows eye exercises improves convergence and strabismus in children and adults. It is recommended that the exercise regimen be a combination of in office and at home routines as that has shown to have the best results.