Convergence Insufficiency

Convergence insufficiency is a common binocular vision problem in which the eyes struggle to turn inwards together for near tasks, causing tired, blurry, or double vision when reading.

Common symptoms

Tired or sore eyes when reading, headaches, intermittent blurred or double vision at near, losing place when reading, words appearing to move, and avoiding close work.

Description

Convergence insufficiency affects how the two eyes work together at close distances. The eyes do not pull inwards as strongly as they should, which makes sustained near focus, such as reading or using a screen, effortful and uncomfortable.

The condition is common in children, students, and adults who do a lot of close work, and can sometimes appear or get worse after a head injury or viral illness. It can have a significant impact on schooling, study, and day-to-day tasks even though general eye health is usually normal.

Diagnosis is made by an orthoptist or optometrist using specific tests. Treatment is usually a programme of structured eye exercises, sometimes combined with glasses or prisms, with strong evidence that office- and home-based therapy can improve symptoms for most people.