Convergence Insufficiency - American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus

Print VersionWHAT IS CONVERGENCE INSUFFICIENCY?Convergence insufficiency is when it is not possible to keep the two eyes working together (also called binocular function) while working close up. Typically, one eye will turn outward (intermittent exotropia) when focusing on a word or object at near in those with convergence insufficiency.WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CONVERGENCE INSUFFICIENCY AND EXOTROPIA?In convergence insufficiency, eye drifting out occurs only when focusing at near. Sometimes, a well-controlled intermittent exotropia (outward eye turning) will be present when focusing at near and distance in a patient with convergence weakness. However, in convergence insufficiency the eye drifts outward on its own and causes problems only when focusing on near objects. The eyes are straight for focusing on things far away.WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CONVERGENCE INSUFFICIENCY?Symptoms of convergence insufficiency include diplopia (double vision), headaches and eye strain while reading...