Understanding Convergence insufficiency or palsy: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Sign In

All Posts Conditions Community About

Explore Over 11,000+ Conditions, Medications, and Symptoms.

Get a personalized feed by signing up for free.

All Conditions

Convergence insufficiency or palsy

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

General

Convergence insufficiency is a sensory and neuromuscular anomaly of the binocular vision system, characterized by a reduced ability of the eyes to turn towards each other or sustain convergence.

31 people with Convergence insufficiency or palsy

Learn from others who are experiencing Convergence insufficiency or palsy.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms of convergence insufficiency include eye strain, double vision (diplopia), headaches , blurred vision at near, eye fatigue (asthenopia), tension in and around the eyes, print moving on page, and frequent loss of place when reading. These symptoms are exacerbated when doing prolonged near work, such as reading and computer or any other electronic device usage.

Diagnosis

Convergence insufficiency is best detected during a Binocular Vision Assessment. During this assessment, the doctor will conduct several tests that assess visual skills such as eye teaming, tracking, and focusing. These results can then be compared to normative data for same-aged peers, and the diagnosis of convergence insufficiency can be made.

Treatment

Convergence insufficiency is treated with convergence exercises prescribed by an eyecare specialist trained in orthoptics or binocular vision anomalies. Prescription eyeglasses successfully manage some cases of convergence insufficiency, sometimes with therapeutic prisms.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

Latest Discussions

Overcomer

1mo

Seeking Advice on Vision Therapy for Worsening Eyesight

MishaKat

Newly Diagnosed with Prism: Looking for Support

Alike Wisdom

Instantly get answers to medical questions with our AI, built from the collective wisdom of our community facing similar experiences