Convergence Insufficiency: Headaches and Tired Eyes

WHAT IS CONVERGENCE INSUFFICIENCY?

Convergence insufficiency is a medical condition in which the eyes are unable to work together efficiently while looking at near targets. Patients with convergence insufficiency are often unable to do schoolwork or job-related tasks up close for more than 10 minutes.

There is no known cause for convergence insufficiency. Often times, patients do not realize their eyes aren't working the way ours do.

One of the most common conditions associated with convergence insufficiency is post-concussive syndrome. Patients with acquired brain injuries are prone to more severe symptoms than most convergence insufficiency patients.

Treatment for convergence insufficiency aims to improve eye teaming ability and reduce fatigue caused by near-point activities.

WHAT ARE SOME SYMPTOMS OF CONVERGENCE INSUFFICIENCY?

• Tendency to close or cover one eye

• Headaches after doing near work for more than 10 minutes 

• Eyes hurt or feel tense while doing close work 

• Head tilt or movement 

• Poor reading comprehension 

• Head too close to the paper while reading or writing

• Avoids near work or reading, or tires easily from near work 

• Difficulty completing assignments in the time allotted 

• Difficulty recognizing the same word in the next paragraph

• Poor visual-motor (eye/hand or eye/foot) coordination 

• Comprehension decreases over time

VISION THERAPY FOR CONVERGENCE INSUFFICIENCY

Many optometry offices in the Fargo/Moorhead area offer vision therapy treatment for convergence insufficiency. Therapy is designed to improve eye teaming ability by making the eye movements from far to near more automatic.

Vision therapy does not make the eye muscles "stronger," but it builds a stronger connection between the eyes and the brain to improve function and reduce energy spent on eye movements.

By spending less energy on eye movements during near work, the patient will have more energy for the  tasks needed to succeed in the classroom and on the job.

Ask your eye care provider if vision therapy is right for you.