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Treatment of symptomatic convergence insufficiency with home-based computerized vergence system therapy in children
Pamela A Huston1, Darren L Hoover1
1Everett and Hurite Ophthalmic Association, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Insights
Home-based computer orthoptic vision therapy effectively treated convergence insufficiency (CI) in children. The Computerized Vergence System (CVS) program significantly improved symptoms and visual function in young patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Vision Care
- Orthoptics
Background:
- Convergence insufficiency (CI) is a common binocular vision disorder affecting children.
- Symptoms of CI include diplopia and asthenopia, impacting reading and daily activities.
- Traditional orthoptic treatments may have limitations in accessibility and adherence for pediatric patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a home-based computer orthoptic program for symptomatic convergence insufficiency (CI) in children.
- To assess the impact of the Computerized Vergence System (CVS) on visual function and symptom resolution in pediatric CI patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 186 children (aged 5 to <18 years) diagnosed with symptomatic CI.
- Participants underwent 6 weeks of daily home-based convergence exercises using the Computerized Vergence System (CVS) program.
- Near point of convergence (NPC), near convergence amplitude (NCA), diplopia, and asthenopia were measured at baseline and follow-up.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in mean NPC (from 5.9 cm to 2.9 cm) and mean NCA (from 20.3Δ to 38.0Δ) (P < 0.0005).
- Symptomatic relief was substantial, with 92% of participants becoming asymptomatic at the final examination.
- Only 6% of participants required alternative treatment modalities after completing the CVS program.
Conclusions:
- Home-based Computerized Vergence System (CVS) therapy is an effective treatment for symptomatic convergence insufficiency (CI) in children.
- The program demonstrated significant improvements in objective measures of binocular vision (NPC, NCA) and subjective symptom reduction.
- This approach offers a viable and accessible treatment option for pediatric CI, enhancing visual function and quality of life.
Purpose:
To evaluate the efficacy of a home-based computer orthoptic program for symptomatic convergence insufficiency (CI) in children.
Methods:
The medical records of participants aged 5 to <18 years who were diagnosed with symptomatic CI and were treated with the Computerized Vergence System (CVS) program were retrospectively reviewed. All participants were prescribed 9 or 15 minutes of daily convergence exercises with the CVS program, 5 days per week, for the initial 6 weeks. Near point of convergence (NPC) and near convergence amplitude (NCA) were measured at baseline, 6 week, and final examinations. The presence or absence of diplopia and asthenopia with reading were recorded at baseline and final examinations.
Results:
A total of 186 participants were included. At diagnosis, 72 participants (39%) reported diplopia and 182 (98%), reported asthenopia. At final examination, 172 participants (92%) were asymptomatic. Twelve participants (6%) subsequently received other treatment modalities. Mean NPC at baseline (5.9 cm) improved after 6 weeks of CVS therapy (3.3 cm) and at final examination (2.9 cm; P < 0.0005). Mean NCA at baseline (20.3(Δ)) improved after 6 weeks of CVS therapy (37.0(Δ)) and at the final examination (38.0(Δ); P < 0.0005).
Conclusions:
In this study, home-based CVS therapy reduced symptoms related to CI and improved the NPC and NCA of most children aged 5 to <18 years with symptomatic CI.
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