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Characteristics of convergence insufficiency.
1School of Optometry, Medical Center, University of Alabama, Birmingham.
Summary
Convergence insufficiency (CI) is a binocular vision disorder with varied diagnostic criteria. Studies show inconsistent findings, likely due to differing definitions and patient groups, impacting diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Optometry
- Vision Science
Background:
- Convergence insufficiency (CI) is a common binocular vision dysfunction.
- Existing literature shows significant variability in diagnostic criteria for CI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the diagnostic criteria and reported measures for convergence insufficiency across published studies.
- To identify commonalities and discrepancies in how CI is defined and assessed.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 58 papers on convergence insufficiency.
- Analysis of reported diagnostic criteria, nearpoint of convergence (NPC), fusional vergences, and phoria measurements.
Main Results:
- Symptoms and reduced positive fusional vergences at near were most common criteria.
- Near exophoria and extended NPC were used in about one-third of studies.
- Measures like vergences and NPC often deviated from population norms, with significant variability.
Conclusions:
- The wide variation in diagnostic criteria complicates consistent CI diagnosis.
- Subpopulations and confounding factors contribute to the heterogeneity in findings.
- Standardized diagnostic approaches are needed for reliable CI assessment and management.