Vertical fixation disparity correction: effect on the horizontal forced-vergence fixation disparity curve

Following a suggestion made by Percival in regard to dissociated phorias, we corrected vertical associated phoria in several patients who had disparities in both vertical and horizontal fixation. The principal objective result of this correction was a flattening of the slope of the type I horizontal forced-vergence curve. This result may be significant particularly because the slope has been identified as being a good prognosticator of patients likely to be symptomatic. Attention to a concurrent vertical component may offer a convenient way to normalize a steep slope on horizontal fixation disparity curves.