Frequency of Convergence Insufficiency Among Young Adults in a University Population

Convergence insufficiency (CI) is a binocular vision disorder that has been linked to increasing visual demands of near tasks. As young adults routinely perform many near-work tasks, often with digital devices, this study evaluated the frequency of CI among young adults in a university population.

In this cross-sectional study, young adults aged 18-25 years were recruited using convenience sampling. Participants were excluded if they had any ocular pathology, clinically significant anisometropia, strabismus, accommodation insufficiency, reduced visual acuity and history of ocular conditions and vision therapy. Cover test, positive fusional vergence (PFV) and near point of convergence (NPC) were performed. The clinical diagnosis of CI was based on the CI and Reading Study group criteria. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

The mean age of the sample (n = 192) was 21.1 ± 2.0 and consisted of more females (n = 106, 55%). Overall, 151 (79%) participants did not have CI while 41 (21%) had CI. In participants with CI, low suspect CI was most common (n = 26, 63%) followed by high suspect CI (n = 10, 24%) and definite CI (n = 5, 12%). Participants with CI had significantly higher NPC break and recovery values, larger exophoria measurements at distance and near and lower PFV break and recovery values (p < 0.001).

The findings show that CI was present in 21% of young adults in this university population. The test results, for NPC, prism cover test and PFV, in individuals with CI were significantly different from the test results in individuals without CI.