Eye convergence insufficiency is a condition in which the eyes are unable to turn inwards when a person looks at a nearby object. This common eye condition affects approximately 15 percent of adults, according to Jeffrey Cooper, O.D. and Robert Duckman, O.D., with Cooper Eye Care. People who develop eye convergence insufficiency symptoms should consult an ophthalmologist for further evaluation and care.
Blurred Vision
People with convergence insufficiency commonly experience vision changes as a symptom of this eye condition, explain medical professionals with MayoClinic.com. A person's vision can appear unusually blurred or doubled while reading or working with items placed close to the face. This eye convergence symptom is typically most apparent after prolonged periods of reading or participating in near-sighted activities. Blurred vision due to convergence insufficiency can be uncomfortable and can become worse over time.
Eyestrain
Convergence insufficiency can result in eyestrain symptoms in certain people, warn health professionals with the Optometrists Network. Eyestrain is a symptom in which the eyes become abnormally uncomfortable, sore or fatigued during normal activities, such as working at a computer or reading. People who experience eyestrain may frequently squint or rub at the eyes in an effort to relieve uncomfortable eye sensations. Additionally, certain people may close one or both eyes for brief periods of time while writing or reading to rest the eyes.
Headache or Fatigue
Recurrent headaches can occur as a symptom of eye convergence insufficiency in certain people--especially while reading, report medical experts with the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Painful headache symptoms can range in severity from mild to severe and can contribute to increased physical fatigue in people with this eye condition. Affected people can manage headache symptoms through the use of an over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen. Persistent or frequent headaches should be discussed with a doctor, as this eye convergence insufficiency symptom can also be a sign of alternate medical problems, such as migraines or a brain tumor.
Difficulty Concentrating or Reading
Persistent eye discomfort can make it difficult for affected people to concentrate while reading, writing or working at a computer. People with eye convergence insufficiency may appear to have short attentions spans, or may frequently lose their place while reading books or paperwork. The words a person reads can appear to move about or float off the page, explain health professionals with the Optometrists Network. People with this eye condition can also develop poor reading comprehension due to disruptive eye symptoms.
References
- Optometrists Network: What is Convergence Insufficiency (CI)?
- MayoClinic.com: Convergence Insufficiency - Symptoms
- American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus: Convergence Insufficiency
- Cooper Eye Care: Convergence Insufficiency: Incidence, Diagnosis, and Treatment
- Total Learning Therapy Center: What is Convergence Insufficiency (CI)?
