Convergence insufficiency usually responds well to treatment. It is best to seek treatment for convergence insufficiency during childhood since the brain is more efficient in making permanent changes as it develops when young. Treatment for adults is also effective and necessary and may take a while; therefore, patience is required. Your doctor will determine the best treatment plan depending on your age and preferences based on the severity of your convergence insufficiency. At Family Eye Care Center of Atlanta, we customize treatment programs and guide and monitor your progress throughout your program, making any necessary changes or adaptions that might be necessary.
Convergence insufficiency is mainly treated with special eye movement exercises (vision therapy) performed by an eye care professional and practice sessions that can conveniently be done at home. Convergence insufficiency treatment exercises may include:
Depth perception practice
Catching exercises
Physical distance judgment activities
Posture improvement
Training with computerized technology, including automated games to stimulate the brain and eye muscles of each eye simultaneously
Computerized vision training glasses (also called synoptophore)
Treatment may also include prism glasses or lenses, which can be incorporated into reading glasses to reduce symptoms. Prisms redirect the light entering your eyes by bending the light and helping you focus on a single image to relieve double vision. Base in prism glasses may occasionally be prescribed. They do not correct convergence insufficiency and are a temporary solution to align your eyes for reading. Base-out prism glasses can also be prescribed to increase the difficulty of convergence activities. Prism lenses are also used when you don’t respond to therapy.
Convergence insufficiency treatment generally works well. If you are not responding to vision therapy, your eye doctor might recommend surgery focusing on your eye muscles. Surgery is rare and is considered the last option.
If you or your child has difficulty reading and concentrating or experiencing any other symptoms, call the Family Eye Care Center of Atlanta for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Contact us today for more information, or schedule an appointment online. We are glad to help.
