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Convergence Insufficiency: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Published on February 9th, 2026
Convergence insufficiency is a vision disorder that decreases your ability to maintain binocular vision. Symptoms of convergence insufficiency can include diplopia when trying to look at a near target, eye strain, blurry vision, print/text moving while reading and struggling with reading comprehension, according to Optometry Australia. Diagnosing convergence insufficiency is important as it can help prevent notable symptoms such as eye strain, double vision when performing near-vision tasks, blurry vision and headaches. It is important to note that Oscar Wylee offers optometry services only; this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
What Is Convergence Insufficiency?
Convergence insufficiency is a vision disorder wherein your eyes do not adequately look inward together. According to Optometry Australia, with convergence insufficiency, the eyes can be prone to looking farther away than the intended object, making close-up tasks like reading more difficult. However, it is considered one of the simplest and most successfully treated eye coordination disorders, involving eye exercises and sometimes prescription glasses if a focusing issue is also present, according to Optometry Australia.
What Does Convergence Mean in Eye Movement?
Convergence in eye movement refers to the ability to turn both eyes simultaneously inward towards an object. This type of eye movement is used for tasks such as reading a book or when using a phone.
Does Normal Eye Convergence Happen When Both Eyes Move Inward?
Yes, normal eye convergence happens when both eyes move inward. Normal eye convergence means both eyes are moving inwards together to focus on a close object.
Can Eyeglasses Help With Convergence Insufficiency?
Yes, eyeglasses can help with convergence insufficiency. According to Riyadh (2021), prism-lensed reading glasses have shown to aid in reducing symptoms caused by convergence insufficiency. Eyeglasses support for convergence insufficiency may only be effective if prism lenses are also included in the frame. Prism glasses may help with alignment by redirecting light; however, this does not mean that they can correct the disorder itself.
What Are the Symptoms of Convergence Insufficiency?
The symptoms of convergence insufficiency include eye strain or fatigue, headaches, double vision (diplopia), difficulty concentrating on near work, blurred vision, closing one or turning the head and reading problems. The symptoms of convergence insufficiency are listed below.
- Eye Strain or Fatigue: Eyestrain can occur as a result of convergence insufficiency as it forces the eye muscles to exert excessive effort.
- Headaches: Headaches are characterised by dull pain felt around the head, which can come about primarily in relation to eye strain.
- Double Vision (Diplopia): Double vision (diplopia) is an eye condition that causes an individual to see two overlapping or double images of the same single object that they're looking at.
- Difficulty concentrating on near work: Difficulty concentrating on near work can be caused by convergence insufficiency due to the disorder's effect on eye muscle coordination.
- Blurred vision: Blurred vision can come about during convergence insufficiency due to the eyes' inability to turn inward to focus on near objects.
- Closing one eye or turning the head: Closing one eye or turning the head can be a common practice for patients with convergence insufficiency to alleviate symptoms of double vision or blurry vision.
- Reading problems: Individuals with convergence insufficiency may experience reading problems such as poor tracking and skipping lines as they struggle to bring their eyes inwards towards their book.
1. Eye Strain
Eye strain can occur as a result of convergence insufficiency, as it forces the eye muscles to exert excessive effort. According to Insightful Eye Care, the brain essentially forces the eyes to readjust their position to correctly focus on the object, causing stress and fatigue in the eyes. Taking regular breaks from tasks that require more concentration and/or screen use can significantly help reduce eye strain.
2. Headaches
Headaches are described as a dull pain felt around the head or in certain areas. As the eyes struggle to point both eyes simultaneously inward for near vision tasks, causing the eyes to overwork when trying to maintain clear binocular vision.
3. Double Vision (Diplopia)
Double vision is a symptom of convergence insufficiency that causes individuals to see two overlapping images of the same object. According to Insightful Eye Care, double vision (diplopia) is a key symptom of convergence insufficiency.
4. Difficulty Concentrating on Near Work
Individuals with convergence insufficiency may experience difficulty concentrating on near work due to the eyes not being able to optimally look and move inward simultaneously. The extra work and, therefore, strain, can hinder full concentration for some individuals.
5. Blurred Vision
Blurred vision is defined as sight that is not clear or lacks sharpness and detail. Convergence insufficiency may cause blurred vision along with other symptoms as the eyes fail to turn inward to look at objects at a close distance.
6.Closing One Eye or Turning the Head
Closing one eye or turning the head can often be a common coping mechanism for individuals with convergence insufficiency, as some may find it helps alleviate some symptoms. Closing one eye or turning the head is often reported to help reduce blurry vision or double vision, according to the Australasian College of Behavioural Optometrists.
7. Reading Problems
Those with convergence insufficiency may experience reading problems as a result of convergence insufficiency or symptoms as they’re reading. With the eyes struggling to focus on the same object together, it may be difficult to read properly, as it requires near vision.
How Can Convergence Insufficiency Cause Double or Blurred Vision?
Convergence insufficiency can cause double vision or blurred vision as the eyes cannot turn inward at the same time to see objects at a close distance. The eyes' failure to align correctly when looking at objects close by can, in turn, lead to seeing two images instead of one and/or blurry vision.
Can Screen Use Make Convergence Symptoms Worse?
Yes, screen use can make convergence symptoms worse, especially with extensive use. According to the Child and Family Vision Centre in Australia, patients with convergence insufficiency may find their symptoms more noticeable during excessive screen use or reading.
What Causes Convergence Insufficiency?
The cause of convergence insufficiency may include eye muscle weakness. According to Newcastle Hospital in the United Kingdom, poor communication between your nerves and eye muscles, which help control your eye movement, are what can contribute to convergence insufficiency. A patient with convergence insufficiency may have normal functioning eye muscles; however, the nerves responsible for their eye movement may not be sending signals to their eyes to turn inward optimally to focus on an object. It is important to note that the exact cause of convergence insufficiency is not fully known and is proposed to be linked to weak eye muscles and nerves, which help control eye movement
What Leads to a Lack of Convergence in the Eyes?
Poor eye muscle weakness may be what leads to a lack of convergence in the eyes. Although the exact cause of convergence insufficiency is not yet known, it is often associated with weakness in the eye muscles and nerves that control eye movement.
Can Convergence Insufficiency Develop Suddenly in Adults?
Yes, convergence insufficiency can develop in adults, potentially due to the increased use of screens. For example, if you start a new job with regular computer use, convergence insufficiency may develop. However, this can depend on your genetics and family history.
Can Head Injury or Concussion Cause Convergence Insufficiency?
Yes, a head injury or concussion can cause convergence insufficiency. According to a paper on the Correlation between Ocular and Vestibular Abnormalities and Convergence Insufficiency in Post-Concussion Syndrome (Suleiman, 2019), convergence insufficiency is one of the most common ocular conditions after concussion, as post-concussion syndrome typically affects the visual/oculomotor and vestibular systems.
What Treatments Are Available for Convergence Insufficiency?
The treatments that are available for convergence insufficiency can include vision therapy (orthoptic exercises), conventional glasses and prism glasses . The most suitable treatment will depend on the severity of your condition, as advised by a healthcare professional. Vision therapy, also known as eye exercises, is often the first form of treatment and may involve push-up-type movement exercises, which focus on improving convergence, according to Innovative Eye Care. You’ll be instructed to hold a pencil at arm's length, steadily bringing it towards your nose while ensuring the pen is single. You may experience blurry vision as you bring the pen closer; however, as long as you don’t see two pens, this is fine. If you do end up seeing two pens, try to make the eyes work harder to see a single pen. When you can bring the pen closer to your nose and keep it single, hold this position for 2 seconds, then relax your eyes. This is usually repeated for a few minutes or 20 cycles, but varies from patient to patient. It is important to note that prism glasses are not considered a treatment as they cannot correct the lack of optimal movement, but rather, they can help with reducing symptoms.
How Long Does Treatment Take to Improve Convergence Insufficiency?
Treatment can take up to 12 weeks to improve convergence insufficiency. According to a paper in the National Institute of Health, treatment that involves vision therapy can take around 3 months or potentially a shorter period before you can expect to see improvement. Treatment can be required ongoingly.
Can Treatment Improve Eye Coordination Over Time?
Yes, treatment can improve eye coordination over time. Vision therapy, which can provide helpful, optimal physical therapy for the eyes and brain and is typically guided by an eyecare professional and advised to continue at home.
How Does Convergence Insufficiency Differ From Other Eye Conditions?
Convergence insufficiency differs from other eye conditions as it is characterised as a problem wherein both eyes are unable to be turned into the same position to do close-up work, according to Australaisian College of Behavioural Optometrists. This condition is prevalent in children and can negatively affect their fine eye-hand and visual motor skills. This may differ from other eye conditions, such as refractive errors, as it may be more related to poor communication between the muscles in the eye and the nerves, as opposed to the eye itself.
How Does Convergence Insufficiency Differ From Strabismus?
Convergence insufficiency refers to eye misalignment that occurs during close-up activities such as reading, as the eyes tend to position outwards. Strabismus occurs when the eyes are permanently misaligned. The misalignment can occur in four different ways: inwards (esotropia), outwards (exotropia), upwards (hypertropia) or downwards (hypotropia), according to Innovative Eye Care.
Can Convergence Insufficiency Exist Without Visible Eye Misalignment?
Yes, convergence insufficiency can exist without visible eye misalignment. Convergence insufficiency can only be diagnosed by an optometrist, as the eye misalignment may not always be visible to the patient.
When Are Eyeglasses Recommended for Convergence Insufficiency?
Eyeglasses with prismatic lenses will often be recommended for convergence insufficiency. Prism in lenses allow for double vision to be minimised. Glasses alone will not be able to eliminate convergence insufficiency; eye exercises recommended by your optometrist are the most effective treatment.
Can Prescription Glasses Reduce Eye Strain Caused by Convergence Problems?
Yes, prescription glasses can reduce eye strain caused by convergence problems, but they are often not a complete solution. Your optometrist will likely prescribe prism lenses, which alter the direction of light so it focuses towards the retina in order to see one image. Your optometrist may also recommend eye exercises. Prescription glasses alone may help with symptoms, as they are designed to correct refractive errors.
When Should You See an Eye Doctor for Convergence Insufficiency?
You should see an eye doctor for convergence insufficiency when you experience symptoms such as visual fatigue, blurred or double vision, poor depth judgement, eye ache, and headaches, according to Optometry Australia.
What Symptoms Should Not Be Ignored?
The symptoms of convergence insufficiency that should not be ignored include double vision, eye strain, blurry vision, the need to close one eye, headaches, avoiding near-vision tasks and poor depth perception. The symptoms of convergence insufficiency that should not be ignored are listed below.
- Eye Strain: Eye strain can be characterised by an ongoing feeling of pain or 'pulling' in or around the eyes.
- Blurry Vision: Blurry vision is when vision is not clear, sharp and may lack details and is a notable symptom that should be addressed with an eye care professional.
- Closing One Eye: Closing one eye can be a common action for an individual with convergence insufficiency, done to reduce double vision and/or eye strain.
- Headaches: Headaches can commonly come about during convergence insufficiency due to the eyes needing to work more, potentially resulting in aches in the frontal area, around the eyebrows or tension headaches.
- Avoiding Near Vision Tasks: Avoiding near vision tasks can be a common coping mechanism that can come on unconsciously due to the difficulty of normal convergence for the eyes.
- Poor Depth Perception: Poor depth perception and clumsiness can arise when one has convergence insufficiency due to the eyes’ inability to turn inward, causing difficulty in judging distances.
Can Early Diagnosis Prevent Long-Term Vision Problems?
Yes, early diagnosis can potentially minimise long-term vision problems emerging as a result of convergence insufficiency. Early diagnosis can allow for treatment to be undertaken sooner, which usually entails regular eye exercises and movements.
Can Glasses Improve Comfort While Treating Convergence Insufficiency?
Yes, certain glasses may improve comfort while treating convergence insufficiency. Notably, prism lenses work by bending light so that the near object appears to be in a different location than where it is truly located. These prism lenses may be prescribed to alleviate double or blurred vision that comes with convergence insufficiency, thus providing a level of comfort. However, these are not a treatment for convergence insufficiency, rather something that can be used to improve comfort.