Convergence exercises are aimed to reduce and treat convergence insufficiency. Convergence insufficiency is generally observed in the young population especially school going children and adolescence. It may lead to difficulty in reading and writing.
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Convergence exercises are recommended for treatment of the convergence insufficiency. Therefore, to understand the requirement of convergence therapy ewe first need to understand the convergence insufficiency.
Convergence insufficiency is an eye condition where the eyes are unable to function together while focusing on a close object. This condition happens when the eye muscles are unable to work in coordination with each other. While focusing on a close object one eye turns towards the outer direction instead of inwards creating a blurred or double image. Normally both eyes should turn inwards to create a single clear image.
Generally, treatments that include convergence exercises are effective in treating this condition. Convergence exercises can tire out the eyes and may hamper personal development due to reading difficulty. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to treat convergence insufficiency with convergence exercises.
You have to understand if you have convergence insufficiency. You need to visit an ophthalmologist to identify your condition and learn about convergence exercises. Convergence insufficiency has certain signs and symptoms, but it may vary with different persons-
You need to consult an eye doctor and start performing convergence exercises if your child is experiencing any of those symptoms.
If convergence exercises are performed regularly then improvement in the condition can be seen within a few weeks. The time for recovery however varies on the seriousness of the condition. Generally, at the initial stages, the convergence exercises are supervised by an orthoptist. An orthoptist explains the technique, frequency, and duration of the convergence exercises. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to evaluate the progress. Convergence exercises are adequate to treat this condition. But in case the symptoms of convergence insufficiency persist, it is recommended to visit an ophthalmologist and undergo a thorough eye check-up.
This exercise includes converging your vision to a pen or pencil. This method is known as smooth convergence since it includes smooth movement of your eyes.
This exercise is aimed to control and strengthen your eye muscle between two distances. For performing this convergence exercise, you will need two objects-
This exercise can be performed after smooth convergence exercise. There is no time limit since you need to repeat it until the close object touches your nose.
Perform this exercise twice daily once in the morning and evening for two months. Post which can be done once daily.
Dot cards are double-sided dot or lettered cards use to measure the near point of convergence. Dot cards are more effective in treating the convergence insufficiency rather than a pen or pencil pushups since it ensures correct ocular alignment.
The dots in the dot card are 3 cms apart from each other. You need to hold the card length-wise with the end of the nose touching it. This ensures that the dots are 6 cm and 2 cm away from the nose.
Certain software is designed for performing convergence exercises on the computer. The exercises can be done on the computer to improve the symptoms of convergence insufficiency. The results can be printed for sharing it with your ophthalmologist for evaluating your progress.
Relaxation of the eye muscles is of utmost importance after completing convergence exercises. In some rare cases, convergence spasm might occur if eye muscles are not relaxed properly following convergence exercises. Certain uncomfortable symptoms are expected after performing the exercises but not relaxing the muscles can intensify the degree of discomfort. Do not overdo the exercises. Avoid performing convergence exercises when your eyes are tired or you are unwell. Your eyes need to be fresh before you start the convergence exercises. This ensures less uncomfortable symptoms.
Close your eyes for one minute after the convergence exercises and relaxation and then start doing other activities.
You may feel a slight strain, headache, or pain for the first few days. It is completely normal. Gradually the symptoms will disappear and you will feel less strain.
Go for follow up appointments to track your progress and consult your ophthalmologist before you stop doing the exercise. Generally, the symptoms of eye convergence insufficiency disappear after three months of regular exercise. In case there is no improvement in condition your ophthalmologist may perform additional eye examinations to determine any underlying condition.
You can also consult your eye doctor if you are having excessive persistent eye discomfort after performing convergence exercises.
For consulting him for your difficulties, please visit Eyemantra.
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