Efficacy of home-based vision therapy for convergence insufficiency in secondary schools' students

Abstract

Background: Convergence insufficiency (CI) is one of the most common causes of ocular discomfort among students that it may have a negative effect on the student's school performance. Although various treatments are prescribed for patients with CI, there is a lack of studies regarding the most effective treatment. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of four home-based vision therapy (VT) techniques in the treatment of symptomatic CI. Materials and Methods: A Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial was conducted in Central Khartoum North (Central Bahri) in Sudan. A total of 273 students with mean age of 15.5 ± 2.5 years with symptomatic CI were assigned to one of the four TV groups: Pencil push-Up (n = 66), Cat card (n = 65), Brock string (n = 66), Dot card (n = 66) against placebo control group (n = 66). Data were collected using three outcome measurements: Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey score, Near Point of Convergence (NPC), and Positive Fusional Vergence (PFV) at near. Data were collected at baseline, after 3 weeks and at the end 6 weeks of treatment. The participants were advised to do this exercise at home 10 min per day, for 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Results: After 6 weeks of treatment, Dot card therapy group showed the best result in eliminating CI symptoms score by the mean value of 13.59 points (P