Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey Scores Research Articles

Self-reported visual symptoms and high visual demand activities in professional football players: a cross-sectional survey.

Vision is crucial for football players, impacting decision-making and athletic performance. Despite its global popularity, football lacks comprehensive evaluations of the impact of digital device use on ocular symptoms during high-demand activities. To gain knowledge about the time spent by football players in high visual demand activities, the symptoms associated with binocular vision dysfunction, and their relationship with sports performance. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 2020 using an online survey targeting football players from Portugal, England, Spain, and Saudi Arabia. The survey, distributed over 5 weeks, aimed to collect data from approximately 5,000 football players. Information on player profiles, competitive levels, vision habits, and symptoms related to binocular vision dysfunctions was collected. The Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) employed a 5-point Likert scale to indicate the average frequency of each symptom. Due to non-normality, non-parametric tests were used (p < 0.05). Specifically, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square, and Spearman's rank correlation tests were used as appropriate. Analyzing male professional football players (mean age: 27.4 ± 5.0 years, 95% CI, 26.7-28.1), it was found that 38.1% of the players had been called up to the national team and 6.9% had played over 50 games. Self-rated last season's performance had a mean score of 6.5 ± 2.1 (95% CI, 6.2-6.8)(on a scale of 1 to 10). Smartphone use exceeded 1 h daily for all players, with 36.0% surpassing 4 h. Visual symptoms, notably associated with smartphone use (35.5%), were observed. Regarding the CISS score, the mean was 7.1 ± 7.7 (IC95%: 6.6 to 8.8). A weak negative correlation (rho = -0.215, p = 0.003) emerged between CISS scores and self-perceived sports performance. Football players using prescription lenses had significantly higher CISS scores (11.9 ± 10.4, 95% CI, 12.3-7.7) compared to non-users (6.2 ± 6.8, 95% CI, 7.8-5.7) (p < 0.001). This study reveals that professional football players engage in high visual demand tasks, notably on smartphones. One-third of the players link smartphone use to ocular symptoms. The Convergence Insufficiency Symptoms Survey indicates that 6.3% exhibit binocular vision dysfunction symptoms. Those with fewer ocular symptoms perceive that they have better sports performance than their counterparts.

Convergence insufficiency symptom survey: A tool to evaluate convergence excess in young adults.

To determine the effectiveness of the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) in evaluating visual symptoms in young adults with convergence excess (CE). A cross-sectional study was performed based on a population of optometry students. Comprehensive binocular vision tests including cover test, near point of convergence, fusional vergence and accommodative amplitude, were performed. Participants were categorised into three groups: normal binocular vision (NBV), CE and CE + accommodative insufficiency (AI) (i.e.,CE + AI). The CISS was administered to each participant. An analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction was performed to compare clinical measures among the three groups. A receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to evaluate the ability of CISS to differentiate CE from the NBV population. A total of 181 participants were enrolled, including 96 in the NBV group, 66 in the CE group and 19 in the CE + AI group. A significant difference in CISS score was detected between the three groups (p < 0.001). Post-hoc tests showed significantly higher CISS scores in the CE group (16.7 ± 10.8) and the CE + AI group (19.7 ± 10.9) compared with the NBV group (12.2 ± 7.8) (p=0.01 and p=0.005, respectively), with no difference between the CE and the CE + AI groups (p=0.52). The ROC curve showed the CISS poorly (but significantly) differentiated CE from NBV (area under the curve=0.62, p=0.01). The optimal cutoff value for a CISS score to differentiate CE was16, with sensitivity and specificity of 52% and 72%, respectively. Young adults with CE had significantly higher CISS scores than those with NBV. Although using the CISS solely for diagnosing CE is not recommended, it can be used to provide a measure of symptoms in individuals identified as having CE based on clinical measurements.

Near work symptoms and measures of accommodation in children

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance Some children experience significant symptoms while doing near work, and accommodative deficits can be a contributory factor. However, studies investigating near work symptoms in children are sparse. Background To investigate the association between clinical and objective measures of accommodation and near point symptoms. Methods Twelve asymptomatic and 14 symptomatic children (mean age = 11.1 and 11.8 years, respectively) based on their Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey scores participated in the study. The clinical measures of accommodation were monocular amplitude of accommodation, monocular accommodative facility, and monocular estimation method. Objective measurements of the accommodative stimulus response function were recorded with a WAM-5500 autorefractor for two consecutive minutes at five viewing distances (0.33, 2, 3, 4, and 5 Dioptres [D]). Accommodative findings were compared between the groups using the Mann–Whitney U-tests. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to assess the association between symptoms and clinical and objective measures of accommodation. Results The mean CISS scores were 32.8 and 7.3 for the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups, respectively (p = <0.001). The symptomatic group showed a reduced accommodative functions compared to the asymptomatic group (p = 0.002 for accommodative facility, p = 0.04 for accommodative amplitude, p = 0.029 and 0.01 for objective measures of accommodation at 4D and 5D viewing distance, respectively). Clinical tests of accommodative amplitude and facility (correlation coefficient = −0.407 and −0.54, respectively) showed the highest correlation with the CISS scores, compared to the objective measures of accommodation. Conclusion Clinical tests of accommodation showed a greater association with symptoms than objective measures of accommodation in children aged 8–16 years. In children presenting with visual discomfort symptoms, measurement of accommodative amplitude and facility should be considered.

The visual consequences of virtual school: acute eye symptoms in healthy children

To investigate acute eye symptoms in healthy children after a typical day of virtual school during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study population included 110 healthy children 10-17 years of age who were enrolled in full-time or hybrid virtual school. Children with a history of central nervous system or ocular pathology, recent concussions, reported poor vision, convergence insufficiency, history of orthoptic therapy, strabismus, amblyopia, or learning disorders were excluded. Background information was collected, including demographics, family and personal ocular history, and virtual school specifications. Eligible children completed a modified convergence insufficiency symptom survey (CISS) and an asthenopia survey before and after a virtual school session. CISS and asthenopia survey symptoms were scored, and the differences in symptomatology before and after school were calculated. The average sum of the CISS scores increased from 5.17 before school to 9.82 after (P < 0.001), with 61% of children recording an increase in convergence insufficiency symptoms and 17% experiencing severe convergence insufficiency symptoms after school. Average asthenopia symptom scores increased from 1.58 to 2.74 (P < 0.001), with 53% of children recording an increase in asthenopia symptoms. Significant increases were seen in 12 of 15 CISS questions and in 4 of 5 asthenopia questions. In this study cohort, otherwise healthy children experienced acute ocular symptoms following virtual school.

Refractive Errors and Binocular Vision Anomalies among Young University Students

It has been reported that refractive errors (RE) and binocular vision (BV) anomalies are common among university students. In this study we aimed to assess RE and BV status among university students in Saudi Arabia, and its relation to the academic performance. We recruited 109 participants (aged from 18 to 21 years). Visual acuity (VA) and objective refraction were used to assess the refractive status. Cover test, near-point convergence (NPC) and stereopsis tests were used to assess the BV status. Convergence insufficiency symptom survey (CISS) was applied to quantify near-work related symptoms. Mann-Whitney U test (p value was set as p &amp;lt; 0.05) was used to compare VA, CISS, NPC and the academic performance between the groups who had heterophoria versus orthophoria. We found that there was only 38% emmetrope, while the percentage of heterophoria was 45.8%. The academic performance was not statistically different among the two groups, but CISS and stereopsis scores were significantly different (p &amp;lt; 0.03). We concluded that RE and BV anomalies were common among university students in Saudi Arabia, but did not affect the academic performance. More studies are warranted to understand the low scores of CISS and stereoacuity, and their association with RE and BV anomalies.

Association between post-concussion symptoms and oculomotor deficits among adolescents

ABSTRACT Purpose To examine the association between Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) scores, Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) scores, and oculomotor deficits post-concussion. Methods Records of adolescent patients examined in a multidisciplinary concussion clinic between July 2014 and May 2019 were reviewed. PCSS and CISS scores, results of eye examination and oculomotor assessment, concussion history, and demographics were abstracted. Results One hundred and forty patient records (median age, 15.3 years; 52 males, presented 109 days (median) from their most recent concussion) met inclusion criteria. Mean total scores on PCSS and CISS were 46.67 ± 25.89 and 27.13 ± 13.22, respectively, and were moderately correlated with each other (r = 0.53, p < .001). Oculomotor deficits were observed in 123 (88%) patients. Step-wise linear regression identified increased PCSS total score to be significantly associated with decreased amplitude of accommodation (p < .001). Increased CISS total score was significantly associated with receded near point of convergence, developmental eye movement test error scores, and cause of concussion. Conclusion High PCSS scores may indicate an accommodation deficit and thus prompt an oculomotor assessment in patients following a concussion. Using the CISS and a detailed oculomotor assessment may reveal underlying oculomotor deficits, which may benefit from treatment.

Application of the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey in Oculomotor Dysfunction and Accommodative Insufficiency.

This study confirmed the application of the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) in distinguishing children with oculomotor dysfunction (OMD) from those with normal binocular vision (NBV) but not in distinguishing children with accommodative insufficiency (AI). The purpose of this study was to determine the application of the CISS for quantifying symptoms in children aged 9 to 18 years with AI or OMD. All participants (aged 9 to 18 years) underwent comprehensive binocular vision tests including visual acuity, cover test, near point of convergence, fusional vergence, accommodative amplitude, and the Developmental Eye Movement test to ascertain the presence of any vision conditions. According to the examination outcomes, participants were divided into four groups: NBV group, AI group, OMD group, and a group with both AI and OMD (AI-OMD). The CISS was individually administered to each participant. An ANOVA and a receiver operating characteristic curve were performed to evaluate the ability of the CISS to quantify symptoms in AI and OMD. A total of 82 participants were qualified for this study, with 18 in the NBV group, 21 in AI, 16 in OMD, and 27 in AI-OMD group. The mean CISS score was significantly different among the four groups (F = 4.19, P = .008). Post hoc tests showed significantly higher CISS scores in the OMD group than the NBV (P = .01) and the AI (P = .03) groups, but no differences were detected among other groups. Receiver operating characteristics curve showed a significant effect of the CISS score on predicting an OMD (area under curve = 0.78, P = .006). Using a CISS score of ≥15, good discrimination of OMD was obtained. Children with OMD (Developmental Eye Movement type II or IV) had higher CISS scores than ones with NBV. Using the CISS, children with AI did not report worse symptoms than children with NBV.

Binocular Accommodation and Vergence Dysfunction in Children Attending Online Classes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Digital Eye Strain in Kids (DESK) Study-2.

To subjectively evaluate the degree of visual fatigue in children attending online classes during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and objectively evaluate accommodation and vergence dysfunction in these children. Children aged between 10 and 17 years with recent onset of asthenopia symptoms were included. Symptoms were evaluated using the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) questionnaire. A CISS score of 16 or greater was considered symptomatic. Binocular vergence and accommodation parameters were objectively evaluated. For ease of comparison, children were divided into two groups: children using digital devices for less than 4 hours/day and children using digital devices for 4 hours/day or more. A total of 46 children with a mean age of 14.47 ± 1.95 years were evaluated. The mean duration of online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic was 3.08 ± 1.68 hours/day, which is higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic (0.58 ± 0.71 hours/day, P < .00001). The mean CISS scores were 21.73 ± 12.81 for children using digital devices less than 4 hours/day and 30.34 ± 13.0 for children using digital devices for 4 hours/day or more (P = .019). Mean near exophoria (P = .03), negative fusional vergence (P = .02), negative relative accommodation (P = .057), and accommodation amplitude (P = .002) were different between the two groups. The Spearman correlation between the symptomatic CISS score and the duration of online classes showed a linear association (coefficient rs = 0.39; P = .007). In the multivariate analysis, only the duration of online classes longer than 4 hours was a significant risk factor (P = .07) for the symptomatic CISS score. Online classes longer than 4 hours were more detrimental to abnormal binocular vergence and accommodation parameters than online classes shorter than 4 hours. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2021;58(4):224-231.].

Interventions for convergence insufficiency: a network meta-analysis.

Interventions for convergence insufficiency: a network meta-analysis.

Unexpectedly high prevalence of asthenopia in Australian school children identified by the CISS survey tool

BackgroundTo date there have been few systematic attempts to establish the general prevalence of asthenopia in unselected populations of school-aged children. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine whether the incorporation of Borsting et al’s 2003 Revised Convergence-Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) into a general school vision screening could aid in the identification of children with visual discomfort and indicate the need for further investigation.MethodsVision screening of an unselected middle school population investigated and analysed the incidence of self-reported nearwork-related visual discomfort via the CISS along with distance and near visual acuities plus non-cycloplegic autorefraction using a Shin-Nippon NVision-K 5001.ResultsOf the 384 unselected students approached in Grades 6–9, 353 participated (92.2%, mean 13.2 ± 1.4 years). The mean CISS score for the population without amblyopia and/or strabismus (96.0% of all students) was 16.8 ± 0.6, i.e., 45% of students in this cohort had CISS scores greater than one standard deviation above the mean found by Borsting et al. in 2003 during their validation study of the CISS on 9 to 18 year old children without binocular anomalies. Regression analyses indicated significantly higher (p < 0.001) mean CISS scores for the 3.2% who were hyperopes ≥ + 2.00D by non-cycloplegic autorefraction (27.7 ± 14.7) and for those who were amblyopic (24.3 ± 6.6) or strabismic (34.0 ± 9.8). The mean CISS score of 31.6 ± 9.0 for non-amblyopic/strabismic students having near vision poorer than 0.1 LogMAR was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than for those with good acuity.ConclusionThe most important finding of this study was the high incidence of asthenopia in an unselected population and that refractive status per se was not a major contributor to CISS scores. The results highlight the usefulness of the CISS questionnaire for assessment of visual discomfort in school vision screenings and the need for future exploration of near binocular vision status as a potential driver of asthenopia in school students, especially given current trends for frequent daily use of computers and handheld devices and necessarily prolonged accommodative-convergence effort at near, both at school and at home.

The Influence of COVID-19 Isolation on Physical Activity Habits and Its Relationship with Convergence Insufficiency.

The purpose of this work is to evaluate the effects of confinement due to COVID-19 isolation on visual function, considering insufficient convergence as one of the possible effects of living the whole day in a reduced space. We pass a Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) among 235 people to detect their habits before and after 25 confinement days. The data collection protocol consisted on a Google forms questionnaire included two parts: the first with current data (isolation period) and a second with pre-isolation period data. Differences between the pre-isolation and isolation period were calculated using the related paired T-tests. When statistically significant differences were found, the effect size was estimated using the Cohen’s d index (d). The reduction in physical activity levels during confinement were related to the increase in total number of minutes of screen consumption from 433.49 min to 623.97 min per day (d = 0.67; 44.01%). The CISS scores were increased by more than 43% during confinement. The increase in convergence insufficiency was 100% after the studied isolation period of 25 days. The 92.19% increase in television use during 25 days of confinement is not responsible for the increase in convergence insufficiency. However, due to the increase in the use of PCs in this period, there is a notable increase in convergence insufficiency. Therefore, we can conclude that not all increases in tasks with electronic devices are responsible for the increase in convergence insufficiency.

Symptoms of convergence and accommodative insufficiency predict engagement and cognitive fatigue during complex task performance with and without automation

Deficits in the accommodative and/or vergence responses have been linked with inattentive behavioral symptoms. While using automated systems (e.g., self-driving cars, autopilot), operators (e.g., drivers, pilots, soldiers) visually monitor displays for critical changes, making deficits in the accommodative and/or vergence responses potentially hazardous for individuals remaining actively engaged in the task at hand. The purpose of this study was to determine if symptoms of accommodative-vergence deficits predict an individual's level of task engagement and cognitive fatigue while performing a flight simulation task with or without automation. Eighty-four participants performed a flight simulation task with or without automation. Prior to task completion, self-report accommodative-convergence deficit symptoms were assessed with the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS). Before and after the flight simulation task participants rated their task engagement and cognitive fatigue. Electroencephalographic activity (EEG) was recorded concurrently during task performance. Results showed that higher scores on the CISS were related to increased feelings of fatigue and decreased ratings of task engagement. The CISS was also positively related to parietal-occipital fast alpha power during the last 10 min of the task for participants using automation, suggesting increased cortical idling. CISS scores did not predict performance. Results have implications for optimizing operator cognitive states over extended task performance.

The utility of the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) post-concussion

ABSTRACTBackground: The Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) is being utilized as an assessment measure following concussion despite minimal research. This study explored the sensitivity and specificity of the CISS in identifying receded near point of convergence (NPC) post-concussion.Methods: Prospective study of 130 patients post-concussion aged 11–25, classified into normal NPC (n = 94) and CI (n = 36) groups (i.e., NPC >5 cm), completed the CISS, VOMS, and PCSS. Sensitivity and specificity identifying receded NPC were explored with published CISS cutoff score (>16). ROC with AUC analysis was conducted to determine an alternate CISS cutoff score to yield optimal sensitivity and specificity in patients with concussion.Results: Utilizing the published cutoff score, the CISS demonstrated adequate sensitivity (.78 [95% CI = .60-.89]) but poor specificity (.35 [95%CI = .26-.46]). ROC curve demonstrated that CISS score was significant (P = .01) in predicting a positive test result (i.e., NPC >5) with AUC of .65 (95%CI .54-.76). An alternative cutoff score (CISS>23) maximized sensitivity (.70) and specificity (.53) for identifying receded NPC.Conclusions: Both the previously published CISS cutoff and our sample-based cutoff score yielded a high rate of false positives for receded NPC. CISS scores post-concussion may help the clinician understand difficulties with visual tasks but is not a suitable diagnostic tool in this patient population.

Toward a Standard for Measuring Functional Binocular Vision: Modelling Visual Symptoms and Visual Skills

Clear visual images require an ability to coordinate eye functions. Despite the central importance of binocular vision in everyday functioning, no standard exists for distinguishing good vs poor binocular vision, in contrast with monocular vision’s eye chart and visual acuity measures. This study begins to relate the signs and symptoms of binocular vision with children’s self-reported visual symptoms to substantiate a model of Functional Binocular Vision (FBV). Following Rasch’s probabilistic application of Maxwell’s method of analogy, we tested whether observations of visual symptoms and skills were sufficiently consistent to define interval units of measurement. Visual symptom data were obtained from over 1,000 students in grades 3-6 in four California schools using the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS). An additional 21 optometric acuity and FBV measures were made for more than 459 of those students, as their CISS scores indicated problems in binocular vision. Of these 459, 78 completed an intervention training the eyes in binocular function and provided at least two sets of CISS and optometric measures. The CISS, acuity, and FBV measures all define interval measures spanning at least three statistically distinct groups (Cronbach’s alpha >0.75). The final CISS measure was predicted in a regression model by the initial and final FBV measures (F = 3.5, 2 df1, 74 df2, p = .03). Further research will be needed to refine the measures and establish practical guidelines.

Validation of Visual Objective Biomarkers for Acute Concussion.

Despite an increase in the awareness and diagnosis of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), there remains a paucity of data examining the comparative efficacy of available assessments. This study aims to validate visual functions as potential biomarkers for mTBI. This case-control correlational design utilizes military personnel diagnosed with acute (≤72 h post-injury) mTBI (n = 100) and age-matched controls (n = 100) to examine the relative effectiveness of the pupillary light reflex (PLR), near point of convergence (NPC) break, King-Devick (KD) test time, and Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) score to discriminate between participants with mTBI. Three of the eight PLR parameters (i.e., average constriction velocity (ACV), average dilation velocity (ADV), and 75% re-dilation time; all p < 0.001) were affected in mTBI participants. Similarly, NPC break, KD test time, and CISS scores showed a statistically significant difference between groups (all p < 0.001). Area under the curve showed that ADV (0.82) and NPC (0.74) have the higher predictive values of all objective parameters. ADV, ACV, and NPC break are objective visual functions markedly affected in the acute mTBI group compared with controls; therefore, we proposed that they could be used as biomarkers for acute mTBI.

Comparison of Three Vision Therapy Approaches for Convergence Insufficiency.

Purpose:We compared the effectiveness of three active vision therapy approaches for convergence insufficiency (CI).Methods:This randomized clinical trial included patients meeting the eligibility criteria and with symptomatic CI, who were allocated into three groups. In the home-based vision orthoptic therapy (HBVOT) group, patients performed the pencil push-up procedure 15 min/day for 5 days/week. In the office-based vision orthoptic therapy (OBVOT) group, patients underwent 60-min orthoptic therapy using a major amblyoscope twice weekly with additional home orthoptic therapy. In the augmented office-based vision orthoptic therapy (AOBVOT) group, patients performed orthoptic exercises using 3-diopter over-minus lenses and a base-out prism in addition to major amblyoscope therapy, and additional home reinforcement was prescribed during the same time period.Results:All 84 subjects (mean age, 26.8 ± 8.3 years) showed a statistically significant improvement in near exophoria, positive fusional vergence (PFV) at near, near point of convergence (NPC), stereoacuity, and Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) scores at follow-up. Exophoria decreased by 64%, 68%, and 85% in the HBVOT, OBVOT, and AOBVOT groups, respectively (P = 0.2). PFV increased by 68%, 100%, and 100% in the HBVOT, OBVOT, and AOBVOT groups, respectively (P < 0.001). NPC decreased (improved) by 86%, 89%, and 96% in the HBVOT, OBVOT, and AOBVOT groups, respectively (P = 0.4). The CISS scores decreased by 75%, 96%, and 100% in the HBVOT, OBVOT, and AOBVOT groups, respectively (P = 0.003).Conclusion:Our results showed that in adults with CI, the augmented office-based orthoptic treatment was relatively more effective than the other treatments.

Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey scores for required reading versus leisure reading in school-age children

To compare Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey scores for required reading for school versus scores for leisure reading. At a single private practice, we surveyed 100 children with normal binocular vision using modified survey questions specifying either required reading or leisure reading as the near visual activity. Average total symptom scores and subscores for questions about discomfort, fatigue, impaired vision, and cognitive performance were analyzed using t tests; responses to individual questions were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U tests. The average score for the required reading survey was significantly higher than for the leisure reading survey (14.4±9.1 vs 9.8±6.9 [P=0.005]). Significantly higher symptom scores were recorded for 7 of 15 questions and 3 of 4 subscores (discomfort, fatigue, and impaired vision) for the required reading survey, whereas scores for the leisure reading survey highly correlated (R2=0.95) with each child's self-reported reading speed. Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey scores vary greatly depending on the type of near activity being surveyed and thus do not accurately isolate and reflect near visual ability. Beginning each survey with the question about self-rated reading speed could eliminate the need for additional questions if a child self-rates his or her reading speed as average or better. Because of the influence of the type of near visual activity on symptoms, survey questions should explicitly specify the near visual activity to prevent a child's interpretation of the question's intent from affecting the symptom score.

Modeling Visual Symptoms and Visual Skills to Measure Functional Binocular Vision

Obtaining a clear image of the world depends on good eye coordination (“binocular vision”). Yet no standard exists by which to determine a threshold for good vs poor binocular vision, as exists for the eye chart and visual acuity. We asked whether data on the signs and symptoms related to binocular vision are sufficiently consistent with children's self-reported visual symptoms to substantiate a construct model of Functional Binocular Vision (FBV), and then whether that model can be used to aggregate clinical and survey observations into a meaningful diagnostic measure. Data on visual symptoms from 1,100 children attending school in Los Angeles were obtained using the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS); and for more than 300 students in that sample, 35 additional measures were taken, including acuity, cover test near and far, near point of convergence, near point of accommodation, accommodative facility, vergence ranges, tracking ability, and oral reading fluency. A preliminary analysis of data from the 15-item, 5-category CISS and 15 clinical variables from 103 grade school students who reported convergence problems (CISS scores of 16 or higher) suggests that the clinical and survey observations will be optimally combined in a multidimensional model.

Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey Scores for Reading Versus Other Near Visual Activities in School-Age Children

To measure the difference in Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey scores for reading vs favorite near visual activities. Comparative validity analysis of diagnostic tools. At a single clinical private practice, 100 children aged 9-18 with normal binocular vision were recruited to receive either the original survey emphasizing reading or a modified survey replacing "reading" with their favorite near activity. Average survey scores and subscores for questions emphasizing fatigue, discomfort, impaired vision, and cognitive performance were compared using t tests, while responses to individual questions were compared using Mann-Whitney U tests. The average reading survey score was significantly greater than the favorite near activity survey score (14.1 ± 11.5 vs 6.7 ± 5.8, P= .0001). The largest difference resulted from questions emphasizing cognitive performance (subscore 5.8 ± 4.3 vs 2.0 ± 2.1, P= .0000002), although significant differences were also found for fatigue (5.4 ± 3.8 vs 3.0 ± 2.7, P= .0003), discomfort (3.9 ± 4.6 vs 1.8 ± 2.2, P= .004), and impaired vision (3.2 ± 3.9 vs 1.8 ± 2.2, P= .02). Significant differences were found for 7 survey questions, with higher symptom scores for the reading survey in every case. Using survey scores ≥16 to diagnose convergence insufficiency, significantly more children taking the reading survey would have been diagnosed with convergence insufficiency than children taking the favorite near activity survey (19 of 50 [38%] vs 5 of 50 [10%], P= .001). By emphasizing reading, the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey score significantly overestimates near visual symptoms in children with normal binocular vision compared with symptoms causedby preferred near activities that require similar amplitudes of accommodation and convergence.

Is The Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey Specific for Convergence Insufficiency? A Prospective, Randomized Study

Background and PurposeThe Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) is a questionnaire used as an outcome measure in treatment of convergence insufficiency. The current prospective randomized trial evaluates the diagnostic specificity of the CISS.Patients and MethodsSurveys were completed by 118 adolescent patients who presented for routine eye examinations. Scores were compared between patients who could be classified as having convergence insufficiency (CI) or normal binocular vision (NBV). In addition, a comparison was done between self- and practitioner-administered CISS scores within these groups.ResultsThe mean CISS score did not differ significantly between NBV patients (14.1 ±11.3, range of 0 to 43) and CI patients (12.3 ±6.7, range of 3 to 28); P = 0.32. Mean CISS scores were lower when physician-administered (11.4 ±7.9) than when self-administered (16.3+11.4); P = 0.007.ConclusionCISS scores tend to be higher when self- vs. practitioner-administered. This study suggests that the CISS questionnaire is not specific for convergence insufficiency.