Bifocals worked better than single-vision glasses to slow nearsightedness in children whose sight was deteriorating most rapidly, according to a study in the Archives of Ophthalmology. Researchers randomly assigned 153 of these children, ages 8 to 13, to wear either single-vision glasses, standard bifocals or so-called prismatic bifocals for two years. Though the eyesight of children in each group worsened throughout the study, children who wore standard bifocals required one-third less subsequent correction than children who wore single-vision glasses. Children who wore the prismatic bifocals, which permit the wearer to adjust the focus of the near-viewing lens, fared even better, requiring about one-half as much subsequent correction as children who wore single-vision lenses. Though the precise reason why bifocals slow the progress of myopia is unclear, they may work by reducing eyestrain, which contributes to nearsightedness.

Convergence Insufficiency (CI) is a common condition that effects people of all ages. It results in the eyes having difficulty converging (turning inward) when looking at a near target. A minimum of 1 in 20 children have this condition which can cause symptoms like difficulty reading, headaches, blurred vision, double vision, eye strain, loss of place when reading, covering one eye, rubbing the eyes, poor attention span, avoidance of reading, taking a long time to complete assignments, and poor comprehension.

A recent report from the convergence insufficiency treatment trial (CITT) found that office based vision therapy plus at home treatment was significantly more effective than either home based computer vision therapy or home based pencil pushups for treating convergence insufficiency.

Specifically, about 75% of children in the study had normal or improved symptoms after receiving office based vision therapy. Only 43% of children achieved this success doing pencil pushups and 33% achieved this level with only home based computer therapy.

Mitchell Scheiman, O.D., the lead author of the study says "we now have quality evidence showing that office based vision therapy with a trained therapist, plus at home reinforcement, can effectively treat convergence insufficiency in children 9 to 17 years old and is significantly more effective than home based therapy. This treatment can improve symptoms and physical measurements of the condition. Based on the results of this clinical trial, office based vision therapy should be recommended as the first line treatment for children with symptomatic CI".

Our office provides this type of vision therapy treatment for patients with convergence insufficiency as well as for patients with various other visual conditions that effect visual performance, efficiency, and comfort. Dr. Rothman is certified by the College of Optometrists in Vision Development to provide vision therapy.

Watch this video on convergence insufficience