Convergence and Accommodation Insufficiency in School Going Children

Objective: To assess Convergence and accommodation insufficiency in school going children presented in eye OPD Holy Family Hospital. Study design: It was a Descriptive hospital-based study. Place and duration of study: The study was conducted at The Department of Ophthalmology, Eye OPD, Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi from May to October 2023. Material and Methods: 80 patients were studied for the research purpose. Detailed examinations were performed including history taking, slit lamp examination, vision and Orthoptics test for evaluation of any deviation related with strabismus. Results: Out of the 80 patients with Convergence and Accommodation Insufficiency (CI) seen at HFH, 44 were female, and 36 were male. A total of 40 patients showed an association with CI. Among these patients, 42 presented with asthenopic symptoms, while 28 had no noticeable symptoms. Age distribution revealed that only 16 patients were under 10 years old, 36 were between 12 and 18 years, and 28 were between 19 and 22 years. Nearly all patients required an Orthoptics assessment, with only 12 having a history of deviation. A small number, about 8 patients, presented due to excessive near work, highlighting the impact of prolonged close-up activities on their condition. Conclusion: Approximately 10% of the cases involved each of the visual syndromes, including Convergence and Accommodation Insufficiency (CI), and it was noted that visual discomfort is common among teenagers with these conditions. In cases of asthenopia, such as headaches and difficulty concentrating during near vision tasks,it is crucial to assess the quality of binocular vision. Evaluating and managing CI is essential to alleviate symptoms and improve visual efficiency, particularly during activities that require sustained near focus.