Smooth convergence - Orthoptic exercises for Convergence Insufficiency

Who is the leaflet for? What is its aim?

This leaflet is for patients with a condition called convergence insufficiency (CI), this can be treated by eye exercises. The exercise in this leaflet can be practised at home, and when performed regularly, most patients start to see improvement in symptoms quite rapidly. Your orthoptist will advise you on the types of exercises to do, the way to do them, and how frequently exercises should be practised.

Smooth convergence

The aim of this exercise is to improve your ability to bring your eyes in towards your nose, and maintain single vision up close.

Wear glasses for exercises? Yes / No

Length of time doing exercises:

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Number of exercise periods per day:

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How to do smooth convergence exercises:

1. If your orthoptist has asked you to wear glasses for your exercises, put these on.
2. Hold the target (eg pen or lolly stick) at arm’s length, in a reading position.
3. Slowly and steadily bring the target towards your nose.
4. When the target appears to go double, hold the target still.
5. Attempt to regain a single image of the target by pulling your eyes in together (this may be very difficult).
6. If you do manage to regain a single image, continue to bring the target towards your nose, and repeat instructions 3 and 4.
7. If you do not manage to regain a single image, move the target a little further away from you until it returns to single, and then repeat instructions 3 and 4. 8.
8. Continue practising, aiming to get the target to your nose, and then hold it there for a count of five. Your orthoptist will advise you on frequency, and for how long, to do your exercises (see above).

After doing your exercises, it is important that you relax your eyes by looking into the distance (for instance out of the window) or closing your eyes for a couple of minutes.

When you start doing this exercise, you may find it very difficult, and you may feel increased eyestrain, and headaches. Try not to let this put you off your exercises – they get much easier with practice.

As your convergence improves, you can start off with the target closer than arm’s length.

Notes from your orthoptist:

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Contacts and further information

If you have any difficulties with your exercises, please contact the orthoptic department on 01223 216528

Ophthalmology department
Box: 41
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Cambridge Biomedical Campus
Hills Road,
Cambridge,
CB2 0QQ