Do you struggle with reading or focusing on nearby objects? Do you experience eyestrain, headaches, or double vision? If so, you might have a problem with your near point convergence. 

What Is Near Point Convergence?

Near point convergence (NPC) is how close you can bring an object to your eyes before it appears as two images. You test it by bringing a light or a text card closer to your nose until you see two images or one eye turns outward. The normal NPC is about six to 10 centimeters. 

Convergence ability is the coordinated movement of your eyes to focus on nearby objects. It relates to near point convergence. Convergence ability helps you do close work like reading.

Causes of Near Point Convergence Problems

Near point convergence problems can happen for many reasons. Some of them are:

• Eye surgery

• Eye injury

• Eye diseases such as keratoconus or pellucid marginal degeneration

• Brain injury

• Genetics

Symptoms

Near point convergence problems can affect your vision and quality of life. Some of the common symptoms are:

• Eyestrain

• Vision problems like double or blurry vision, halos, or starbursts around lights

• Squinting one eye to avoid seeing double or to improve your vision

• Headaches, dizziness, or motion sickness

• Difficulty reading the fine print, following lines of text, or comprehending what you read

• Trouble concentrating when doing close work

• Reduced depth perception

Diagnosis 

Near point convergence problems can affect your vision and quality of life, but they can be hard to detect with regular or school-based eye exams. An eye doctor can diagnose your condition with a comprehensive eye exam. You should see one as soon as possible.

You need an eye exam to diagnose your near point convergence problems. The exam may include different tests to measure your near point convergence distance and your extra convergence ability. They can check how your eyes align and move. They can assess how well you see and if you need glasses or lenses. They can evaluate your eye health and structure. These tests can show the cause and severity of your condition.

Treatment Options 

One option is to wear glasses or contact lenses. These can correct your vision and make your eyes feel less tired. However, they may not improve your near point convergence distance or ability to do extra convergence. You may still have trouble focusing on nearby objects.

Another option is to wear prism glasses. These glasses with special lenses help your eyes work together and prevent double vision. The duration of wearing them depends on your condition. You can wear them temporarily or permanently. They can help you see better and reduce your symptoms.

A third option is to seek vision therapy. This program of exercises trains your eyes to focus better and improve other eye skills. You can do it at home or in an office with a therapist. You may use tools like pencils, strings, computers, or virtual reality to do the exercises.

A final option is to have eye surgery. This is only for severe cases where your eyes are misaligned or paralyzed. The surgery involves changing the muscles or nerves that move your eyes. It can help you align your eyes and improve your vision.

Conclusion

Near point convergence is a vital eye function that helps you focus on nearby objects. Impaired vision can affect your quality of life. If you have any symptoms of near point convergence problems, see an eye doctor as soon as possible. They can identify the cause of your symptoms and suggest the most effective way to heal.

For more on near-point convergence, visit VEO Vision Therapy at our Wichita, Kansas, office. Call (316) 999-4100 to schedule an appointment today.