Convergence Insufficiency in the Geriatric Population

Abstract

SIGNIFICANCE The present study is the first population-based study to examine the prevalence of convergence insufficiency and its associations specifically in the geriatric population. Knowledge of the population-based determination of prevalence of this disorder in the elderly is necessary to support proper clinical diagnosis and management. PURPOSE This study aimed to determine the prevalence of convergence insufficiency and its associated factors in a geriatric population. METHODS In this study, all residents older than 60 years in Tehran city were selected through random stratified cluster sampling. All participants underwent a complete ocular examination including the measurement of uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity, objective and subjective refraction, binocular vision assessments including unilateral and alternating cover tests, measurement of the near point of convergence, the positive fusional vergence, and finally ocular health examination. RESULTS In this population-based sample of 1793 participants, the overall prevalences of two-sign and three-sign convergence insufficiency were 29.6 (95 confidence interval, 27.2 to 32.0) and 21.5 (95 confidence interval, 19.5 to 23.6), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of both two-sign (P = .19) and three-sign (P = .41) convergence insufficiency between men and women. The highest and lowest prevalences of two-sign and three-sign convergence insufficiency were in the age groups 70 to 74 and 75 to 79 years, respectively. The prevalence showed no significant trend with age (P = .26 for two-sign convergence insufficiency, P = .33 for three-sign convergence insufficiency). In the multiple logistic regression model, none of the variables, including age, sex, and refractive errors, showed a significant relationship with convergence insufficiency (all, P > .05). CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study showed a high prevalence of convergence insufficiency in the geriatric population. Clinicians should give special attention to this binocular vision disorder in this age group.