Association of Gender and Educational Attainment with Convergence Insufficiency among Eye Care Patients in Rawalpindi.

Abstract

Convergence is the manner in which both eyes turn and direct themselves towards objects that are in the vicinity. Convergence insufficiency is a condition that affects the functional ability of both eyes to work in harmony, particularly when focusing on nearby objects. Difficulty in focusing or the problem of ‘diplopia’ can be experienced when a person strains their eyes to look at an object that is near, such as the display screen of a mobile phone or book. In this cross-sectional study, 1,100 individuals were analyzed at Amanat Eye Hospital Rawalpindi. The subjects were screened at Amanat Eye Hospital Rawalpindi. Firstly, the medical history of each subject was obtained. Visual acuity was assessed carefully at a distance of 6 m using Snellen’s visual acuity chart. If the unaided visual acuity was found to be less than 6/6, clinical refraction was performed wherever required. Near point of convergence was assessed through the pencil push-up method, measured using a ruler, and near exophoria was assessed using the cover-uncover test. After the diagnosis of CI, the complaints of the subjects were recorded on a questionnaire. Ninety-nine individuals were diagnosed with Convergence Insufficiency among 1,100 individuals. Participants were categorized according to age, gender, educational level, impact on daily activities, and symptoms. The study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of Convergence Insufficiency among the study population in Rawalpindi. Regarding education levels, the frequency of convergence insufficiency was higher among participants with education below matriculation than among postgraduate participants. The most common symptoms were headache, eye fatigue, and double vision. Regarding gender distribution, the greater frequency of CI was found among females than males. The widespread undetected presence of CI was possibly associated with limited awareness of the condition among the Rawalpindi population. In the future, cooperative efforts between educators and healthcare providers could improve interventions and preventive measures, guaranteeing a comprehensive strategy to address visual problems in educational settings. Incorporating regular vision screening programs into educational institutions and implementing customized awareness initiatives will additionally facilitate early identification and appropriate management of convergence insufficiency.