Prevalence of Convergence Insufficiency among Young Adults presenting in the Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Convergence insufficiency is one of the most common binocular vision dysfunctions among young adults. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of convergence insufficiency among young adults presenting at a tertiary care hospital in Pokhara, Nepal.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 96 respondents aged 18 to 25 years from December 2024 to May 2025. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: MCOMS/IRC/622). Non- probability purposive sampling method was applied. A standard proforma was used to collect socio-demographic and clinical variables. The Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) questionnaire was administered to assess the symptoms. Convergence insufficiency (CI) was diagnosed if one or more of the following were present: symptomatic CISS scores, near point of convergence (NPC) ≥8 cm, exophoria greater for near than distance by at least 6 prism dioptres (PD), and reduced positive fusional vergence (PFV) (≤15 PD). The statistical methods used were mean, frequency, and percentage.

Results: The mean age of patients with convergence insufficiency was 21.15 (±2.19) years. Convergence insufficiency was predominant in females (40.4%). The overall prevalence of convergence insufficiency was 34.4% (95% confidence interval: 25% - 45%). 13.5% were symptomatic based on the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) questionnaire. In clinical signs, the majority had 0 clinical sign (71.9%), followed by 2 signs (15.6%) and 1 sign (9.4%).

Conclusions: The prevalence of convergence insufficiency in young adults was 34.4%. Measurement of convergence insufficiency in young adult enables early diagnosis and management, which is important for enhancing their quality and productivity of life.