Reliability of Binocular Vision Measurements Used in the Classification of Convergence Insufficiency

Authors

ROUSE, MICHAEL W. OD, MS, FAAO; BORSTING, ERIC OD, MS; DELAND, PAUL N. PhD

Reliability of Binocular Vision Measurements Used in the Classification of Convergence Insufficiency

publication date

Abstract/Introduction

Purpose.

To evaluate the reliability of binocular vision measurements used in the classification of convergence insufficiency.

Methods.

Two examiners tested 20 fifth and sixth graders in a school setting who passed a screening of visual acuity, refraction, and binocularity. The tests, conducted using a standard protocol, consisted of von Graefe near heterophoria (NH), phorometric positive fusional vergence (PFV), nearpoint of convergence (NPC), and monocular pushup accommodative amplitude (AA). Each examiner measured each child three consecutive times for each test, on two separate occasions, spaced approximately 1 week apart. Intraexaminer and interexaminer agreement was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), the median absolute difference (MAD), and the coefficient of repeatability (COR).

Conclusion/Results

Results.

The within-session reliability of the NH (ICC: 0.95 to 0.99), NPC (ICC: 0.94 to 0.98), and AA (ICC: 0.88 to 0.95) were good, whereas the PFV was less reliable (ICC: 0.71 to 0.94). The intraexaminer reliability between sessions was good for the NPC (ICC: 0.92 and 0.89), less reliable for NH (ICC: 0.81 and 0.81) and AA (ICC: 0.89 and 0.69), and much less reliable for PFV break (ICC: 0.59 and 0.53). Typical between-session PFV differences (MAD) were between 3 and 4 Δ, whereas the COR differences were as large as 12 Δ.

Conclusions.

Three of the four measures (NH, NPC, and AA) often used in the classification of convergence insufficiency generally have good within-session and between-session reliability. The PFV break was found to have only fair reliability with clinically significant differences between sessions. The large potential test-retest differences found could complicate clinical decision-making in regards to diagnosis and treatment.

Testimonials

Vision therapy is well worth the response, time and effort. Our Son had a hard time focusing and writing neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time if previously took. His abilities to focus improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent, we wanted learning to be fun for our Son, and vision therapy made this possible.

Amanda T.

Vision Therapy is well worth the expense, time and effort. Our son had a hard time focusing handwriting neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time it previously took his abilities to focus and improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent you wanted learning to be fun for our son and vision therapy made this possible.

Alexa H.

Vision Therapy has given or son the tools he needs to be able to scan and read the written word more effectively and efficiently.

He love working with John and these working sessions give him the motivation to gladly work on his homework assignments.

It amazed us to see the difference in the tracking of his eyes and along a line of it's from the beginning to the end of the treatment.

Dr. McBryar , Kristen and John are all marvelous and we would recommend them to anyone I only wish that we would have found them sooner!

Charlotte M.

Prior to coming to the institute for vision development my son complained of daily headaches. Therapy has eliminated his headaches completely. I love knowing my son is able to learn pain-free for the rest of his life because of the work that has been done over just a few weeks in this office. He he absolutely loved coming that didn't even feel like going to a doctor or therapy. We are grateful for the relief he was able to find by coming here.

Thank you!

Olivia C.

Seems much less frustrated with life

Reads non-stop and fast

Spelling abilities have been hugely improved

Seems much more confident

Thank You!!!

Kelly O.

When we first came to the practice, my son did not have huge issues, but lots of small ones- trouble with reading, sports (hitting the baseball consistently), coordination, etc- that were not easily detectable,but when put together presented issues. The staff here were all very professional and loving towards him. While I was concerned in the reading, my son was concerned with the athletic side. Seeing improvement night off the bat gave him confidence that i have nor seen in him and made him want to not only Come to therapy, but also made him want to work hard. He has surpassed his grade level and above in reading and hit his first home run this year! Thank you!!!