Prevalence and Impact of Convergence Insufficiency among school going children of North 24 Parganas District in West Bengal

Abstract

Background: Increasing concern of parents for poor academic performance of their child is a rising concern
in school going population in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. Convergence Insufficiency (CI) being
the most common form of Non- strabismic Binocular Vision Disorder (NSBVA) prevailing in this group can be
attributed for the above concern.
Aim: To estimate the prevalence of convergence insufficiency in school going children and also its impact
on academic performances.
Methods: The study included 485 participants: 215 males and 270 females in an age group ranging 6-15
years. Data was collected from school screening camps after detailed history taking and ophthalmic
examination. Associated academic performance and involvement in extracurricular activities were also
recorded. The diagnosis of CI was based on three criteria – exophoria for near, receded NPC and poor
Positive Fusional Vergence (PFV) range. Descriptive analysis was applied on the collected data using
statistical software.
Results: The average values were calculated as per the age groups. The prevalence of CI in the population
pool was 4.90%. Prevalence was more in females about 56% when compared to male 44%. Average break
point of NPC was recorded to be 5.42 cm, and average recovery of NPC was 7.44 cm. Average PFV break
noted was 27Δ and PFV recovery noted was 13Δ.
Conclusion: The struggle to grasp complex subjects can thus be attributed to this cause and need for
motivating children for extracurricular activities including physical fitness. This study concludes that in this
electronic era, NSBV workup among this group should be emphasized.