Effectiveness of Orthoptic Exercises for Symptomatic Convergence Insufficiency in Post-Stroke Patients: A Single Case Study

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DOI: 10.21522/TIJPH.2013.SE.25.02.Art022

Authors : Sathya Siva, Elambirainathan S, Subramaniyan Ramesh, Padmapriya Sridharan

Abstract:

Convergence insufficiency (CI) is a common binocular vision disorder that affects near vision and can significantly impact the quality of life, particularly in individuals recovering from a stroke. CI is characterized by symptoms such as diplopia, eye strain, headaches, and difficulty with reading, which can hinder rehabilitation. This case study evaluates the effectiveness of a structured orthoptic exercise program in alleviating symptomatic CI in a post-stroke patient. A 51-year-old male with a history of ischemic stroke and complaints of near vision diplopia was recruited. He underwent a structured orthoptic therapy program, including pencil push-ups and stereogram exercises, for 15-minute sessions, three days a week, over a period of three weeks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS). The results revealed a significant improvement in CISS scores, with the Neat point convergence have reduced from ≥15 cm to ≤8 cm and Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS)Score from ≥30 to ≤15, therefore there was a marked reduction in symptoms of diplopia, eye strain, and difficulty in reading. The patient also reported subjective improvements in near vision tasks, indicating enhanced functional vision. These findings suggest that orthoptic exercises can serve as a non-invasive and cost-effective intervention for post-stroke CI rehabilitation. Given the positive outcomes observed in this case study, structured orthoptic therapy may be considered a viable approach for managing post-stroke CI. However, further research with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-ups is warranted to validate these findings and develop standardized rehabilitation protocols.

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