Convergence Insufficiency: A Hidden Cause of Reading Struggles
“My child tries so hard… but reading is still such a struggle.”
If you’re a parent watching your child struggle with reading, focus, or homework — it can feel frustrating and heartbreaking.
You may have tried extra tutoring, different books, or new learning techniques — but nothing seems to click.
The truth is, sometimes the problem isn’t in the classroom or with motivation.
Sometimes, the challenge is hidden in the eyes.
At Bayview Vision in Toronto, we often diagnose a condition called Convergence Insufficiency — one of the most common (and most overlooked) causes of reading difficulties in children and adults.
What is Convergence Insufficiency (CI)?
Convergence Insufficiency happens when the eyes have difficulty working together to focus on near objects — like books, tablets, or worksheets.
Normally, both eyes move inward (converge) when looking at something up close. In a person with CI, the eye muscles struggle to maintain that inward position — causing visual confusion, double vision, or eye strain.
This makes reading exhausting. It also explains why so many kids with CI avoid near work or have short attention spans during homework.
Signs of Convergence Insufficiency:
Losing place while reading
Skipping words or lines
Seeing double (or words appearing to move)
Headaches or eye strain with near tasks
Squinting or closing one eye when reading
Trouble concentrating during homework
Avoiding reading altogether
Often, children won’t complain directly about double vision — because they don’t know how to describe it. They just know reading feels hard.
How Is Convergence Insufficiency Treated?
Here’s the good news: CI doesn’t require surgery or medication.
The most effective treatment is vision therapy — a personalized program of eye exercises that strengthen the eye muscles and improve the brain’s control of eye coordination.
At Bayview Vision, our vision therapy programs for convergence insufficiency are fun, goal-oriented, and designed to give kids (and adults!) real visual tools to succeed.
Most patients show noticeable improvement within weeks of starting therapy — and for many, symptoms disappear completely over time.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
The longer a child struggles with undiagnosed CI, the more frustration and academic challenges they may experience. Early treatment helps improve not just visual comfort — but also reading speed, comprehension, and classroom confidence.
That’s why we always recommend a comprehensive binocular vision evaluation for children who struggle with reading.
Book a Functional Evaluation in Toronto To See If Vision Therapy Is Right For You
If your child has been struggling with reading — and you feel like nothing is helping — convergence insufficiency may be the missing piece.
At Bayview Vision, we’re here to help uncover the “why” behind your child’s challenges and create a personalized plan to support their success.
📞 Call us at 416-487-5401 or book an appointment online for a vision therapy evaluation.