Convergence insufficiency associated with migraine: a case series

Abstract

Background and purpose: The appearance of convergence insufficiency in migraineurs suggests a possible link between migraine and convergence insufficiency.

Patients and method: Relevant patients reporting to our neuro-ophthalmology clinic complained of symptoms consistent with convergence insufficiency and had a history of migraine. Patients underwent thorough neuro-ophthalmic evaluations including history, physical exam, and cranial imaging. Four illustrative cases are presented in this report.

Results: Convergence insufficiency may develop after migraine. In some cases, it may be a persistent cause of reduced visual functioning. In patients with persistent asthenopia, orthoptic therapy has proven successful.

Conclusions: A history of migraine should be sought in patients complaining of reading difficulties secondary to new onset convergence insufficiency. Furthermore, migraineurs should be asked about whether they suffer asthenopia. Finally, a larger scale, prospective study should be considered to further explore a possible link between migraine and convergence insufficiency.

Keywords: asthenopia; convergence insufficiency; migraine.