Analysis of binocular visual function using tests made under binocular conditions

Abstract

Accommodation and vergence have a complex relation which occasionally breaks down, resulting in a loss of visual efficiency along with symptoms of discomfort associated with use of the eyes. Studies of accommodation/vergence interactions and tonic vergence disorders indicate that, using classical analysis techniques, separate methods are frequently necessary to determine whether existing binocular deficiencies are causing reported symptoms. The problem with current systems of binocular visual function analysis is that the vergence error which exists under binocular conditions is often not the same as that which is measured under monocular conditions. A rationale for, and technique of, analyzing binocular function using results of tests made under binocular conditions is described. This analysis incorporates the concepts of CA/C, proximal vergence (PV), and fixation disparity along with several accommodative measures (facility, lag, sustaining ability, and accuracy). By identifying relevant binocular components and the interrelations, the clinician should be better able to assess the contribution of each and examine which may be modified most easily by vision therapy, lenses, and/or prism intervention.