To assess the prevalence of convergence insufficiency as measured by near point convergence among the athletic population.

Convergence insufficiency is thought to be around 10 to 20% in the general population and is typically characterized by near point convergence greater than 5 to 7 cm.  Therefore, on neurophthalmologic examination, abnormal near point convergence may be the baseline for that individual and not represent a temporal abnormality, such as when observed in the postconcussive athlete. Here, we assess the prevalence of convergence insufficiency among a variety of Division I athletes at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Division I athletes underwent preseason vestibular/ocular-motor screening, which includes near point convergence, with athletic trainers at Eastern Michigan University.  We reviewed this data for prevalence of abnormal baseline metrics and, per protocol, interviewed patients with abnormal baseline data.

Based on the data, the prevalence of convergence insufficiency in the athlete is significantly lower than that among the general population.  This provides evidence that athletic neurophysiology differs from the general population.