Experiencing CVS symptoms post-Lasik, convergence insufficieny or ?

[elshrew]

Was near sighted (around +8.0) and got Lasik 2 years ago.  Now my eyes have settled to be slightly myopic (around +1)  and a have a slight astigmatism in one eye.  Starting about a year ago, I began to experience extreme eyestrain and headaches after using a computer and reading or TV to a lesser extent.  The headache almost always concentrates behind one eye whereas the other eye feels mostly normal.  

Over the past months, I have taken the many obvious steps suggested for computer vision syndrome, like adjusting my monitors brightness and distance, environment humidity, using lubricating drops, blinking often, taking breaks, personal diet, etc.  I have gotten regular eye exams to ensure my prescription is keeping up to date with the post-lasik fluctuations, and even got a second pair with a slight plus power to help ease the strain.  

The latest hypothesis is the possibility of convergence insufficiency.  My doctor did a convergence insufficiency test using a bar with varying size prisms and concluded I have convergence insufficiency.  I have been doing exercises in which I keep an object in focus at varying distance (pencil pushups).  I can keep an object in focus indefinitely at any length until about 2 inches from my nose at which point the object gets blurry.  Is this normal or indicative of convergence insufficiency?  My computer monitor is much farther away than 2 inches and I can focus on it fine, yet my eyes strain.  Can eye exercises remedy my situation and what are nest to do?  It seems like something drastic must have happened because I used to be able to work all day.  

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

If you can converge that close you are above average.

No I don't think patching one eye is a good way of dealing with this.

Your best bet is see a pediatric/strabismus ophthalmologist.

JCH MD

[elshrew]

Yes, I do mean myopic.  You're right, my RX is -1 to correct my +1 eye - my mistake not using the common convention.   I plan on seeing another doctor to get a second opinion, however, I will not be able to for at least 2 months.  

Regardless, Is my ability to keep an object in focus (like the letters on a pen) at 2 inches normal and is this a good measure of convergence insufficiency?  

In the meantime, is it a healthy strategy to use eye patches, considering the pain results from a poor inter-eye relationship

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Did you mean you were slightly myopic if so your RX would be -1.00 not +1.00 which is hyperopic. Be difference.

My experieince with convergence insufficienty is that the pencil push ups don't work. My suggestions:

See a Eye MD strabismus specialist to confirm the diagnosis. If so ask about prism read glasses.

JCH MD