By Dr. Charles J. Bock

Jump Convergence Exercise

Jump convergence is an exercise used for the treatment of convergence insufficiency (described in a separate handout). This is usually used early in the treatment of convergence insufficiency to help patients become aware of the effort used in convergence.

To begin, obtain a popsicle stick or tongue depressor. For children who are not able to read, place a small sticker at each end of the stick. For adults and children old enough to read, cut out small words (one to three letters) from a magazine with good contrast (black letters, white page). Do not use a newspaper. Tape or glue the words to the ends of the stick.

Stand or sit approximately twenty feet from a target, such as a clock, or sit at a window and find a target outside, such as a number on a street sign, license plate, or mailbox.

Hold the stick twelve inches from your nose. Children may need help to keep the stick steady. Adults who wear a bifocal should place the stick where they can see it clearly so that they do not need to keep moving their head. Pick one end of the stick and focus on the picture or word. Quickly switch your focus to the distant target, then back to the near target. Make sure you are aware of seeing each target clearly before switching to the next. Jump from the near target to the distant target and back 15 to 20 times. Rest briefly, then repeat.

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