Current & future management of convergence and accommodation anomalies
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Current and future management of convergence and accommodation anomalies
IRAS ID
305275
Contact name
Sonia Toor
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sheffield
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Convergence is the ability of the two eyes to perform the correct inward alignment to see a near object. The ability of the eye to focus on a close object is called accommodation. As well as double and blurred vision, defects or reduction of convergence and accommodation can cause other symptoms such as eye fatigue, headache and eye strain. These anomalies can impair one's ability to function efficiently during near work. Convergence and accommodation anomalies are common, with a prevalence varying from 2.25% to 23% among clinical and general populations.
Despite decades of research, there is a lack of consensus on the most effective treatment regimes. For example, The British & Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS) has provided guidelines for treating convergence and accommodation anomalies, but treatment plans vary from clinic to clinic. There is also evidence that, rather than a complex treatment plan of varying exercises, a simple treatment plan is more effective. This study will therefore investigate the current treatment regimens to recommend the most effective treatment plans.
Due to COVID-19, tele-appointments have been used frequently by clinicians. Tele-appointments are beneficial to patients as it saves them time and travel cost as well as the NHS expenses. Moreover, the NHS long term plan 2019 aims to reduce outpatient visits by up to one third by 2025. The study will investigate the effect of using tele-appointments in convergence and accommodation treatment.
The project will recruit 44 patients diagnosed with these anomalies attending the Orthoptic Department at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The patient will undergo non-invasive tests performed as part of the routine clinical assessment. Patients will be randomised to one of four treatment groups for 16 weeks, with a follow up every 4 weeks, to determine the most effective treatment plan and the impact of tele-appointments.
REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/WM/0023
Date of REC Opinion
7 Feb 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion