From the Research
Squinting when reading is often associated with underlying refractive errors, and the most recent and highest quality study suggests that orthokeratology can be an effective treatment for patients with convergence insufficiency exophoria and myopia 1. The ICD-10 code for squinting when reading is H53.14, which falls under the category of visual disturbances. This code specifically represents accommodative component in esotropia, a condition where the eyes turn inward excessively during focusing activities like reading. If you're documenting this condition, you should also note any associated symptoms such as headaches, eye strain, or blurred vision to ensure complete clinical documentation. The squinting typically occurs because the patient is attempting to improve visual clarity or reduce double vision through narrowing the eyelid aperture, which can temporarily improve focus. This symptom often indicates an underlying refractive error like hyperopia (farsightedness) or astigmatism, or may suggest accommodative dysfunction where the eye struggles to maintain proper focus at near distances. Some key points to consider when evaluating squinting when reading include:
- Refractive errors are a common cause of squinting, with myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism being potential underlying conditions 2, 3
- Orthokeratology has been shown to improve near point of convergence, positive fusional vergence, and monocular amplitude of accommodation in patients with convergence insufficiency exophoria and myopia 1
- A comprehensive eye examination is essential to determine the underlying cause of squinting and to develop an appropriate treatment plan, which may include corrective lenses, vision therapy, or medical intervention 4, 5 For proper management, a comprehensive eye examination is recommended to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. It's also important to note that squinting can be a symptom of other underlying conditions, such as presbyopia or anisometropia, and a thorough evaluation is necessary to determine the best course of treatment. In terms of treatment options, orthokeratology has been shown to be effective in improving vision and reducing symptoms in patients with convergence insufficiency exophoria and myopia 1. Overall, a comprehensive eye examination and appropriate treatment can help to improve vision and reduce symptoms in patients who experience squinting when reading.