Near Point Dot / Accommodation Cards additional information and tips

The Kay Dot Cards use physiological diplopia to ensure correct ocular alignment during convergence exercises. It is important to make sure that suppression is not hindering the patient's ability to appreciate physiological diplopia prior to exercising.

Suppression is especially common when a significant exophoria or intermittent exotropia is present and it may be necessary to employ anti-suppression exercises beforehand.

The correct use of these dot cards will improve and maintain steady convergence and relieve symptoms. Patients should be made aware that during exercising asthenopic symptoms of headaches and sore eyes may temporarily worsen. This should be taken as a good sign that the exercises are having an effect and not a reason to stop.

During correct convergence, each viewed dot should be seen singly and should be steady (not wobbling). The two lines of dots should be seen crossing through the centre of the viewed dot.

Emphasis should be placed on being able to maintain one steady dot for 5-10 seconds before progressing to the next dot.

Try drawing a circle of different colours around each dot to differentiate them better during exercising. This is particularly helpful for young children.