<b>Effect of Rhythmic Near-Task Reading on Convergence Recovery in Madrasa Students</b>

Background: Madrasa students are frequently exposed to prolonged near-task reading and recitation, often accompanied by habitual rhythmic forward-backward swaying. Although near work, posture, and visual symptoms have been studied in school-aged populations, limited evidence is available regarding the association between rhythmic swaying and convergence recovery in madrasa students. Objective: To assess the association between rhythmic swaying during near-task reading and convergence recovery among madrasa students. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Madrasa Rehmat-ul-Alameen, Lahore, from December 2025 to March 2026. A total of 359 male students aged 8–18 years were included through convenience sampling. Visual acuity screening and basic ocular examination were performed, and reading posture, near-work duration, rhythmic swaying, and convergence recovery were assessed. Near point of convergence recovery was measured in centimeters using a RAF ruler. Associations were analyzed using Chi-square testing and independent-samples t-test. Results: Rhythmic swaying was observed in 238 students (66.3%), while 121 students (33.7%) showed no swaying. Students with swaying had significantly poorer mean convergence recovery than non-swaying students (11.82 ± 3.18 cm vs. 8.96 ± 2.76 cm; mean difference 2.86 cm; p < 0.001). Impaired convergence recovery was more frequent among swaying students than non-swaying students (58.8% vs. 28.1%; OR = 3.66, 95% CI: 2.28–5.87; p < 0.001). Swaying prevalence increased progressively from upright posture (37.2%) to severe neck bending (96.2%). Conclusion: Rhythmic swaying during near-task reading was significantly associated with impaired convergence recovery among madrasa students. Screening for convergence recovery and reading posture may help identify students at risk of binocular vision dysfunction