If you or your child has dyslexia or visual stress (Meares-Irlen Syndrome), coloured lenses can produce remarkable results, often markedly improving reading ability and confidence.
We are able to carry out some specialised examinations for those people who suffer with visual stress. "Visual Stress" is where processing of text is atypical. This can lead to reading difficulties, headaches and other visual problems when reading text. Visual stress is not the same as dyslexia, although the two conditions can commonly occur together.
The general consensus is that visual stress is caused by hypersensitivity in the visual system. Coloured filters calm the visual system down and allow the individual to process the information more effectively. And it’s not just children who benefit – adults do too.
There are different types of coloured filters or lenses that can be used to help relieve visual discomfort. If coloured filters help, then overlays are the cheapest and simplest method; for just a few pounds, you can simply place a coloured acetate film over the text you are reading. Private tests are offered by some optometrists or dispensing opticians to help find out which colour filter will be most effective.
Beyond coloured overlays, tinted lenses can be created to a precise colour tone. These also aim to reduce visual discomfort, but although they’re more expensive, they can be created to a more specific colour than it is possible to achieve with an overlay.
Colorimetry and tinted spectacles can also be useful for those with migraines, photo-sensitive epilepsy or acquired brain injuries.
Coloured filters are not a cure for dyslexia and might not help every patient experiencing visual discomfort, dyslexia or reading problems.
Our experts have some tips to help identify whether your child might be suffering from visual stress:
Far from being an ordered grouping of lines and text, here’s how the page could look to someone with visual stress...
A qualified Optometrist will carry out a full eye examination including a health check before moving on to the assessments.
During the examination, we try a number of acetate plastic sheets in various colours to determine whether colour will help reduce the discomfort experienced.
Colorimetry testing tells us what colour tinted spectacles to prescribe. The overlay test does not work in the same way as colorimetry, which is why there are separate types of tests. In colorimetry, a lightbox is used with lots of coloured filters, to help determine the very specific colour and its density for the lenses.
We have had lots of success with coloured overlays and tinted spectacles. Many people report a significant improvement in both the comfort, speed of reading and comprehension. Some children have found they may jump several reading ages in a short space of time.
To arrange a visual stress test please call us on 0115 837 0280. Or book online today - Book Now. We look forward to finding out if colour could help you!
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