Precision tints for visual stress.

Visual stress (also knows as Meares-Irlen Syndrome or simply Irlen Syndrome) is a condition referring to reading difficulties, light sensitivity, strain, and headaches from exposure to visual patterns such as text on a page.  Visual stress is thought to be caused by an over-sensitivity of the brain when viewing high contrast patterns, hence it has also been termed ‘pattern-related visual stress’. It can be responsible for rapid fatigue when reading and can affect both adults and children.

Coloured Overlay Assessments

£65.00

(Including the provision of a report)

Colorimetry Assessments

£155.00

(Including the provision of a report)

Where can you access our colorimetry service?

Coloured Overlay and Colorimetry Assessments are available at all Linklater & Warren branches; Bexleyheath, Chislehurst and Sevenoaks.

a tray of coloured lenses for colorimetry testing

The Symptoms of Visual Stress (Irlen Syndrome)

The following descriptions and symptoms are often given by individuals with visual stress to describe the discomfort they experience from everyday tasks such as reading:

  • Movement of print
  • Blurring of print
  • Doubling or fading of letters
  • Illusions of colour within the text
  • Patterns appearing within text (sometimes described as “worms” or “rivers”)
  • Glare and the page appearing “too bright”
  • Skipping words or lines
  • Using finger following
  • Eyestrain
  • Rapid fatigue and eye rubbing.

Relief from Visual Stress with Colour

The symptoms of visual stress can, for some people, be alleviated using precision colour-tinted spectacle lenses and coloured overlays.  The colour needed to alleviate the symptoms is individual-specific and is determined by our accredited optometrists using the Intuitive Colorimeter.

Clinical research in this area is ongoing and, at present, the scientific literature provides a divided picture. Despite the lack of settled consensus on the topic, many of our patients find their precision tinted glasses and/or coloured overlays invaluable at alleviating their symptoms and return over the years for repeat orders. Our accredited optometrists are members of the Society of Coloured Lens Prescribers and abide by their code of conduct when providing eye care and treatment for those with visual stress.

Our 3-step approach relieving Visual Stress with Colour

In the first instance we recommend that people with reading difficulties have a thorough eye test to rule out an alternative cause(s) of the symptoms experienced.   Specific emphasis will be given to assessing how well the eyes work together.  In some cases, a need for spectacles or the prescribing of eye exercises is enough to alleviate the visual discomfort. Where a significant binocular vision abnormality is detected the patient may be recommended to see an orthoptist working in a binocular vision clinic.

Coloured plastic sheets are presented over text to assess for a reduction in the symptoms of visual stress. Through a process of elimination, the best colour is determined. Reading speed and accuracy is measured using the Wilkin’s Rate of Reading test both with and without the chosen overlay (or combination of overlays). If there is a significant improvement in reading speed and accuracy a coloured overlay is recommended. At this point the chosen overlay is taken away for use in home and school/work. In the case of children, we ask parents and teachers to monitor the child’s reading speed, comprehension and how frequently the overlay is used without being reminded. In most instances the overlay assessment and subsequent overlay home trial is used to ascertain whether an individual will benefit from precision colour-tinted glasses.

Following a positive result from the overlay assessment and home trial we recommend a Colorimetry Assessment, following which tinted spectacles can be prescribed.  The Intuitive Colorimeter is a specialist instrument that allows text to be viewed under different coloured light sources.  The hue (colour), saturation (density of colour) and brightness are altered in tiny increments until the precise shade is found that best minimises or eliminates the patient’s symptoms.  Tinted spectacles allow the colour to be accurately specified to the individual’s needs and so are more effective than coloured overlays.  Tinted spectacles are also more convenient to use than the overlay and can also be used when viewing other sources such as white boards and computer screens.

side view of a tray of coloured lenses for colorimetry testing
the screen of the colorimetry machine showing a chart of colours

Visual Stress and Dyslexia

Although the evidence is inconclusive, a 2016 study suggests that visual stress is a co-occurring factor in approximately 20% of those with dyslexia. We recommend all those with reading difficulties have a thorough eye test to assess for common eye focusing or eye coordination abnormalities that may be the cause of their symptoms prior to investigating the effectiveness of colour.

 

Visual Stress, Migraine & other conditions

There are many triggers for migraine such as stress, certain foods, or hormonal factors. For some people everyday patterns such as text can trigger a migraine without necessarily causing difficulties reading. For these people the use of precision colour-tinted lenses may help reduce the frequency of these visually precipitated attacks. There is also research that suggests these coloured lenses can help those who suffer with photosensitive epilepsy, autism, ADHD, and multiple sclerosis.

A young lady sat reading a visual test sheet with an optometrist
Expert opinion

Sharing the joy of helping patients with visual stress rediscover their love of reading

Optometrist and Colorimetry practitioner Jasmine Griffin shares the joy of helping patients with visual stress rediscover their love of reading.

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