Irlen Dyslexia Clinic

Irlen Dyslexia Clinic

Irlen Syndrome is a problem in the way visual information is processed by the brain. It is not a visual problem and cannot be identified or treated by optometrists with prescription glasses. Individuals with Irlen Syndrome see the page differently from others and may not even be aware of this. Many people with Irlen Syndrome report that the text appears to change as they are reading. They may also experience fatigue, tiredness, headaches, sore eyes and other symptoms of strain, all of which make reading and concentration difficult. This can lead to slow and inefficient reading, poor comprehension and limited attention span. This can affect not only reading and writing but maths as well. It can also affect behaviour and perception of the environment.

Initial assessment is made using a highly specialised system of coloured overlays that are placed over text. If this proves helpful, it is then followed by more detailed testing to determine the exact colour of the lenses to be worn in the tinted glasses. This is necessary to determine the most beneficial filter colour from an almost limitless number of colour combinations. The correct colours filter out offending wavelengths of light and allows the brain to accurately receive and process visual information.

The Irlen Method can assist with reading difficulties, poor handwriting, poor depth perception, light sensitivity, underachievement, headaches, migraines, traumatic brain injury, whiplash, head injuries, concussion and other physical symptoms. In people diagnosed with ASD, Irlen Syndrome can lead to sensory overload as well as environmental and print distortions.

Many ADHD sufferers find that wearing Irlen filters helps provide better focus, increased attention span and motivation which can often reduce the need for medication.

Irlen Syndrome can affect up to 46%of individuals with reading problems or dyslexia and around 12% of the general population also have concerns with visual processing. ...read more