Irlen syndrome testing and treatment | Bridgman and Dean

Also known as Mears-Irlen syndrome to recognise the New Zealand teacher who first noticed the phenomenon, this is a condition where visual stress occurs when a page of black and white text is viewed.

The words may appear to blur or move on the page, and it usually results in one or more of the following problems:

• Skipping or re-reading lines
• Reversing words, or confusing similar words with each other (for example "of","for" and "from" may be confused with each other)
• Tiredness and aversion to reading
• Poor spelling and writing
• General lack of academic progress, despite normal focus, intelligence, and verbal skills
• Diagnosis of dyslexia, which if Irlen syndrome is present is in fact an incorrect diagnosis. Dyslexia by definition is an otherwise unexplained reading problem; if visual stress can be shown then dyslexia is not the diagnosis we would favour.

It is frequently linked with a family or personal history of migraine, which is also frequently caused by visual stress and treated with similar tinted lenses.

Testing for Irlen syndrome

This is carried out by David Bridgman at either of our branches.

Firstly, a thorough history is taken. You will be asked questions about your or your child's family and personal history of eye problems, general health, and developmental level.

Next, a routine check of eye health and focus is carried out. This is essential in order to rule out errors of focus such as hyperopia (long-sightedness), eye movement problems such as convergence insufficiency and poor tracking, and eye health problems such as congenital malformations and amblyopia (lazy eye).

Thirdly David will use a specific reading test to check for signs of Irlen syndrome and visual stress. If such signs are present then a screening test is generally carried out with coloured overlays. These are transparent coloured sheets of plastic with a matt finish which are placed over a page of text. A reduction in the symptoms of blur and/or movement of the text is a positive result, and this is then further tested with a repeat of the reading test with the overlay over the text.

In younger children , David usually suggests a trial of the overlay for a month or two before returning for another test before tinted spectacle lenses are prescribed.

In older children, adults, and where the overlay has been shown to be of definite benefit in younger children, David will carry out computerised testing to determine the optimum colour and density of tinted lenses. This procedure uses the Colour Response Assessment software, and is rapid and very accurate. It enables the most accurate prescribing of tints.

These lenses have been very successful. We have a lot of very positive feedback and repeat prescriptions for them, whether they are prescribed for reading problems or for headaches.

Costs:

Our usual examination fee, frame and lens prices apply. See our home page for current details. Children under 16 years of age may be eligible for a Government subsidy. Please see www.enable.co.nz for specific requirements.