What is Irlen© Syndrome?
Irlen© Syndrome (also referred to at times as Meares-Irlen© Syndrome, Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, and Visual Stress) is a perceptual processing disorder. It is not an optical problem. It is a problem with the brain’s ability to process visual information. This problem tends to run in families and is not currently identified by other standardized educational or medical tests. (https://irlen.com/what-is-irlen-syndrome/, 2017)
Symptoms & Solutions
The Irlen© Method has earned millions of fans by providing a long-term, expertly developed solution to reading problems, headaches, light sensitivity, ADD and ADHD, autism and many other ailments–by directly addressing a core problem: the brain’s inability to process visual information. The symptoms of Irlen© Syndrome are wide-ranging, but the solutions -Irlen© colored overlays and Irlen© Spectral Filters (worn as either glasses or contacts) – are straightforward and available to you. Irlen© addresses the underlying perceptual processing difficulties and light sensitivity that can contribute to reading difficulties, headaches, and attention difficulties. Irlen© also can play a role in the challenges experienced by many individuals who have been diagnosed with dyslexia, autism, concussion syndrome and traumatic brain injury, or who have a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This solution is a treatment for ADD that is non-invasive, a solution for headaches that is immediate, an alternative treatment for autism that addresses sensory overload, and a successful way to combat the light sensitivity and physical symptoms caused by head injury. The Irlen© Method is a straightforward solution that offers immediate results. (https://irlen.com/the-irlen-method/, 2017)
The Irlen© Method
The Irlen© Method is non-invasive technology that uses colored overlays and filters to improve the brain’s ability to process visual information. It is the only method scientifically proven to successfully correct the processing problems associated with Irlen© Syndrome. The cornerstone of the Irlen© Method is its precision-tinted colored overlays and filters. Irlen© uses advanced color spectrometer technology to ensure that its overlays and colored glasses meet strict standards of color balancing designed to produce the most effective color-correction tool. This technology can improve reading fluency, comfort, comprehension, attention, and concentration while reducing light sensitivity. This is not a method of reading instruction. It is a color-based technology that filters out offensive light waves, so the brain can accurately process visual information. (https://irlen.com/about-irlen-institute, 2017)
WARNING: CHECK WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN AS MEDICAL CONDITIONS MAY NEED TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE USING COLORED OVERLAYS AND/OR SPECTRAL FILTERED LENS.
Testing & Treatment
Colored Overlays
Colored Filters
What You Can Do
This technology can improve reading fluency, comfort, comprehension, attention, and concentration while reducing light sensitivity. This is not a method of reading instruction. It is a color-based technology that filters out offensive light waves, so the brain can accurately process visual information. (https://irlen.com/about-irlen-institute, 2017)
What To Look For
READING PROBLEMS
Poor Comprehension
Misreads words
Reads in dim light
Skips words or lines
Reads slowly or hesitantly
Takes breaks
Loses place
Avoids reading
COMPLAINTS WHILE READING
Tired or sleepy
Eyes hurt, ache, or feel itchy
Headaches or nausea
Fidgety or restless
OTHER SIGNS OF IRLEN©
Rubs eyes
Squints
Blinks
Opens eyes wide
Reads close to the page
Moves closer or further from the page
Videos About Irlen©
Irlen© Reading Improvements
Through My Eyes: Irlen© Syndrome
Irlen© Syndrome ABC4 News
Understanding Irlen© Syndrome and the Irlen© Method
Video on Irlen© Syndrome – Visual Dyslexia
BBC Reports on Irlen© Syndrome