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There are many factors involved. First, are the overlays obviously beneficial? If so, only a short trial period, say six weeks, is necessary, particularly if headaches have been reduced but not eliminated, and if untidy writing continues to be a problem. Under these circumstances glasses may further reduce the headaches and may well improve the handwriting.
Just as some colours are reported as being beneficial, others are often reported to be uncomfortable. Individuals sometimes show a marked aversion to these uncomfortable colours. Provided the appropriate colour is chosen, it seems unlikely that overlays can have any detrimental effect. The possible long-term effects of wearing coloured glasses are unknown at present. In 1999, British scientists carried out clinical trials that “found that coloured lenses could help people with visual dyslexia.” 400 children participated in the most recent study where “90% reported a significant improvement in reading, writing and comprehension skills” whilst wearing the coloured lenses. Over the 6-month assessment period, the children showed a minimum improvement rate of 45% for their reading, writing and comprehension skills. How Do Coloured Overlays for Dyslexia Work? The best way to know whether using a blue overlay for reading (or some other color) could help make reading easier and more comfortable for you is to start with a self-test. Sometimes called a scotopic sensitivity syndrome test, our self-test will let you know if the issues you are experiencing are related to the specific type of visual processing problem that colored overlays can help. Remember, colored overlays for reading are not a solution for all reading problems, only those that are caused by the brain’s inability to process light efficiently. Colored Overlays for Dyslexia Irlen: Irlen lenses, also known as Irlen Spectral Filters, are coloured overlays or lenses that aim to reduce perceptual distortions and visual stress experienced by some people with dyslexia. The specific colours are customised for each individual based on their symptoms.Our research has shown an immediate and significant increase in reading speed using colored overlays.” Should children with binocular difficulties who are undergoing orthoptic eye exercises or other medical treatment continue to use overlays? The term Meares–Irlen syndrome is sometimes used to refer to the collection of symptoms and signs of visual fatigue when reading that are reduced when colour is used. Other terms are Irlen syndrome or Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome (SSS). (The syndrome is not yet widely recognised by the medical and scientific communities, and there is no universal agreement on its name.) The symptoms of visual perceptual distortion in children with reading difficulty were first described by Olive Meares, but have been listed by Helen Irlen, as follows. 9. What are the symptoms of Meares-Irlen Syndrome? First you should obtain an optometric examination. You should find an optometrist who has an interest in reading difficulties (see below). The optometrist should assess binocular(orthoptic) function. Alternatively you can be assessed by an orthoptist who has an interest in reading difficulties. Orthoptists are specialists in the assessment of binocular function and usually work in NFIS Hospital Eye Departments alongside ophthalmologists (eye doctors).
Irlen Clings TMis our solution for computer screens, iPhones, iPads, eReaders, and other electronic screens. People often ask what is the clings meaning. With an optical-grade clear adhesive, Irlen Clings adhere to screens, while providing the same Irlen Colored Overlay protection you know and love. Shop Irlen Clings How can I find an optometrist or orthoptist who has specialised in reading difficulties? Optometrists (previously called ophthalmic opticians) can be found in most town centre's. Optometrists examine eyes to assess their health and to determine whether glasses or eye exercises are needed. A small but growing number of optometrists have specialised in assessing people who have reading difficulties. If you or someone in your family already sees an optometrist then ask them if they know of a local colleague who has specialised in reading difficulties. The term Meares-lrlen syndrome is sometimes used to refer to the collection of symptoms and signs of visual fatigue when reading that are reduced when colour is used. Other terms are Irlen syndrome or Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome (SSS)1. (The syndrome is not yet widely recognised by the medical and scientific communities, and there is no universal agreement on its name.) The symptoms of visual perceptual distortion in children with reading difficulty were first described by Olive Meares2, but have been listed by Helen Irlen, as follows. After 3 months of using Irlen Colored Overlays, students demonstrated significant improvement in reading achievement with gains between 1 year 8 months to 2 years 8 months.” First you should obtain an optometric examination. You should find an optometrist who has an interest in reading difficulties (see below). The optometrist should assess binocular (orthoptic) function. Alternatively you can be assessed by an orthoptist who has an interest in reading difficulties. Orthoptists are specialists in the assessment of binocular function and usually work in NHS Hospital Eye Departments alongside ophthalmologists (eye doctors).
Contrary to the coloured lenses research that was conducted in 1999, coloured overlays can be looked upon as controversial. This is because, in an experiment conducted where some participants were asked to read text without an overlay and then with an overlay, there was no significant difference between the reading speeds for either method. For example, Emily, aged 7 when the experiment took place, had a reading speed of 49 correct words per minute (CWPM) without an overlay and 48 CWPM with the overlay. The overlays being referred to as dyslexia overlays can also be considered controversial because they do not only help people with dyslexia, but they can also be beneficial for people with dyspraxia and AD(H)D. What Colour Overlay is Best for Dyslexia? It is often the case that one person will benefit from overlays of one colour, and lenses of another colour. If lenses are to be worn, it is important that a separate professional assessment is carried out. There are two widespread approaches to testing for coloured lenses. One is carried out by a specialist optometrist using the "Intuitive colorimeter", a piece of equipment designed by Professor Arnold Wilkins in conjunction with the Medical Research Council and marketed by Cerium Visual Technologies, which will identify precisely the chromaticity of the illumination of a piece of text most effective in increasing reading speed, giving a measurement that is then used in prescribing tinted lenses. A list of recommended optometrists who test for coloured lenses with the Intuitive Colorimeter can be found here Beneficial colours should be compared side by side. If the choice remains unreliable, then one of the chosen colours should be given a trial for a period of a week, followed by one of the other colours. Alternatively, the Wilkins Rate of Reading Test® can be used, see 32. 28. Do children change their preferred colour? The use of Irlen Colored Overlays and filters may provide the fighting chance many at-risk readers deserve.”
In our view, children should be free to wear the glasses if they find it helpful to do so, but not encouraged to wear them if they would not otherwise do so. The response to colour is subjective and individual, and the wearer is the best person to judge whether there is any benefit. 20. Should children with binocular difficulties who are undergoing orthoptic eye exercises or other medical treatment continue to use overlays? Tyrrell, R., HoUand, K., Dennis, D. and Wilkins, A.J. (1995). Coloured overlays, visual discomfort, visual search and classroom reading. Journal of Research in Reading, 18(1), 10-23.
How Colored Overlays Help with Visual Distortion
Colored overlays are most effective for individuals whose difficulties are isolated to reading. If you experience challenges with writing, math, depth perception, night driving, or the environment, colored filters (worn as glasses) will be your best treatment option. However, colored overlays are an important first step in determining whether the Irlen Method can work for you and provide your first experience with relief.
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