Irlen Symptoms
Each person with Irlen Syndrome has an individual combination of the MAIN Irlen symptoms explained below.
Symptoms can change in severity or onset speed depending on the lighting and brain load.
The Irlen Method provides a platform to tailor the diagnostics for that person, so achieving the best spectral filter colour to address ALL symptoms in ALL lighting environments
REMEMBER - A person does not need to have all the symptoms to have Irlen. Some people have just one symptom whilst others can have most or all symptoms.
What is Irlen Syndrome?
Irlen Syndrome causes a variety of symptoms including visual processing deficits and light sensitivity. This is a brain processing problem and not a vision problem corrected with conventional glasses. Vision perception is a higher order processing of visual information and involves the brain’s ability to accurately understand, process and use visual information easily and efficiently without stress.
Those with Irlen do not handle all colours of light equally.
Irlen Spectral Filters
When worn as coloured tinted glasses, Irlen Spectral Filters are the preferred solution for those having significant page distortions or discomfort. They are also essential when bright or artificial lighting increases distortions or discomfort or induces new symptoms.
Irlen Overlays
Initial or minor correction, can be achieved by using only Irlen coloured overlays, coloured paper and by modifying electronic devices to make text easier to read. Of course this will not help with lighting induced problems.
Light Sensitivity
LIGHT SENSITIVITY. Individuals who can be helped by the Irlen Method do not like florescent lighting and prefer dim lighting. Staying focused with listening or reading under florescent lights is more difficult and can even cause strain and discomfort. Most individuals with Irlen Syndrome prefer to read in dim lighting; although some need bright lights to read
Reading Problems
PROBLEMS READING ON WHITE PAPER. Individuals who can be helped with the Irlen Method cannot read for long periods and take breaks or prefer to read newspapers and magazines. Reading on white paper is uncomfortable and often requires rereading for comprehension. The white page may be glary or compete with the black print, making the letters less readable. The same problems can occur with numbers and musical notes.
INEFFICIENT READING. Individuals with Irlen Syndrome have difficulty reading print, numbers or musical notes because the print is not clear or stable. Problems may include print that shifts, shakes, blurs, moves, runs together, disappears or becomes difficult to perceive. Many individuals have never seen print correctly and are not aware that the way they see the printed page is not clear or stable. They think everyone sees the page the way that they do.
SLOW READING RATE. Individuals who can be helped may have problems tracking, a slow reading rate, word-by-word reading, or have an inability to speed-read. Individuals often use their finger or a marker when reading
Attention & Concentration
PROBLEMS WITH ATTENTION & CONCENTRATION. Problems in concentration when reading, writing, or working on the computer may be due to Irlen Syndrome. The individual may have difficulty staying on task, take frequent breaks, and become restless, fidgety or tired when doing reading, studying, or doing other visual tasks
Strain & Fatigue
STRAIN OR FATIGUE. Individuals who are helped with Irlen Spectral Filters often experience discomfort. Individuals may become tired; others experience headaches, dizzy, sleepy, anxious, irritable, and fidgety or have an inability to stay focused. Discomfort can interfere with the length of time and ease of reading, studying, or doing homework making breaks necessary
Headaches & Migraines
HEADACHES, MIGRAINES, stomachaches, dizziness and fatigue are a few of the physical symptoms which may be alleviated by the Irlen Method. These symptoms can have a variety of triggers, and those who benefit from wearing Irlen Spectral Filters may demonstrate the following problems:
Discomfort in sunlight
Discomfort in bright lights or fluorescent lights
Prefer dim lighting
Bothered by headlights at night
Bothered by glare
Discomfort with computer use
Stress or strain with sustained reading
Stress or strain from visually-intensive activities
Difficulty looking at stripes or patterns
Certain colors are bright and bothersome
Snow, rain, and hazy days can appear to be glary
Print or Environmental Distortions
Words on the page lack clarity or stability; i.e., may appear to be blurry, moving, or disappear.
Some individuals do not see objects with stability and correct position.
Depth Perception
Poor spatial or body awareness
Light sensitivity
Difficulties with stairs, escalators, or catching balls
Poor small or gross motor coordination
The Irlen Method provides a unique service for some children and adults identified with reading and learning difficulties, low motivation, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), discipline problems, headaches and migraines, autism, and traumatic brain injury. The symptoms of Irlen Syndrome are wide-ranging, but our technology focuses on one core problem: the brain’s inability to process visual information. You don’t have to have a diagnosed reading or learning problem benefit from the Irlen Method.
Even good readers and gifted students can be helped