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.

Lighting

Individuals who can be helped by the Irlen Method do not like florescent/artificial 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

Discomfort

Feeling uncomfortable and fatigue are often reported which may be alleviated by the Irlen Method. These issues 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 colours 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