Understanding Irlen Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Sign In

All Posts Conditions About

Explore Over 11,000+ Conditions, Medications, and Symptoms.

Get a personalized feed by signing up for free.

All Conditions

Irlen Syndrome

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

Additional names

This group contains additional names: - Meares-Irlen Syndrome

General

Irlen Syndrome, is a perceptual disorder characterized by difficulties with visual processing. It is believed to be caused by a sensitivity to certain wavelengths of light, particularly in the blue and green spectrums.

7 people with Irlen Syndrome are on Alike.

"Alike is the place to get answers from people who firsthand share your health challenges"

Signs & symptoms

Individuals with Irlen Syndrome may experience a range of symptoms, including visual distortions, light sensitivity, headaches, fatigue, difficulty reading, and poor depth perception. These symptoms can be particularly pronounced when looking at printed text on a white background, such as in books or on computer screens.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Irlen Syndrome typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified professional, such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist, who has received specialized training in the disorder. The evaluation process may involve several tests, including: * Symptom Survey: The individual may be asked to complete a survey or questionnaire about their symptoms, such as headaches, eye strain, and reading difficulties. * Screening Tests: Screening tests, such as the Irlen Diagnostic Screener or the Visual Stress Screening Test, may be administered to assess the individual's sensitivity to light and their ability to perceive certain patterns and shapes. * Color Overlays: The individual may be asked to look at text through a series of colored overlays to determine whether this improves their ability to read and reduces symptoms. * Precision Tinted Lenses: If a positive response is observed to the use of color overlays, precision tinted lenses may be prescribed to provide more permanent relief. It is important to note that a diagnosis of Irlen Syndrome should only be made by a qualified professional, and that the use of colored lenses or overlays should be carefully evaluated and monitored by an eye care specialist.

Treatment

The treatment for Irlen Syndrome typically involves the use of colored filters or lenses to reduce visual stress and improve reading ability. This treatment is known as "color therapy" or "precision tinting." During the color therapy process, the individual is provided with a range of colored overlays or lenses that are designed to filter out specific wavelengths of light that may be causing visual stress. The optimal color is determined through a series of tests that evaluate the individual's perception of contrast, clarity, and comfort. Once the optimal color has been identified, the individual may be provided with precision-tinted lenses or glasses that are designed to filter out the problematic wavelengths of light. These lenses may be worn for reading, computer use, or other activities that may cause visual stress. In addition to color therapy, other strategies may be recommended to manage symptoms of Irlen Syndrome, such as reducing glare and using good lighting, taking regular breaks during reading or computer use, and using large print or high contrast text. It's important to note that treatment for Irlen Syndrome should be tailored to the individual and monitored by a qualified eye care professional.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

Alike Wisdom

Instantly get answers to medical questions with our AI, built from the collective wisdom of our community facing similar experiences

Alike is a transformative platform that goes beyond just bringing together patients; it meticulously connects individuals based on multiple critical factors, such as age, gender, comorbidities, medications, diet, and more, fostering a community of knowledge, support and empathy.

About Alike Wisdom Blog FAQ Editorial Team All Conditions All Posts All Communities Support

Your Privacy Stories Community Guidelines Terms of Use Privacy Policy Helplines Contact Us Group Chats Guidelines Moderation Process