Initially call Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome; Helen Irlen, an Educational Psychologist in the 1980’s, first identified Irlen’s Syndrome. Although the exact cause remains unknown, it is believed to originate in the retina of the eye or in the visual cortex of the brain. People with Irlen Syndrome tend to see words that are blurry, have patterns or appear to move on the page. The more the individual reads, the worse it seems to get. Coloured overlays and filters are used, because they appear to reduce the perceptual distortions and visual stress individuals experience.

Many people are unaware they have Irlen’s. It is most often confused for an optical problem. The problem is with processing, the inability, or weakness in processing visual information. It often is genetic and runs in families. It tends to go mis-diagnosed as a learning disability or dyslexia.

Symptoms of Irlen’s Syndrome can consist of the following:

  •  Trouble read words
  •  Weak concentration
  •  Headaches while reading
  •  Weaker academic performance
  •  Tires while reading
  •  Complains of eye strain while reading
  •  Depth perception is much weaker
  •  Often exhibits sensitivity to lights, especially fluorescent
  •  Can affect math performance
  •  Trouble focusing
  •  Weak or poor comprehension
  •  Reads in a strained word-by-word fashion and with hesitancy
  •  Difficulty tracking words on a line and often skip words
  •  Weaker written work
  •  Avoids reading
  •  Trouble copying
  •  Random letter sizes
  •  Random spacing
  •  Writing up or downhill
  •  Inconsistent spelling

 These symptoms are largely due to the fact that the print looks different to people with Irlen’s.

 Who can benefit?

Children and adults with reading and learning difficulties, low motivation, attention deficit disorder, or discipline problems are some of the people who can benefit from this service. Good readers and gifted students can benefit also.

 Testing

There is a 2-step process to identifying Irlen’s Syndrome, Problem identification, and Colour identification. Family members participate with their children in the evaluation. Colour, which is different for each person, is the key to the success of the program.

A certified, educational, professional trained person in the Irlen Method is required for an accurate diagnosis. Wearing the wrong colour can cause and/or worsen your problems.

Coloured lenses provided by and optometrist and/or vision specialist to treat reading problems are NOT the same as the Irlen Method. These professionals don’t have the right colours, or diagnostic process for colour selection. Inaccurate selection can result in headaches, eyestrain, and fragmented brain processing, resulting in more distortions and reading issues.

Find a centre near you: http://irlen.com/index.php?s=findclinic

Irlen’s Syndrome: http://irlen.com/

Irlen’s Syndrome: http://specialed.about.com/od/disabilities/a/Irlen.htm

Self-Tests: http://irlen.com/index.php?s=selftests

Written by Renee MacLachlan: March/09

**Please note: that this e-book is just to serve as an information resource, this is not to be used for diagnosis. If you have any medical concerns or questions, please see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.