What is Irlen Syndrome?

Overview

Irlen Syndrome, also known as Scotopic Sensitivity, is a perceptual processing disorder which affects how the brain perceives light. It occurs when the brain’s sensitivity to particular light wavelengths prevents it from correctly processing visual information from the eyes. The brain becomes overactive when exposed to particular wavelengths of light, resulting in visual sensory overload. Sometimes this can also appear as light sensitivity, but is it much more complex than that.

Often mis-diagnosed as dyslexia, ADHD, or behavioural problems, Irlen Syndrome affects between 11-14% of the general population, and about 60% of those with other learning difficulties.

Irlen Syndrome affects the way that individuals process visual information, which means they see things different to how they really appear. The visual system causes normal things we see to become distorted affecting the way individuals go about their daily tasks and can manifest in a whole range of different ways. Words can appear to be flashing, moving, blurring, or doubling up on a page. For some people the letters can swirl, shimmer, appear three dimensional or even seem to lift off or sink into the page. Individuals with Irlen tire more easily from routine tasks involving vision as the brain requires significant effort to process and make sense of sensory information. As a result, simple tasks such as reading can become extremely challenging. This over-activity of the brain contributes to the diverse symptoms often associated with the condition.

Physical symptoms can include:

Sensitivity to light
Eye strain
Watery eyes and a need to rub them
Headaches and migraines
Fatigue
Nausea, motion sickness or dizziness

Visual symptoms can include:

Text moving on the page
Difficulty focussing on the right text
Blurred vision
Sensations of swirling, flashing, moving text
Difficulty viewing patterns or contrasting colours
Text jumping off the page, or sinking into it
Difficulty judging the speed and distance of objects

Associated disorders

Irlen Syndrome is often associated with dyslexia due to their shared symptoms, but they are actually separate disorders. That doesn’t mean that some individuals won’t have both disabilities. There is a significant crossover with other sensory or attention processing disorders such as ADHD, audio-processing disorder, or autistic spectrum disorders. In addition, it can be synonymous with other learning disorders such as dyspraxia (a developmental coordination disorder), dysgraphia (a condition which impairs writing ability), and dyscalculia (difficulty learning or understanding mathematics). The impact on individuals is immense and for some, it may serve as a lifelong obstacle to learning and achievement.

Causes

In most cases, people are born with Irlen Syndrome as it is a hereditary disorder. However, other events such as concussions, strokes, or head injuries from sport or service in the military can affect visual processing regions of the brain, leading to the development of the disorder. It is thought that 35% of individuals with Irlen Syndrome have suffered a concussion or traumatic brain injury. Unfortunately it is common for individuals to experience difficulties in many different areas of life, before being diagnosed as having Irlen Syndrome. This is why early diagnosis and treatment is essential to improve sight and perception and relieve symptomatic difficulties.

Impact of Irlen Syndrome on general livelihood and wellbeing

Since vision plays a large role in all of our lives, especially in the realms of learning and education, Irlen Syndrome can hinder an individual’s ability to progress in many areas.

Numerous aspects of life are impacted by Irlen Syndrome, including:

Academic and work performance
Behaviour
Attention and concentration difficulties
Individual’s ability to sit still
Physical environment can appear differently
Slow or inefficient reading, especially print with smaller text and many lines
Difficulty writing neatly or staying on the line
Poor comprehension
Poor depth-perception: things may appear closer or further than they actually are
Decreased motivation
Poor self-esteem and confidence
Increased anxiety levels
Nausea and the sensation of motion sickness even when not moving

Treatment

The encouraging news is that Irlen Syndrome can be treated! Diagnosis and treatment involves a combination of screening tests with a certified practitioner as well as a comprehensive eye examination with an optometrist. This process leads to the creation of customised glasses, which filter out the wavelengths of light that are problematic for the individual.

When these individually-prescribed, precision-tinted coloured filters are worn, cognitive activity can return to normal as it can more easily make sense of the visual information that it receives. By easing the strain on the brain’s sensory processing pathways, this enables clients to resume their normal activities with corrected eyesight. Additionally, brain imaging studies have shown that these personalised spectrum glasses filter visual information in a way which helps to relax and stabilise brain activity. As a result, this may help to improve their abilities and performance in various activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can children be tested?

The general rule is from 7 years of age. Children under 7 often have difficulty comprehending the questions and what is required during testing. However, every child is different. Contact Sam if you have a child under 7 and she’ll recommend some strategies until they are old enough.

How did I get Irlen Syndrome?

For most cases of Irlen Syndrome, it is hereditary. Clients often have a parent, sibling, or cousin with Irlen Syndrome. Sometimes though, Irlen Syndrome is the result of illness or trauma. People who have experienced a stroke, concussions, traumatic brain injury, and repeated blast exposure (such as those in military service) may also experience symptoms of Irlen Syndrome.

What if my child has Autism or ADHD?

Not a problem! Sam is experienced in working with all sorts of people – and some years ago, actually worked as a therapist with children who had autism. Irlen Syndrome sits among other neuro-diverse diagnoses, so you’ll be in good hands.

What if I am colour blind?

If you have a colour vision deficiency, your eyes are missing one (or more) colour receptors. This means that you will have trouble identifying and distinguishing between different colours. Messages still travel from your eyes down the visual pathways in the same way as someone with full colour vision. You can have Irlen Syndrome and have a colour deficiency, and testing will work in the same way.

Can't I just get coloured glasses or contact lenses from my optometrist?

No. What makes Irlen Filters work is the patented testing process which can identify the individual’s symptoms and determine the correct colour to eliminate the problems. Only certified Irlen diagnosticians are trained in this process. Eye specialists and optometrists do not have the testing methods or range of colours needed to correct problems of how the brain processes visual information.

I've seen my optometrist, but I don't need glasses. Could I still have Irlen Syndrome?

Yes! An eye test with the optometrist inspects your vision and how your eyes work together. The tests also include checks on eye health for things like cataracts, glaucoma, and macula degeneration. While the eye exam focuses on eye health and vision, Irlen Syndrome is about how the brain interprets what the eyes are seeing. So it is entirely possible to have no vision prescription for glasses, and have Irlen Syndrome.

I've just purchased new glasses. Will I need to buy another pair now?

Unless your optometrist knew your glasses might need to be tinted for Irlen Syndrome, they likely didn’t use a lens type that is suitable for tinting. If you wear a visual prescription in your glasses, it is often recommended to have a clear pair, as well as your tinted ones. There are some situations where your tinted glasses may not be ideal – such as having your photo taken, or driving at night.

I don't have trouble seeing things on the page, but I do have light sensitivity. Can Irlen filters help me?

Absolutely! The following is a list of some conditions whose symptoms include light sensitivity, processing difficulties, and sensory overload and which have been helped by the Irlen Method: Autism Spectrum Disorder Sensory Processing Disorders Dyslexia, Dyspraxia , Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia Low Vision/Visually Impaired Light-Induced Epilepsy Depression Anxiety Strokes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Auto Immune Diseases Multiple Sclerosis Cerebral Palsy Fibromyalgia Viral Illnesses Tourette Syndrome Lyme Disease Agoraphobia WARNING: CHECK WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN AS MEDICAL CONDITIONS MAY NEED TO BE ADDRESSED.

Has the Irlen method been researched?

Yes. There have been many research papers and studies published in peer-reviewed journals including studies on changes to reading rate, accuracy, and comprehension. As well as this, there is medical and biochemical research documenting the existence of Irlen Syndrome, and the positive changes experienced by wearing Irlen Filters. Irlen Research about the research here.