What is Irlen Syndrome?
What are the symptoms?
What to look for
Treatment of Irlen Syndrome
Where to get help

What is Irlen Syndrome?

The Irlen Syndrome is a perceptual dysfunction principally affecting reading and writing-base activities.

Children and adults with the Irlen Syndrome put more energy and effort into the reading process because they see the printed page differently from the proficient reader. Constant adaptation to distortions from print or from the white background causes fatigue and discomfort and, more importantly, limits the length of time these people can read and maintain comprehension.

Those with the Irlen Syndrome may suffer from a slow reading rate, inefficient reading, poor reading comprehension, strain, fatigue and an inability to do continuous reading. The Irlen Syndrome can affect reading, attention span, energy level, motivation or work production. In addition, problems with handwriting and depth perception can result.

When the Irlen Syndrome goes undetected, students might be viewed as underachievers with behavioural, attitudinal or motivational problems. They often appear bright but fail to produce to a level considered appropriate, and may have been labelled as "dumb", "stupid" or "lazy".

Some individuals diagnosed as having specific learning difficulties, dyslexia, reading problems, or various developmental delays may also be suffering from the Irlen Syndrome.

The Irlen Syndrome is not, of itself, a learning difficulty in the accepted sense. It is a complex and variable condition often found to co-exist with learning difficulties. Treatment for the Irlen Syndrome does not eliminate the need for remedial help.

Symptoms of the Irlen Syndrome may remain undetected by standard visual and medical examinations, educational and psychological evaluations and other school related tests.

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What are the symptoms?

Light Sensitivity
A sensitivity to glare, brightness and intensity of various lighting conditions, especially fluorescent lighting. Reactions may include discomfort and difficulty concentrating while reading and working under fluorescent lights and driving at night.

Inadequate background accommodation
The inability to accommodate black/white contrast in contexts including sheet music, maths pages and textbooks. Reports include the inability to tolerate the background which may appear to glare, interfere or dominate, making print less readable.

Difficulty with print resolution
The inability to read the print easily and free from perceptual distortions, whether involving words, numerals or musical notes. Problems include, but are not limited to, print that seems to shift, move or disappear.

Restricted span of recognition
The inability to read groups of letters, notes, numerals or words at the same time. Difficulties include an inability to track, identify words, skim or speed read.

Difficulty with sustained attention
Limited concentration while reading, writing or working on a computer. Problems reported include requiring frequent breaks, drowsiness, becoming restless or needing to use strategies to stay on task.

Poor depth perception
The inability to judge distance and spatial relationships accurately. Reported problems include difficulty with escalators, walking up and down stairs, bumping into things, driving judgment, poor ball sport performance and difficulty judging differences in height and depth.

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What to look for...

General reading characteristics

Reading in dim lighting
Skipping words or lines
Slow or hesitant reading
Deteriorating reading
Poor reading comprehension
Inability to read for long periods
Misreading words
Trouble keeping place
Avoidance of reading

Complaints while reading

General strain and fatigue
Headaches or nausea
Drowsiness
Eye strain
Indistinct print
Uncomfortably bright background

General writing characteristics

Writing up or downhill
Unequal spacing
Errors when copying
Inconsistent spelling

General mathematics characteristics

Sloppy or careless errors
Misaligned number in columns

Musical problems

Difficulty reading music
Playing better by ear

Depth perception

Clumsiness and poor concentration
Difficulty catching balls
Difficulty judging distances
Extreme caution while driving

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Treatment of Irlen Syndrome

The Irlen Syndrome is a perceptual dysfunction caused by sensitivity to light rather than visual problems. It is therefore a requirement that, before Irlen assessments are undertaken, a full eye examination and any necessary treatment is carried out by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Research has shown that there could be a defect in one of the visual pathways to the brain. This leads to a lack or synchronisation in processing visual information. This can result in letters and words appearing to blur, "jump off the page" or become fused. Neurological opinion suggests that be selectively reducing the input of specific wavelengths of light, the Irlen Filter technique allows the brain to more effectively analyse visual information. For those who have the Irlen Syndrome, the brain finds it difficult to process full spectral light. This causes interference and perceptual distortions which disrupt the ease and efficiency of the reading process.

The treatment technique developed by Helen Irlen consists of altering the problem light waves through the use of coloured filters or coloured overlays.

Irlen Filters modify the light spectrum in order to improve reading rate, comprehension and/or sustained attention for those with the Irlen Syndrome. After an intensive reading-related diagnostic assessment, the most beneficial filter can be determined from an almost limitless number of colour combinations.

Treatment with Irlen Filters will not teach someone to read, but may rectify a situation that has prevented reading progress.

Clinical evidence shows that for nearly half of those with reading problems, the Irlen Syndrome is one piece of the puzzle. Those treated experience a high success rate, including benefits such as improved reading accuracy and comprehension, increased duration of sustained reading and work periods, increased reading speeds and a reduction in strain and fatigue, headaches, migraines and nausea which used to accompany academic and work performance.

Additional benefits reported by parents, children and adults include improved self-esteem and improved academic and work performance.

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Where to get help

Anstice Optometrists is the authorised Irlen Clinic in the central South Island.

To make an appointment for an assessment or for more information, please see our contact details.

To look for other Irlen Clinics in New Zealand and around the world, please go to www.irlen.com.

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Home Sports Vision Irlen Syndrome Colour Blindness Orthokeratology Visual Training Contact Us			What is Irlen Syndrome? What are the symptoms? What to look for Treatment of Irlen Syndrome Where to get help What is Irlen Syndrome? The Irlen Syndrome is a perceptual dysfunction principally affecting reading and writing-base activities. Children and adults with the Irlen Syndrome put more energy and effort into the reading process because they see the printed page differently from the proficient reader. Constant adaptation to distortions from print or from the white background causes fatigue and discomfort and, more importantly, limits the length of time these people can read and maintain comprehension. Those with the Irlen Syndrome may suffer from a slow reading rate, inefficient reading, poor reading comprehension, strain, fatigue and an inability to do continuous reading. The Irlen Syndrome can affect reading, attention span, energy level, motivation or work production. In addition, problems with handwriting and depth perception can result. When the Irlen Syndrome goes undetected, students might be viewed as underachievers with behavioural, attitudinal or motivational problems. They often appear bright but fail to produce to a level considered appropriate, and may have been labelled as "dumb", "stupid" or "lazy". Some individuals diagnosed as having specific learning difficulties, dyslexia, reading problems, or various developmental delays may also be suffering from the Irlen Syndrome. The Irlen Syndrome is not, of itself, a learning difficulty in the accepted sense. It is a complex and variable condition often found to co-exist with learning difficulties. Treatment for the Irlen Syndrome does not eliminate the need for remedial help. Symptoms of the Irlen Syndrome may remain undetected by standard visual and medical examinations, educational and psychological evaluations and other school related tests. Top of page What are the symptoms? Light Sensitivity A sensitivity to glare, brightness and intensity of various lighting conditions, especially fluorescent lighting. Reactions may include discomfort and difficulty concentrating while reading and working under fluorescent lights and driving at night. Inadequate background accommodation The inability to accommodate black/white contrast in contexts including sheet music, maths pages and textbooks. Reports include the inability to tolerate the background which may appear to glare, interfere or dominate, making print less readable. Difficulty with print resolution The inability to read the print easily and free from perceptual distortions, whether involving words, numerals or musical notes. Problems include, but are not limited to, print that seems to shift, move or disappear. Restricted span of recognition The inability to read groups of letters, notes, numerals or words at the same time. Difficulties include an inability to track, identify words, skim or speed read. Difficulty with sustained attention Limited concentration while reading, writing or working on a computer. Problems reported include requiring frequent breaks, drowsiness, becoming restless or needing to use strategies to stay on task. Poor depth perception The inability to judge distance and spatial relationships accurately. Reported problems include difficulty with escalators, walking up and down stairs, bumping into things, driving judgment, poor ball sport performance and difficulty judging differences in height and depth. Top of page What to look for... General reading characteristics Reading in dim lighting Skipping words or lines Slow or hesitant reading Deteriorating reading Poor reading comprehension Inability to read for long periods Misreading words Trouble keeping place Avoidance of reading Complaints while reading General strain and fatigue Headaches or nausea Drowsiness Eye strain Indistinct print Uncomfortably bright background General writing characteristics Writing up or downhill Unequal spacing Errors when copying Inconsistent spelling General mathematics characteristics Sloppy or careless errors Misaligned number in columns Musical problems Difficulty reading music Playing better by ear Depth perception Clumsiness and poor concentration Difficulty catching balls Difficulty judging distances Extreme caution while driving Top of page Treatment of Irlen Syndrome The Irlen Syndrome is a perceptual dysfunction caused by sensitivity to light rather than visual problems. It is therefore a requirement that, before Irlen assessments are undertaken, a full eye examination and any necessary treatment is carried out by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Research has shown that there could be a defect in one of the visual pathways to the brain. This leads to a lack or synchronisation in processing visual information. This can result in letters and words appearing to blur, "jump off the page" or become fused. Neurological opinion suggests that be selectively reducing the input of specific wavelengths of light, the Irlen Filter technique allows the brain to more effectively analyse visual information. For those who have the Irlen Syndrome, the brain finds it difficult to process full spectral light. This causes interference and perceptual distortions which disrupt the ease and efficiency of the reading process. The treatment technique developed by Helen Irlen consists of altering the problem light waves through the use of coloured filters or coloured overlays. Irlen Filters modify the light spectrum in order to improve reading rate, comprehension and/or sustained attention for those with the Irlen Syndrome. After an intensive reading-related diagnostic assessment, the most beneficial filter can be determined from an almost limitless number of colour combinations. Treatment with Irlen Filters will not teach someone to read, but may rectify a situation that has prevented reading progress. Clinical evidence shows that for nearly half of those with reading problems, the Irlen Syndrome is one piece of the puzzle. Those treated experience a high success rate, including benefits such as improved reading accuracy and comprehension, increased duration of sustained reading and work periods, increased reading speeds and a reduction in strain and fatigue, headaches, migraines and nausea which used to accompany academic and work performance. Additional benefits reported by parents, children and adults include improved self-esteem and improved academic and work performance. Top of page Where to get help Anstice Optometrists is the authorised Irlen Clinic in the central South Island. To make an appointment for an assessment or for more information, please see our contact details. To look for other Irlen Clinics in New Zealand and around the world, please go to www.irlen.com. Top of page

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