Symptoms of Irlen Syndrome


Irlen Syndrome (also referred to at times as Meares-Irlen Syndrome, Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, and Visual Stress) is a perceptual processing disorder. It is not an optical problem. It is a problem with the brain’s ability to process visual information. This problem tends to run in families and is not currently identified by other standardized educational or medical tests. 

Writing Problems:

  • Trouble copying
  • Unequal spacing
  • Unequal letter size
  • Writing up or downhill
  • Inconsistent spelling


Other Characteristics:

  • Strain or fatigue from computer use
  • Difficulty reading music
  • Sloppy, careless math errors
  • Misaligned numbers in columns
  • Ineffective use of study time
  • Lack of motivation
  • Grades do not reflect the amount of effort


Depth Perception:

  • Clumsiness
  • Difficulty catching balls
  • Difficulty judging distances
  • Additional caution necessary while driving


Distortions:​

  • Words on the page lack clarity or stability; i.e., may appear to be blurry, moving, or disappear

Irlen Syndrome can affect many different areas, including:

Reading Problems:​

  • Poor comprehension
  • Misreads words
  • Problems tracking from line to line
  • Reads in dim light
  • Skips words or lines
  • Reads slowly or hesitantly
  • Takes breaks
  • Loses place
  • Avoids reading


Discomfort:

  • Strain and fatigue
  • Tired or sleepy
  • Headaches or nausea
  • Fidgety or restless
  • Eyes that hurt or become watery


Attention and Concentration Problems:

  • Problems with concentration when reading and doing academic tasks
  • Often people can appear to have other conditions, such as attention deficit disorder, and are given medication unnecessarily.

This problem can manifest itself differently for each individual. This problem is not remediable and is often a lifetime barrier to learning and performance. If you suffer from any of the following, Irlen Syndrome might be your problem:

Helen Irlen Discussed Irlen Syndrome


Sample Distortion

  • Academic and work performance
  • Behavior
  • Attention
  • Ability to sit still
  • Concentration
  • Print looks different
  • Environment looks different
  • Slow or inefficient reading
  • Poor comprehension
  • Eye strain
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty with math computation
  • Difficulty copying
  • Difficulty reading music
  • Poor sports performance
  • Poor depth-perception
  • Low motivation
  • Low self-esteem

What is Irlen Syndrome?

Light Sensitivity:

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  • Bothered by glare, fluorescent lights, bright lights, sunlight and sometimes lights at night
  • Some individuals experience physical symptoms and feel tired, sleepy, dizzy, anxious, or irritable. Others experience headaches, mood changes, restlessness or have difficulty staying focused, especially with bright or fluorescent lights.

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KEY FACT

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     Irlen Spectral Filters® are           individualized, precision-tinted lenses that filter out specific wavelengths of light, allowing the brain to process visual information correctly.


A functional and cellular medicine practice offering out-of-the-box solutions for modern health care needs. 

Correcting Irlen Syndrome can result in the following improvements:

  Better comprehension
  Read faster and longer
  Improved accuracy
  Reduced strain and fatigue
  Reduced headaches and migraines
  Improved flow and fluency
  Improved motivation
  Improved academic performance
  Better attention and comprehension
  Better self-esteem

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