What is Irlen Syndrome?
Irlen Syndrome is a visual processing problem which appears to be caused by a defect in one of the visual pathways that carries messages from the eye to the brain. This defect causes a timing fault in processing visual information. It is as if the brain was a radio and the frequency selector was not quite on the station so that static interfered with the reception. Irlen Syndrome cannot be identified through standard psychological, educational or optometric testing. It is not an ophthalmological or optometric problem but may coexist with it.
The eyes transmit 70% of the information an individual receives and must be interpreted correctly by the brain. Any problem in the way the brain processes visual information can cause difficulties in the general ability to function, specifically processing, interpreting and interacting with the environment.
Irlen Syndrome can affect both adults and children, manifesting itself differently for each individual, and interfering with a range of activities which can be a lifetime barrier to learning, for example:
Academic and work performance
Behaviour
Attention
Ability to sit still
Concentration
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Brain in the News
Signs and Symptoms of Irlen Syndrome
There are a variety of signs and symptoms of Irlen Syndrome including: Light Sensitivity Issues, Reading Difficulties, Print Distortions, Spelling Problems, Concentration and/or Behaviour issues, Writing Challenges, Depth Perception Difficulties, Eye Strain, Headaches, Migraines, Fatigue, Low Self Esteem, Anxiety.
Light Sensitivity
Bothered by glare, fluorescent lights, bright lights, sunlight and sometimes lights at night.
When in bright or fluorescent lights some individuals experience physical symptoms. They can feel tired, sleepy, dizzy, anxious or irritable. Others experience headaches, mood changes, restlessness or have difficulty staying focused.
Reading Problems
Skip words or lines, repeat lines, lose place, miss the punctuation
Problems tracking from line to line
Misread words, do not recognise common words/sight words
Read slowly or hesitantly
Inefficient reading
Poor comprehension, needs to reread for understanding
Prefer to read in dim light
Avoid reading
Become easily distracted while reading
Print Distortions
Words lack clarity or stability - they may blur, move, double, look three dimensional, squash together, appear faded or disappear
Eye Strain, Discomfort
Eyes may hurt, burn, itch, water, feel dry or sleepy, look red, strain
Rub eyes while reading
Strain and/or fatigue when reading, using computer or working under bright or fluorescent light
Headaches, migraines
Nausea, dizziness
Spelling Difficulty
Use the correct letters but in the wrong position
May reverse letters and small words
Forget common words
Attention, Concentration and Behaviour Problems
Difficulty with concentration when reading and completing academic tasks
Easily distracted, lack of motivation, poor attitude to learning, frustration
Fidgety or restless when reading
Often people can appear to have other conditions, such as attention deficit disorder. Some may be prescribed medication unnecessarily.
Writing Problems
Trouble copying
Unequal spacing, unequal letter size
Writing up or downhill
Inconsistent spelling
Other Characteristics
Sloppy, careless maths errors, misaligned numbers in maths columns
Difficulty reading music
Ineffective use of study time
Grades do not reflect the amount of effort
Low self esteem
Anxiety
Fatigue
Fatigued after work or school