Irlen syndrome (is also known as scotopic sensitivity syndrome, visual stress, and light-based visual processing problems) is a visual processing deficit related to a hyper-reactive visual cortex that can lead to a variety of documented physical and visual symptoms. ^{[1] [2] [3] [4]} Some skepticism of the concept still exists; however, current neuroscience research has successfully documented differences in brain function among this population versus those without the condition. ^{[3] [4] [5]} Early research on Irlen syndrome produced mixed results; ^[6] however, the overwhelming majority of studies conducted over the last 40 years have documented the benefits of using precision-tinted colored lenses to address a variety of related symptomology, including: reduction in physical symptoms that include headaches, migraines, eye strain, fatigue, and light sensitivity; ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [7] [8]} and improved functioning and success in both academia and the workplace. ^[9]

The condition was proposed in the 1980s. ^[10]

Irlen method

The Irlen method uses colored overlays and tinted lenses in the form of glasses or contact lenses. The method is intended to correct visual processing problems; it is claimed the resultant retiming of visual signals in the brain improves symptoms associated with Irlen syndrome. ^[11]

Research directions

In Australia, Irlen syndrome was researched by Paul Whiting at the University of Sydney. Whiting set up the first Irlen Dyslexia Centre in Australia, which operated in the Children's Centre at Sydney University for more than 15 years. ^[12] Irlen syndrome was also studied in Australia by Greg Robinson (1944–2008) at the University of Newcastle. He was director of the Special Education Centre at the School of Education. ^[13]

History

In 1980, New Zealand teacher Olive Meares described the visual distortions some individuals reported when reading from white paper. In 1983, while working under a federal research grant at the California State University of Long Beach, American psychologist, Helen Irlen, thought that filtering the visual information before reaching the brain through the use of either colored overlays or spectral filters (worn as glasses), could allow the brain to correctly process the visual information it received. They thought that in doing so, these colored overlays and spectral filters could eliminate symptoms associated with Irlen syndrome. Similar symptoms were separately described by Meares and Irlen, each unaware of the other's work. Irlen, who was the first to systematically define the condition, named the condition " scotopic sensitivity syndrome," though in years following, some referred to it as Meares-Irlen syndrome, Irlen syndrome, and visual stress.^{[ citation needed]}

See also

• Alternative therapies for developmental and learning disabilities – Includes changes in diet, supplements, biofeedback, and yoga.
• Dyslexia – Specific learning disability characterized by troubles with reading

References