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Stressed Man suffering from visual stress

Visual Stress

What is Visual Stress?

Visual stress (Meares Irlen Syndrome) is a light-sensitive condition that contributes and emphasises visual perceptual problems. Adults or children who suffer from this condition often have difficulty focusing on closely designed patterns and stripes. Visual stress may not be seen as a serious issue until it comes to coping with small black text on a white background or when reading large volumes of text. Sometimes, but not always, the condition can be related to dyslexia.

Symptoms of Visual Stress

Sometimes the signs are not obvious. People can have near perfect vision but still experience the effects of visual stress:

  • Headaches

  • Blurring or movement of print

  • Tiredness after reading

  • Size of letters changing

  • Illusion of colour on the page

  • Eyestrain


In children it is important to look out for signs they could be experiencing visual stress. Things to look out for include:
 

  • Losing concentration when reading

  • Muddling words or lines when reading

  • Moving closer or further away from the page

  • Rubbing of the eyes

  • Excessive blinking

  • Red eyes- particularly after reading

kid suffering from visual stress

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in the accurate and fluent reading, writing and spelling of words. Quite often, dyslexia can go unnoticed in a child until they reach school age, where their ability to read or write would be of a lower standard to that of a child who does not suffer from dyslexia.

 

Many children who suffer from visual stress and/or dyslexia are unaware that they see the page differently to others as they assume that what they see is normal. It is important to note that our Optometrists cannot diagnose dyslexia. This must be done formally by a certified assessor such as a specialist teacher with an assessment practising certificate (APC) or a registered psychologist.

kid using colours to help combat visual stress

How We Can Help

Visual stress is not an optical problem; therefore, it isn’t something that can just be corrected with prescription spectacles.

Following a full eye examination, an initial, digital assessment will establish the individual’s reading ability. The result of this assessment will have determined a specific colour filter overlay. This overlay is then tested to confirm the findings and whether an improvement to the reading abilities can be made.

 

If the individual requires assistance with reading AND writing, a second appointment may be needed for a full ChromaGen assessment. The outcome of this assessment will allow us to individually prescribe separate colour filters for each eye. Once the ‘best’ colours are established for each individual eye, the reading and writing assessment will be repeated to see if there have been any improvements.​

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What Happens After a Colour Overlay Assessment?

The specific tint that reduces visual discomfort, distortion of text and/or headaches, will now have been accurately determined. We will now be able to advise on the best colour filter solution for the individual’s requirements. The solutions include coloured spectacle lenses, contact lenses or overlay filters. Thereafter, regular eye examinations are recommended to ensure the eyes are healthy, the prescription is stable, and the recommended colour filters are working

At Anstee + Proctor, we endeavour to do all we can to help make reading and writing more comfortable and ultimately reduce visual stress, making life more enjoyable. Speak to us today to see how we can help you and your child!

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