Irlen syndrome

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Irlen syndrome
Pseudomedical diagnosis
RisksNocebo

Irlen syndrome (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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Tosta, Sandra; Ferreira, Mauricio; Lewine, Jeffrey; Anderson, Adam (23 February 2024). "Individualized spectral filters alleviate persistent photophobia, headaches and migraines in active duty military and Veterans following brain trauma". Brain Injury. 38 (3): 177–185. doi:10.1080/02699052.2024.2309253. ISSN 0269-9052. PMID 38334039.
  2. ^ a b BarNir, Aviva; Shaked, Haya; Elad, Shulamit; Tosta, Sandra (2023). "Evidence for Overlapping Visual Processing Difficulties in Adult ADHD and Visual Stress". Perceptual and Motor Skills. 130 (5): 2087–2105. doi:10.1177/00315125231192809. ISSN 0031-5125.
  3. ^ a b c Chouinard, Brea D.; Zhou, Crystal I.; Hrybouski, Stanislau; Kim, Esther S.; Cummine, Jacqueline (July 2012). "A Functional Neuroimaging Case Study of Meares–Irlen Syndrome/Visual Stress (MISViS)". Brain Topography. 25 (3): 293–307. doi:10.1007/s10548-011-0212-z. ISSN 0896-0267.
  4. ^ a b c Kim, Ji Hyun; Seo, Hye-Jin; Ha, Suk-Gyu; Kim, Seung-Hyun (2015). "Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Meares-Irlen Syndrome: A Pilot Sudy". Korean Journal of Ophthalmology. 29 (2): 121–125. doi:10.3341/kjo.2015.29.2.121. ISSN 1011-8942. PMC 4369514. PMID 25829829.
  5. ^ a b Huang, Jie; Zong, Xiaopeng; Wilkins, Arnold; Jenkins, Brian; Bozoki, Andrea; Cao, Yue (2011). "fMRI evidence that precision ophthalmic tints reduce cortical hyperactivation in migraine". Cephalalgia. 31 (8): 925–936. doi:10.1177/0333102411409076. ISSN 0333-1024. PMC 3132147. PMID 21622479.
  6. ^ Evans, Bruce J.W.; Allen, Peter M. (2016). "A systematic review of controlled trials on visual stress using Intuitive Overlays or the Intuitive Colorimeter". Journal of Optometry. 9 (4): 205–218. doi:10.1016/j.optom.2016.04.002. PMC 5030324. PMID 27425262.
  7. ^ Lopes, Valéria Prata; Vilhena, Douglas de Araújo; Guimarães, Ricardo Queiroz; Guimarães, Márcia Reis (25 March 2022). "Análise dos movimentos oculares de adultos com estresse visual na leitura". Research, Society and Development (in Portuguese). 11 (4): e50511427658. doi:10.33448/rsd-v11i4.27658. ISSN 2525-3409.
  8. ^ Vilhena, Douglas de Araújo; Guimarães, Márcia Reis; Guimarães, Ricardo Queiroz; Pinheiro, Ângela Maria Vieira (3 June 2020). "Effect of spectral overlays on visual parameters and reading ability: an integrative review". Revista CEFAC. 22 (3): e17519. doi:10.1590/1982-0216/202022317519. ISSN 1516-1846.
  9. ^ Noble, Jeanne; Orton, Michelle; Irlen, Sandra; Robinson, Greg (2004). "A controlled field study of the use of coloured overlays on reading achievement". Australian Journal of Learning Disabilities. 9 (2): 14–22. doi:10.1080/19404150409546760. ISSN 1324-8928.
  10. ^ Irlen, H (1983). "Successful treatment of learning disabilities". 91st Annual Convention of the American Psychologists Association.
  11. ^ "The University of Newcastle, Australia". www.newcastle.edu.au. 13 November 2015. Archived from the original on 12 January 2007.
  12. ^ "Association Founder". Archived from the original on 25 January 2014. Retrieved 2014-03-28.
  13. ^ "Conference Papers". Archived from the original on 25 January 2014. Retrieved 2014-03-28.
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