Have you ever tried reading a page, only to have the text seem to shake, move, or disappear?
Are you bothered by sunlight, glare, or headlights?
Do you experience eye strain when using your phone or computer?
These issues might seem like typical eye problems, but they could actually indicate perception issues known as Irlen Syndrome.
In this article, we'll explore Irlen Syndrome and its symptoms and share with you some effective strategies to manage it so you can enjoy reading and other activities without discomfort.
What is Irlen Syndrome?
Irlen Syndrome is a perceptual processing disorder that affects your brain’s ability to process and understand visual information due to light sensitivity.Â
This disrupts how the brain processes visual information from the eye, making it difficult for you to understand what you see.
This syndrome is also believed to affect 14% of people in the U.S., making it more common than asthma or heart disease.
People with Irlen Syndrome have trouble reading and understanding printed text because the letters and words appear to be distorted, swirling and falling off the page like an optical illusion.Â
This makes reading a complex and exhausting task, which results in low academic performance and poor comprehension, especially in children.
In fact, research has shown that 46% of children with reading and learning difficulties have Irlen Syndrome.Â
Most of the time, these children are labeled as underachievers with motivational and attitude problems.Â
People with Irlen Syndrome also see objects — such as escalators or stairs — in different locations, or as closer or farther away than they actually are.
Certain colors also irritate their brain, and every time they process a visual input or text, it results in headaches, fatigue, and inability to focus.
Because of these problems, people with Irlen Syndrome are at higher risk of getting anxiety and depression.Â
Why does this happen?
It’s because brain function in people with Irlen Syndrome differs from those who don’t have the condition.Â
A study at Amen Clinics showed that people experiencing Irlen Syndrome have increased activity in the emotion and visual processing centers of the brain and decreased activity in the cerebellum, where they create and understand new information.Â


What causes Irlen Syndrome?
Irlen Syndrome usually runs in families. However, the reason is not always genetic.Â
Sometimes, people with reading and learning difficulties who have Irlen Syndrome also have autism.Â
In fact, 80% of people on the autism spectrum are believed to have Irlen Syndrome, so it’s no wonder they have low attention spans.
This perception disorder is also common in 46% of people with dyslexia, 35% of people who have had concussions or traumatic brain injuries, and 33% of those with ADHD or ADD or who experience migraines.Â
People who have had strokes or injuries from military service or sports are also at high risk of having Irlen Syndrome.Â
Can You Treat Irlen Syndrome?
Irlen Syndrome is not curable and it doesn’t go away on its own.
However, you can manage it by using colored glasses/contact lenses and colored filters/overlays when reading books or text.Â
You can also use some tools to filter the lights on your computer screen or change it to a colored background to help your brain process the information that your eyes can see.Â
Instead of using white and glossy paper for text, you can use colored paper.Â
Since fluorescent lights can cause light sensitivity, you can use incandescent or other dimmer lights when reading.Â
You can also wear a black cap to minimize light reflection.
If you experience headaches, fatigue, or eye strain while reading or when exposed to sun glare and have tried various treatments to no avail, it’s worth checking to see if Irlen Syndrome could be the cause.Â
At Achieve Vision Center, it’s our vision to improve your vision.
We are dedicated to educating people with Irlen Syndrome on achieving functional vision so they can live normal lives.Â
Our occupational therapists also specialize in helping children to improve their handwriting, increase focus during tasks, enhance reading comprehension, reduce letter omissions and math errors, and improve their ability to copy notes from the board.Â
These targeted interventions lead to greater educational success and boosted confidence.
Contact us at Achieve Vision Center today to start enjoying clear vision and better eyesight.
Comments