Pattern Glare Sensitivity
What is Irlen Syndrome?
Irlen Syndrome (also known as Meares-Irlen Syndrome, Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome and Visual Stress) is a perceptual processing disorder. It is not an optical problem, rather a problem with the brain’s ability to process visual information.
Irlen Syndrome can affect many different areas such as academic and work performance, behaviour and concentration. This problem tends to run in families and is not currently identified by other standardized educational or medical tests.
What are the symptoms?
- Light Sensitivity
- Reading Problems
- Discomfort
- Attention and Concentration Problems
- Writing Problems
- Poor Depth Perception
- Distortions
How is it treated?
David uses coloured overlays and filters that improve the brain’s ability to process visual information. This is the only research based method proven to treat the processing issues associated with this condition.
Precision-tinted coloured overlays and filters are worn by the patient, which can improve reading fluency, comfort, comprehension, attention and concentration while reducing the patient’s sensitivity to light. The colour is chosen by using an Intuitive Colorimeter to present sequentially the colours in colour space, assisting the patient to identify the colour which best alleviates their symptoms.
If you think you could benefit from this treatment, you can book an appointment online.
What is Colourimetry?
Colourimetry refers to the use of coloured overlays or lenses to reduce the symptoms of visual stress.
Visual stress is when the visual cortex (the visual processing area of the brain) is over stimulated due to sensitivity to visual patterns such as lines of black text on white paper.
What are the symptoms?
When viewing a page of print, some people experience distortion and movement of the text, fading of print, blurring of print and/or appearance of difference colours and shapes.
These disturbing visual patterns lead to headaches, light sensitivity, fatigue, reading difficulties and/or dislike of close work, which is referred to as visual stress.
The severity of symptoms will vary between persons. It is hypothesised that visual stress is due to hyper excitation of neurons firing in the visual cortex of our brain. It is often related to reading, writing and computer tasks.
Both adults and children alike can be affected by visual stress. As we become accustomed to reading and writing, the task is more familiar to us and the condition may go undetected in adults.
How can Colourimetry help?
By placing coloured filters over text or by wearing colour-tinted lenses in spectacles, many visual stress sufferers can experience a significant improvement in their reading ability. Successful testing can dramatically improve reading accuracy, comfort and speed. Please note that our colour-tinted lenses are customised, and not available ready-made in store.
As the optimum colour of overlay is specific to each individual, the process involves trying different coloured overlays using an Intuitive Colourimeter. As soon as the ideal colour is determined, the overlays can be used directly over a page when reading or David can prescribe coloured lenses to be worn in spectacles, known as precision tints.
If you think you or your child could benefit from Colourimetry testing, please book an appointment to see David.
Our services
Comprehensive Eye Exam
David Shanahan provides a Comprehensive Eye Test that allows between 30 and 45 minutes with each patient, ensuring precise and thorough results.
Our services
Myopia Control Treatment
Myopia is an eye condition that causes the distance vision to be blurred. It typically gets worse over the teenage years and the deterioration can continue even into a person’s twenties and thirties.
Our services
Astigmatism Treatment
Astigmatism occurs when the optical power of the eye varies depending on the angle of light passing through, producing blurred vision.
Our services
Colour Vision Assessment
Colour blindness can refer to two different conditions affecting a persons’ ability to see colour. David has a variety of different colour blind tests (colour vision tests) that he can conduct to determine the nature of your condition.
Our services
Aviation Eye Exam
David is certified by The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to carry out Aviation Eye Examinations for civil air crew and air traffic controllers. We will also lodge the results directly to CASA on your behalf.
Our services
Digital Eye Strain Treatment
Digital Eye Strain can be defined as the physical discomfort felt after two or more hours in front of a digital screen. Technology is becoming a bigger part of our lives, with many people required to use devices for work or education.
Our services
Pattern Glare Sensitivity (Irlen Syndrome)
Irlen Syndrome (also known as Meares-Irlen Syndrome, Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome and Visual Stress) is a perceptual processing disorder. It is not an optical problem, rather a problem with the brain’s ability to process visual information.
Our services
Comprehensive Eye Exam
David Shanahan provides a Comprehensive Eye Test that allows between 30 and 45 minutes with each patient, ensuring precise and thorough results.
Our services
Myopia Control Treatment
Myopia is an eye condition that causes the distance vision to be blurred. It typically gets worse over the teenage years and the deterioration can continue even into a person’s twenties and thirties.
Our services
Astigmatism Treatment
Astigmatism occurs when the optical power of the eye varies depending on the angle of light passing through, producing blurred vision.
Our services
Colour Vision Assessment
Colour blindness can refer to two different conditions affecting a persons’ ability to see colour. David has a variety of different colour blind tests (colour vision tests) that he can conduct to determine the nature of your condition.
Our services
Aviation Eye Exam
David is certified by The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to carry out Aviation Eye Examinations for civil air crew and air traffic controllers. We will also lodge the results directly to CASA on your behalf.
Our services
Digital Eye Strain Treatment
Digital Eye Strain can be defined as the physical discomfort felt after two or more hours in front of a digital screen. Technology is becoming a bigger part of our lives, with many people required to use devices for work or education.
Our services
Pattern Glare Sensitivity (Irlen Syndrome)
Irlen Syndrome (also known as Meares-Irlen Syndrome, Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome and Visual Stress) is a perceptual processing disorder. It is not an optical problem, rather a problem with the brain’s ability to process visual information.