Visual Stress Testing

Visual Stress is a light sensitivity to visual patterns which contributes to visual perception problems which can interfere with reading and symptoms can be alleviated by the use of colour. It may also be referred to as Meares-Irlen Syndrome or Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome.

Children and adults can suffer from Visual Stress, which can be reduced through the use of individually-prescribed coloured overlays or precision tinted lenses.

Any child or adult who experiences problems with reading should have an eye examination in the first instance. This can reveal any underlying binocular vision anomalies or refractive issues that may need correction before proceeding with a Visual Stress Consultation.

Visual stress can also be referred to as Meares Irlen Syndrome. Signs and symptoms can include:

• Sensitivity to bright lights, especially fluorescent lighting
• Finding driving at night stressful
• Headaches and migraines when reading
• Problems copying from the board
• Skipping words or lines when reading
• Difficulty looking at a computer screen
• Fatigue quickly when working with text
• Problems copying from the board
• Skipping words or lines when reading
• Double vision on some words when reading
• Getting restless after reading for a short time
• Increased difficulty of reading after 10 mins
• Moving text further and closer to the page
• Reading slowing and difficulty absorbing information
• Finger tracking
• Yawning whilst reading
• Rubbing eyes frequently

A visual stress consultation involves a variety of assessments to determine diagnosis. These include binocular vision screening; visual stress assessment; a comparative study of reading randomised words; testing reading speed, with and without a selected coloured overlay. This study is specifically designed to objectively measure any benefits obtained with the use of colour. The consultation includes advice and a professional report.

Intuitive Colorimetry Consultation

The Intuitive Colorimeter is used to find the optimal Precision Tint for the relief of Visual Stress. Three parameters of colour are assessed sequentially: hue, saturation and brightness. This gives a final colour which is extremely precise; the colour giving maximum relief will be specific to each individual.

It is much more precise than the coloured overlay and is often a different colour from that of the overlay.

Precision Tinted Lenses are also much more convenient than overlays for written, board and computer work as the Precision Tinted Lenses will then be glazed into spectacles, incorporating any prescription if required.

The optimal colour can change over time, especially with children. It is therefore important to attend for appointments as advised by your specialist Optometrist.

Please call us for further information.