Meares-Irlen Syndrome
People with Meares-Irlen Syndrome report discomfort and perceptual distortions when viewing a page of black print on a white background. Meares-Irlen Syndrome sufferers say that words and letters appear to move on the page, or blur. The spaces between words can stand out, and the paper can glare. Often this causes eye strain or headaches.
It has been shown that an appropriately coloured overlay sheet or tinted spectacle lenses can eliminate the reported distortions and increase reading speed and comfort. The colour which eliminates these distortions is different for each individual and therefore needs to be individually determined. Also the colour appearance of the best overlay sheet and the best spectacle tint is different.
The Intuitive Colorimeter Instrument was developed by Professor Arnold Wilkins in Cambridge, England, to accurately prescribe each individuals tint.
Screening for this condition should include a full eye examination by a Optometrist followed by testing with coloured overlay sheets and finally (after a positive response to overlays has been demonstrated) an assessment with the Intuitive Colorimeter.
Other names that have given to this condition are Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome and Irlen Syndrome.