Irlen Syndrome is a perceptual disorder that effects an estimated 15% of the general population, 45% of those with a learning disability or Attention Deficit Disorder, and documented much higher among those in correctional facilities. It is a light sensitivity that causes any number of symptoms which can include any of the following: poor reading, losing one’s place while reading, eye fatigue, headaches, poor attention span, distractibility, preferring dim light, eye strain from computer use, poor depth perception, difficulty with glare day or night, poor peripheral vision, words that seem to move or other distortions. For those experiencing even just a few of these symptoms, a full Irlen screening is recommended. The screening is approximately 1½ hours.

Those affected by Irlen Syndrome can have very different personalities, functioning levels, and sets of symptoms.

• Some may be slower readers, often losing their place, having a lower comprehension of what was read.
• Some may have ADD or AD/HD or general behavioral problems (with or without reading difficulties).
• Some may be higher functioning and have neither of the other two, (or may have milder versions of them) but experience head or eye aches, fatigue from reading, or discomfort from computer glare. This group often can graduate from college and do well, often by needing to work twice as hard as the unaffected person.

SSS is a hereditary condition which has a growing body of research among noted psychologists and psychiatrists around the world. Colored overlays and custom tinted glasses are Irlen’s patented methods to reduce or eliminate perceptual difficulties that are a barrier to learning. I have been wearing Irlen lenses since May of 2004 and have had most of my visual discomforts eliminated, which had not been helped by my regular glasses.

To find out more about Irlen symptoms, the Irlen method, and also the growing body of Irlen research visit www.irlen.com. To set up an Irlen screening, order colored overlays, or get information on how to get Irlen glasses or screener training in the Willamette Valley contact us.