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Irlen Syndrome?

Ahh! I'm told it doesn't exist!

I'd be wasting my money

Irlen Lenses are just a placebo

There's no good research

Worried about the online anti-Irlen fuss?Don't be...Here are the facts

Notebooks And Scissors

Answers to the 10 common questions asked, based on current research

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1
Is there actually any scientific evidence that Irlen Syndrome exists?

Yes.

 

Nearly 200 studies have been done over 40 years in fields like education, psychology, and medicine. Over 100 are published in respected academic journals.

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A 2021 review looked at 62 peer-reviewed studies and found 56 showed positive results - including better reading skills and fewer headaches.

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The strongest evidence comes from brain scans (fMRI, SPECT, and VER) that show real differences in how the brains of people with Irlen Syndrome work.

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​2
What does brain imaging research actually show about Irlen Syndrome?

​​Brain scans show clear differences in how the brain with Irlen works:

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SPECT Scans (Amen Clinics): A study of 42 people with Irlen Syndrome compared to 200 others found:

  • More activity in emotional and visual areas

  • Less activity in the cerebellum (helps with coordination and learning)

  • Brain activity returned to normal when wearing colored filters

 

fMRI Studies (Cornell University): Research by Drs. Adam Anderson and Eve De Rosa shows that Irlen filters:

  • Change brain activity patterns

  • Affect perception, thinking, language, and emotions

  • Reduce overactivity and help the brain function normally

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3
But don't opthalmology organizations say there's no evidence?

Ophthalmology focuses on eye health and vision therapy...different from Irlen Syndrome.

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Important background: The 1984 statement from American ophthalmology groups (still used as a basis by some organizations today) was aimed at optometrists offering vision therapy, not Irlen Syndrome.

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Irlen Syndrome is a brain processing problem, not an eye problem.​ It involves how the brain processes visual information, which is outside the usual scope of ophthalmology.

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Much of the supporting research comes from independent researchers at major universities like Cornell, with no financial ties to the Irlen method. This research is published in peer-reviewed journals and addresses brain processing issues that eye doctors don't treat.

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4
Isn't Irlen Syndrome just a placebo effect?

​​​Brain scans PROVE
Irlen Syndrome is REAL.

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You can't fake changes in SPECT scans, fMRI patterns, or Visual Evoked Responses just by thinking. These tests show actual physical changes in the brain when people with Irlen Syndrome wear coloured filters.

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Other evidence includes:

  • Hereditary link: 81-85% of parents whose children have Irlen Syndrome have similar symptoms themselves

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  • Biological markers: Research has found specific biological signs linked to Irlen Syndrome

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  • Consistent improvements: Multiple studies show measurable improvements in reading, fewer physical symptoms, and better performance at school or work

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​5
Does Irlen Syndrome relate to other conditions like ADHD, autism, or migraines?

Research shows Irlen Syndrome is more common in people with:

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  • Reading difficulties/dyslexia (46%)

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  • Brain injuries/concussions (35%)

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  • ADHD/attention problems (33%)

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  • Autism spectrum disorders (33%)

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  • Chronic headaches/migraines that don't respond to treatment

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This makes sense because all these conditions involve differences in how the brain processes information.

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Irlen Syndrome is one specific visual processing issue that can make these other conditions worse.

6
Why do some people dismiss Irlen Syndrome as "not real"?

Several reasons explain the skepticism:

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  • Historical scope issues: Early critics were eye care professionals who focused on eye problems, not brain processing issues.

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  • Outdated information: Many criticisms are based on older studies with weaker methods. However, modern brain imaging provides much stronger proof.

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  • Misunderstanding: People often think it's an eye problem when it's actually about how the brain processes visual information.

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  • Professional boundaries: Some resistance comes from the fact that Irlen treatment falls outside traditional eye care practice.

7
What makes Irlen different from just wearing coloured glasses?

Irlen Filters ARE different

 

They are:

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  • Precisely customized for each person's specific colours needed, based on how their individual brain processes information

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  • Scientifically chosen: Colours are selected through systematic testing, not random choice

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  • Brain-targeted: They address specific overactivity in the brain's visual processing areas

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Research shows that Irlen Filters can provide the exact filtering needed to normalize brain function. 

8
Is there ongoing research at universities?

Yes.

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Research is happening at universities in the United States, England, Australia, Switzerland, Brazil, and Italy.

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Current research includes:

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  • Cornell University: Brain studies using fMRI showing how filters normalize brain activity

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  • Australian institutions: Research on reading improvements and brain markers

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  • International teams: Studies with improved designs that address earlier concerns about research methods

9
How do I know if someone might benefit from Irlen screening?

Consider Irlen screening if there are ...

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Reading/Learning Issues:

  • Words move, blur, or disappear while reading

  • Tired or strained when reading, especially on white paper

  • Avoids reading or prefers dim lighting

  • Poor understanding  despite reading the words correctly

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Light Sensitivities:

  • Discomfort from fluorescent lights, screens, or bright sunlight 

  • Headaches or migraines triggered by lighting

  • Strain or fatigue from computer use

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Physical Symptoms:

  • Headaches, eye strain, or fatigue during  visual tasks

  • Problems with depth perception, coordination, or judging distances

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Associated Conditions:

  • ADHD, autism, dyslexia, brain injury, or chronic headaches that don't improve with standard treatment​

10
What about claims that it's "expensive" or "takes advantage of parents"?

The real cost is leaving it untreated. 
Consider the cost in context:

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  • Assessment cost versus ongoing academic/ workplace struggles, lower self-esteem, and lost potential 

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  • Real improvements in reading, focus, and quality of life

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  • Many insurance providers now cover Irlen consultations

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  • Many government agencies officially recognize the Irlen Method, including:  Army/Navy/Air Force, education departments in NSW and WA, and TAFE

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  • SACE recognizes coloured paper if the student was already using it at school.​​

 

Brain scans prove this is a real condition with measurable treatment results.​

Want to talk
about any of these?

This is the RANZCO's "position paper"  attempting to put a "case" against Irlen and Irlen Precision Filters, which the ABC Science Show followed unquestioningly and is all over the internet!!. You can download it here and read the answers to their comments, above.
 

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