Irlen Syndrome? Or something else?
Understanding the Difference!​​​​​​​
​​​​​Reading problems can have many causes. We call Irlen Syndrome Visual Dyslexia, but there is a difference between Dyslexia and Irlen Syndrome
Irlen Syndrome and Dyslexia: What's the Difference?
Dyslexia
Irlen Syndrome
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Language-based learning disorder
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Difficulty with phonics, decoding, spelling
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Problems persist regardless of lighting or page color
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Requires structured literacy instruction
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Diagnosed through educational psychology testing
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Visual processing disorder affects how the brain processes light.
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Reading difficulties depend on lighting and contrast.
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Impacts phonics, decoding, and spelling skills
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Symptoms improve with Irlen overlays or precision-tinted lenses.
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Diagnosed through Irlen screening.
Can you have both? Yes
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Approximately 46% of people with reading difficulties also have Irlen Syndrome.
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When both conditions are present, addressing Irlen first makes reading instruction more effective because visual stress is eliminated.
The Key Difference
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Dyslexia affects what you can decode;
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Irlen Syndrome affects how comfortably you can decode
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Many people who wear glasses for vision improvement also need Irlen lenses
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However, always have a current eye exam before Irlen testing to ensure any optical problems are identified.
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You can have perfect vision and still have Irlen Syndrome.
Think of it this way
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Regular glasses correct what your eyes can see; Irlen filters correct how your brain processes what you see.
Irlen Syndrome and Visual Problems: What's the Difference?
Standard Visual Problems
Irlen Syndrome
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Eye focusing issues (near/farsighted, astigmatism)
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Eye coordination problems
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Detected by regular eye exams
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Corrected with prescription glasses or vision therapy
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Related to eye mechanics
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Brain processing issue, not an eye problem
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Standard eye exams show no problems
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Cannot be corrected with regular prescription lenses
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Requires specialized Irlen assessment
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Related to how the brain interprets visual signals
Can you have both? Yes.
Irlen Syndrome and ADHD: What's the Difference?
ADHD
Irlen Syndrome
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Neurological condition affecting executive function
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Difficulty with attention, impulse control, hyperactivity
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Present across all activities
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Treated with behavioural strategies, accommodations, sometimes medication
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Visual processing disorder
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Attention problems specifically during visually intensive tasks
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Worsen with visual stress (reading, bright lights, patterns)
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Appears as ADD
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Improves immediately with correct Irlen precision-tinted lenses/filters
Can you have both? Yes.
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Research shows: Approximately 33% of people with ADHD also have Irlen Syndrome.
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People with Irlen Syndrome who do not have ADHD, can show behaviours that look exactly like ADHD. However, they're trying to relieve visual discomfort, not managing ADHD symptoms.
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If attention problems occur primarily during visual activities, Irlen screening should be considered.
A personal Story
Irlen Syndrome and Asperger's Syndrome (ASD) :
