What is Irlen® Syndrome?
Irlen Central Adelaide provides expert Irlen Syndrome assessment and treatment throughout South Australia. Based in the Adelaide Hills, we serve the greater Adelaide region, Mt Barker, and regional SA. (Carol Lawrie serves the South East). South Australian Regional Director, Tony Franklin, is a certified Irlen Diagnostician helping South Australian families understand and address visual processing difficulties.
Millions of people use Irlen® Lenses, but what Irlen is can be controversial.
Wondering if Irlen Syndrome is affecting you or your child?
This page explains what Irlen Syndrome is, how it differs from other conditions, and who should consider testing. On this page, you will find out
Understanding Irlen Syndrome
What Irlen Syndrome IS
-
a brain processing issue. The brain overreacts to light and visual stimuli. so cannot effectively process them
-
a spectrum disorder. Symptoms fall on a continuum from
-
slight (symptoms begin after 40 minutes of visual attention) to
-
severe. (symptoms begin after 20 minutes of intensive visual attention, or even immediately for some)
-
-
caused by a range of factors:
-
genetic - inheriting it from a parent or grandparent
-
illness, medical procedures, or traumatic brain injury/ concussion.
-
-
more common than expected
-
affects 12-14 % of the general population and about 50% of individuals with dyslexia
-
Good, overall information
What Irlen Syndrome CAUSES
-
Visual symptoms: Words and print may appear blurry, moving, or unstable, making reading slow and exhausting (Visual Dyslexia)
.
-
Physical symptoms: Light sensitivity triggers headaches, eye strain, fatigue, nausea, and physical discomfort
-
Cognitive symptoms: Reading comprehension, concentration, and information processing become difficult and inefficient
-
Emotional symptoms: Frustration, anxiety, low motivation, and reduced self-esteem develop from ongoing visual struggles
-
Neurological symptoms: The brain's overreaction to light creates processing difficulties that affect learning and daily function.
Do you experience any of these?
What Irlen Syndrome IS NOT
-
a learning disability but can cause specific learning problems and can be part of a diagnosis of ADD, Dyslexia, ASD
-
a visual difficulty but can cause visual stress.
-
an "eye problem" but a problem with the brain processing visual information.
Irlen Syndrome can be easily and effectively dealt with Irlen Precision Spectral Filters (lenses/glasses).
.png)
Optometrists and Irlen practitioners look for and use different information
Understanding the Difference: Irlen Syndrome and Other Conditions
Note
Reading problems can have many causes and we call Irlen Syndrome Visual Dyslexia, but because the accepted definition of dyslexia uses a narrow description, we'll make comparison between Dyslexia and Irlen Syndrome
Irlen Syndrome and Dyslexia: What's the Difference?
Dyslexia
-
Language-based learning disorder
-
Difficulty with phonics, decoding, spelling
-
Problems persist regardless of lighting or page color
-
Requires structured literacy instruction
-
Diagnosed through educational psychology testing
Irlen Syndrome
-
Visual processing disorder affects how the brain processes light.
-
Reading difficulties depend on lighting and contrast.
-
Impacts phonics, decoding, and spelling skills
-
Symptoms improve with Irlen overlays or precision-tinted lenses.
-
Diagnosed through Irlen screening.
Can you have both? Yes
-
Approximately 46% of people with reading difficulties also have Irlen Syndrome.
-
When both conditions are present, addressing Irlen first makes reading instruction more effective because visual stress is eliminated.
The Key Difference
-
Dyslexia affects what you can decode;
-
Irlen Syndrome affects how comfortably you can decode
Irlen Syndrome and Visual Problems:
What's the Difference?
Standard Visual Problems
-
Eye focusing issues (near/farsighted, astigmatism)
-
Eye coordination problems
-
Detected by regular eye exams
-
Corrected with prescription glasses or vision therapy
-
Related to eye mechanics
Irlen Syndrome
-
Brain processing issue, not an eye problem
-
Standard eye exams show no problems
-
Cannot be corrected with regular prescription lenses
-
Requires specialized Irlen assessment
-
Related to how the brain interprets visual signals
Can you have both? Yes.
-
Many people who wear glasses for vision improvement also need Irlen lenses
-
However, always have a current eye exam before Irlen testing to ensure any optical problems are identified.
-
You can have perfect vision and still have Irlen Syndrome.
Think of it this way
-
Regular glasses correct what your eyes can see; Irlen filters correct how your brain processes what you see.
Irlen Syndrome and ADHD: What's the Difference?
ADHD
-
Neurological condition affecting executive function
-
Difficulty with attention, impulse control, hyperactivity
-
Present across all activities
-
Treated with behavioural strategies, accommodations, sometimes medication
Irlen Syndrome
-
Visual processing disorder
-
Attention problems specifically during visually intensive tasks
-
Worsen with visual stress (reading, bright lights, patterns)
-
Appears as ADD
-
Improves immediately with correct Irlen precision-tinted lenses/filters
Can you have both? Yes.
-
Research shows: Approximately 33% of people with ADHD also have Irlen Syndrome.
-
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.
-
If attention problems occur primarily during visual activities, Irlen screening should be considered.
Irlen Syndrome SOLUTION
-
The symptoms of Irlen Syndrome can be easily and effectively addressed with Irlen Precision Spectral Filters (lenses/glasses).
-
Find out how the Irlen Method
-
screening assessment can quickly show whether Irlen is an issue and how much difficulty it causes
-
tinting assessment helps you to find the precise, personalised colours that calm the brain and allow it to work more efficiently across all areas
-
Learn more about the Irlen assessment process
How Irlen Syndrome
was DISCOVERED
(It's not something new!)
Early 1980s
The Question
Helen Irlen, educational psychologist, received a US Federal grant to work with adults struggling to read. Instead of asking 1500 students "Can you see the page?", she asked "What does the page look like?"
The Breakthrough
Adults described strange experiences: letters moving, print blurring, white glare hurting their eyes... and family members considering this funny. Helen's research showed this was a previously unrecognized condition
1983
The Solution
A student comment that a red overhead projector overlay helped her reading, led Helen to experiment. She found that different colours helped different people. Some dramatically improved immediately. Helen developed precise colour combinations using a spectrometer
1984
Going Public
Helen presented her findings "Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome" to the American Psychological Association Medical, educational and allied health professionals were unaware this condition existed. Later the condition was called Irlen Syndrome.
1985
The Irlen Method
Patent submitted for coloured lenses in glasses The Irlen Institute was established to train practitioners • Independently, a New Zealand teacher Olive Meares had documented similar findings. Now the condition is also known as Meares-Irlen Syndrome..
1988
Worldwide Recognition
60 Minutes TV program featured the discovery • Thousands of people worldwide finally understood their reading struggles.
Dr Helen Irlen
Watch the unbelievable description of difference
and listen to the changes
Ongoing!
Global Research
The Irlen Method began transforming lives globally as new research found the effects of Irlen Syndrome spanned far more than reading issues.
What Irlen Filters Help
Then!
Irlen Precision Spectral Filters were being used in 1985 to achieve stunning improvements in reading.
Australian Women's Weekly, (1985).
Now!
Life-Changing Benefits of Irlen Filters!
-
Enhanced Depth Perception: Improved spatial awareness for driving, sports, and navigation
-
Reduced Visual Stress: Comfort in busy environments like shopping centres and offices
-
Better Communication: Easier eye contact and reading of facial expressions
-
Improved Work Performance: Reduced fatigue from screen work and fluorescent lighting
-
Enhanced Social Comfort: Less overwhelm in group settings and social situations
-
Better Night Vision: Improved driving safety and confidence in low light
-
Reduced Headaches: Significant decrease in light-triggered headaches
-
Increased Stamina: Less visual fatigue throughout the day
-
Enhanced Learning: Better processing of visual information and materials
-
Improved Mood: Reduced stress and anxiety from visual overwhelm
Some Real Life Stories
Improvements in reading, concentration and focus
Some Surprising Improvements
Irlen ... and brain health...
Download the booklet
Find out more...
Understanding Your Questions
About Irlen Syndrome
Are you wondering whether you or your child might have Irlen Syndrome...You're not alone.
Many people have questions when they first learn about visual processing difficulties.
Here's what typically helps people decide if assessment is right for them
:"How do I know if this is really Irlen and not just regular vision problems?"
Start with a current eye exam to rule out optical issues. If your eyes are healthy but you still experience visual stress, light sensitivity, migraines or reading difficulties, Irlen assessment is the next step. You can have perfect vision and still have Irlen Syndrome because it's about brain processing, not eye function.
"Will this actually help, or is it just another thing to try?
"The screening assessment shows immediate results. During the session, you'll test different colored overlays and see right away if color makes a difference. If there's significant improvement, we proceed. If not, we'll discuss other possibilities. You don't commit to anything until you see that it helps.
"What if people think we're wasting money on something unproven?"
This is where research matters. Visit our Facts and Research page to see the brain imaging studies, understand the science, and read responses to common criticisms. The evidence is there for those who want to dig deeper.
"Is this instead of tutoring, or in addition to it?"
Irlen filters don't teach reading skills - they eliminate visual stress that prevents you from benefiting from instruction. If you have Irlen Syndrome AND need reading support, addressing the Irlen component first makes tutoring finally effective.
Ready to find out?
Take our free self-test Adult Teenager Child
Book a free 15-minute consultation
Learn about the assessment process
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.