Colorimetry & visual stress
Discover how colorimetry can help with visual stress and discomfort, as well as those that struggle with reading and suffer from Dyslexia.
If you would like to book an assessment or have any queries relating to this service then please contact our practice in Churchdown directly.
What is visual stress & how is it assessed?
Visual stress (Meares-Irlen Syndrome), explained simply, is a sensitivity to visual patterns and, in particular, stripes. In some individuals this condition can cause perceptual problems that interfere with their reading.
Visual stress is NOT the same as dyslexia but visual stress is more common in those who are dyslexic.
Symptoms of visual stress may include any or all of the following:
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Movement of the printed text
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Blurring of the printed text
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Letters changing size or shape
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Patterns visible in the print (described as ‘rivers’ or ‘worms’)
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Halos of colour surrounding letters or words
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Tiring easily whilst reading
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Visual discomfort and/or headaches
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Red, sore and/or watery eyes
Symptoms must first be identified. This is usually carried out in advance of the examination in the form of a questionnaire, designed to find areas of difficulty relating to vision, followed by an assessment.
During the assessment there are 3 areas of visual function that are examined. These are:
1. Focusing ability
2. Binocular vision
3. Response to colour.
Coloured overlay assessments
A coloured overlay assessment is carried out only after a full eye examination and if symptoms are still present after the appropriate spectacles or exercises have been prescribed.
Patients are given coloured lenses to wear while reading. Their responses to the different colours are recorded and through a process called elimination, the best colour or combination is determined.
The coloured overlays are used for a period of 2 – 3 months whereby the patient uses them on a voluntary basis.
Tinted spectacle lenses
After the overlays have been used for a period of time and they have proven to be significantly beneficial to the patient then tinted spectacle lenses may be advised following assessment on an Intuitive Colorimeter, a machine designed to find the optimum colour of tint.
The colour of the tinted spectacle lenses will be more specific to the individual’s needs and is very often a different colour to that of the overlays that had previously been issued.
Tinted spectacles lenses are often more convenient than overlays for use at a computer or for looking at a board.
If you would like to book an assessment or have any queries relating to this service then please contact our practice in Churchdown directly.
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