Signs & Symptoms of Irlen Syndrome

People with Irlen Syndrome/SSS can have difficulty with one or more of the following:

• Light Sensitivity
• Reading Difficulties
• Poor Comprehension
• Distortions with Print
• Eye Strain / Visual Stress
• Concentration Issues
• Headaches / Migraines
• Fatigue
• Behaviour Problems
• Depth Perception Difficulties

What is Irlen Syndrome?

IRLEN SYNDROME  is caused by the way visual information is processed by the brain. It is not a visual problem and cannot be identified by standard eye tests or medical tests, nor can it be corrected by prescription glasses. However, a prescription may be included in the tinted lens if necessary. Irlen addresses the underlying perceptual processing difficulties and light sensitivity that can cause problems with reading, spelling and handwriting, and associated problems with concentration and behaviour, as well as symptoms such as difficulty with depth perception, eye strain, headaches/migraines and anxiety.

Irlen can also play a role in the challenges experienced by many individuals who have been diagnosed with dyslexia, autism, concussion and traumatic brain injury and cases of misdiagnosed ADD/ADHD.  The Irlen lens can also assist with sensitivity to fluorescent lighting and computer screens.

IRLEN SYNDROME is a disability recognised by the Federal Disability Discrimination Act(1993), Naplan Special Provisions and Queeensland Core Skills Provision.

When reading do you:

• Skip words or lines?
• Lose your place?
• Repeat lines?
• Use a finger or marker to keep your position?
• Find words blur or move?
• Need to reread for understanding?
• Experience eye strain?
• Rub your eyes?
• Find the page bright/glary?
• Lose concentration?
• Get headaches?
• Fatigue easily?