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When reading shouldn’t be this hard
You’ve been to the optometrist. Your prescription is up to date. Your eyes are healthy. Yet reading still exhausts you, words seem to shimmer on the page, and bright lights leave you squinting in discomfort. You’re not imagining it, and the problem isn’t your eyes.
What is Irlen syndrome?
Irlen syndrome (also called Meares-Irlen syndrome or visual stress) is a perceptual processing disorder. It’s not a problem with your eyesight. Rather, it’s a problem with how your brain interprets visual information, particularly when it comes to light and high-contrast patterns like black text on white paper.
For many people, the condition remains undiagnosed for years. We’ve lost count of the number of patients who’ve come to us after being told their vision is fine, when clearly something is making reading and other visual tasks unnecessarily difficult.
The challenge of diagnosis
Just as common as being undiagnosed is being misdiagnosed. Children are often labelled with dyslexia or ADHD when the real culprit is visual processing. Adults simply stop reading or avoid visually demanding work without understanding why these activities feel so taxing.
The symptoms can include eyestrain, headaches, light sensitivity, difficulty tracking lines of text, words that appear to move, blur or fade, and even seeing colours that aren’t actually there. Some people describe rivers of white space flowing through paragraphs. Others report letters vibrating or disappearing entirely.
Australia’s harsh sunlight and high UV exposure can exacerbate these symptoms, making outdoor activities particularly challenging for people with Irlen syndrome.
Is it real?
There’s debate in the medical community about Irlen syndrome. Some organisations question whether it’s a distinct condition. However, a significant body of research shows that many people experience genuine relief from visual stress through the use of coloured lenses. When you see someone’s face light up because reading suddenly feels effortless for the first time in their life, the reality of their struggle becomes undeniable.
Studies suggest that 12 to 15% of the general population experiences some degree of visual stress, with even higher rates amongst people with diagnosed dyslexia.
Finding the right solution
Our assessment involves a comprehensive eye examination as well as specialised testing, including the Pattern Glare Test, which can help identify whether you’re experiencing visual stress.
The Intuitive Colorimeter allows us to explore over 18,000 colour combinations to find the precise tint that works for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Each person with Irlen syndrome has a unique colour that provides relief, and finding that exact match is critical.
For many people, the difference is immediate and remarkable. The right colour filter reduces visual distortion, eases eye strain, and transforms reading from an exhausting chore into a manageable task.
The good news
The good news is that, with accurate assessment and appropriate intervention, visual stress can be managed effectively. This isn’t about curing a condition – it’s about finding the right tools so you no longer have to work twice as hard just to see the same information as everyone else.
If you’ve been struggling with reading difficulties, light sensitivity or unexplained headaches despite having good vision, it’s worth investigating further. Call us at The Eye Practice on (02) 9290 1899 to arrange an assessment.