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Irlen Screeners

Irlen Syndrome (also known as Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome) is a brain problem, not an optical one. Irlen Syndrome is characterized by significant difficulty effectively processing full-spectrum light.

What is Irlen Syndrome?

With Irlen Syndrome, the problem lies in how the visual information is decoded by the brain and is not the type of problem that is identified or treated by optometrists or with prescription glasses.

People with Irlen Syndrome “see” the printed page differently from others and may even be unaware of this. Many people with Irlen Syndrome report that the text on the page appears to change. This can lead to slow and inefficient reading, poor comprehension, fatigue, and limited attention span.

This problem tends to run in families and is not currently identified by other standardized educational or medical tests.

Some of the symptoms can include:

Light sensitivity
Drowsiness in bright light
Poor depth perception
Attention deficit
Eye strain and fatigue
Difficulty reading printed material
Dizziness
Headaches and/or migraines
Poor penmanship
Behavior problems

Diagnosing Irlen Syndrome

The Irlen Method has been successfully used to identify and help people with this type of processing problem for over 25 years.

Currently, the only way to test for Irlen Syndrome is through a trained Irlen Screener.

Do you have Irlen Syndrome?

Irlen Screening Process

Step 1: As Irlen screeners, we meet with you and we will find out if you have Irlen Syndrome. And if so, how severe. Next, we’ll see if color overlays provide relief to some or all of your symptoms. Lastly, we will develop a strategy to modify your environment. Perhaps your case is mild and you choose to stop here and just use your overlays when you need to read.

Step 2: If you test moderate or severe, a second appointment will be recommended with an Irlen^® Diagnostician. With the Diagnostician you will try various tints of colored lenses to find which color or combination of colors provides the greatest relief. As a result, a unique filter will be customized to your specific needs.

Step 3: The Diagnostician will send your NDL contacts, glasses, or frames (if you don’t have corrective lenses) to the Irlen^® Institute where your personalized color will be applied and mailed to you when completed. Importantly, wearing improperly tinted lenses could make your symptoms worse. Therefore, it is critical to see a certified Irlen^® Diagnostician. Many optometrists claim they can provide colored lenses, but they are unable to personalize to your specific need.

Currently, the only way to test for Irlen Syndrome is through a trained Irlen Screener.

We are certified Irlen screeners and we can help determine the right treatment for you.