Is Irlen Syndrome Recognised in UK?

People with the condition often find coloured overlays, either as glasses or lenses, help their vision. But Irlen is not yet recognised or properly defined as a medical condition and the NHS in Wales does not fund assessments although tests are available from some high street opticians.

How do you get tested for Irlen Syndrome in the UK?

Irlen Syndrome is a perceptual disorder. Irlen Spectral Filters are only available through an Irlen Centre. Please contact your nearest Irlen Centre for information and appointment in your local area. Irlen® Spectral Filters are not available through any opticians in the UK .

What are the symptoms of Irlen Syndrome?

Some of the often-seen symptoms include:

• Sensitivity to light – especially sunlight and fluorescent light.
• Difficulty reading – especially chapter books with smaller text and lots of lines.
• Fidgety when reading.
• Headaches.
• Complaining of eye pain.
• Eyes watering or complaining of dryness or rubs eyes a lot.

What is Irlen Syndrome UK?

Irlen Syndrome is a visual perceptual processing disorder that can affect children and adults of all ages. It is a difficulty with the brain’s ability to accurately process visual information. It has been the subject of medical and educational research and is a recognised syndrome with a physiological basis.

What is Irlen Syndrome NHS?

It is thought that when some people try to read the ‘stripy’ effect of the lines of print, it causes similar symptoms affecting their ability to read the text. This is known as Visual Stress or Meares-Irlen Syndrome.

How do they test for Irlen Syndrome?

The Irlen Method consists of two testing sessions, a screening appointment by Irlen Screeners and Irlen Diagnosticians and a testing appointment for Irlen Spectral Filters by Irlen Diagnosticians. There are yearly filter rechecks.

How do you get diagnosed with Irlen Syndrome?

Irlen syndrome is not recognised by most medical professionals and is diagnosed by a licensed Irlen diagnostician. Information on treatments is entering public schools via social media and out-of-hours teacher training sessions.

Is Irlen Syndrome related to autism?

Irlen syndrome is a difficulty with visual perceptual processing and is not an ‘eye’ problem. It affects well over half of autistic people but also occurs in approximately 15% of the neuro-typical population.

Can Irlen Syndrome get worse?

Children with severe Irlen Syndrome will experience symptoms quickly. For some, symptoms may begin immediately. Symptoms will get worse the longer your child continues to engage in visual activity.

How does Irlen syndrome affect people?

Irlen Syndrome can affect people in a variety of ways. It can impact on a persons learning ability, reading and mathematical capability, concentration and/or behaviour.

What does a person with Irlen syndrome see?

Individuals with Irlen Syndrome seem to see words that are blurry, have patterns or appear to move on the page. As the individual continues to read, the problem seems to worsen. Colored overlays and filters are used to help individuals with Irlen Syndrome because they sometimes appear to reduce the perceptual distortions and visual stress experienced by some children during reading.

What can overlap with Irlen syndrome?

Irlen Syndrome / SSS can co-exist with a variety of conditions including Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD, ADHD), Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome, Psychological, Medical and Visual Problems, Traumatic Brain Injuries and Concussions. There is a large overlap of behaviours between ADD/HD and Irlen Syndrome / SSS.