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Irlen Syndrome® (also referred to at times as Meares-Irlen Syndrome, Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, and Visual Stress) is a perceptual processing disorder. It is not an optical problem. It is a problem with the brain’s ability to process visual information. This problem tends to run in families and is not currently identified by other standardized educational or medical tests.
The Irlen Method® is a two-step process: problem identification and color identification and requires two testing sessions. Family members participate with their children in the evaluation process. The color (which is different for each person) is the key to the success of the program and can only be determined after a diagnostic assessment performed by a certified educational professional trained in the Irlen Method®.
The first testing session determines whether you have Irlen Syndrome® and can be helped by the Irlen Method’s® color technology. In this session, we determine how severe your problem is and whether color can help eliminate your difficulties. Your correct colored overlay combination is determined at this time. Both certified Irlen Screeners® and Diagnosticians can test for colored overlays.
The second testing session is only for individuals who show moderate to significant improvement with colored overlays. In this session, we target the precise wave lengths of light causing your problems by using a limitless number of color filter combinations. Your precision color is worn as glasses or contact lenses. The color worn as glasses will not be the same as your plastic overlay color. If your problems are related to math computation, copying, depth perception, light sensitivity, and headaches, colored glasses are your best treatment option because they correct problems with the printed page and also the environment.
Importantly, wearing the wrong color can actually cause or worsen your problems. The testing to identify your correct colored glasses can only be conducted by a certified Irlen® diagnostician.