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Meares-Irlen Syndrome

What is the Irlen Test (Meares–Irlen Screening)?

The Irlen Test, also known as Meares–Irlen Screening, is a computer-based assessment used to identify visual stress and perceptual processing difficulties that can interfere with reading, writing, and other close-up visual tasks.

At the end of the screening, a specific colour filter is identified that reduces visual discomfort and improves clarity. This filter can then be custom-made as:

  • Coloured overlays (placed over text), or

  • Prescription lenses, if vision correction is also required.

Who Can Benefit?

  • Children and adults with reading and writing difficulties

  • People who experience eye strain, headaches, or visual discomfort

  • Individuals with visual perception or visual stress issues

Research suggests that up to 50% of people with reading difficulties may benefit from Meares–Irlen screening.

What Is Meares–Irlen Syndrome?

Meares–Irlen Syndrome (MIS) is a form of visual stress. It affects how the brain processes visual information, particularly during fine visual tasks such as reading.

The condition was identified in 1980 by an American psychologist. While it is not fully understood, it is known to significantly affect reading ability in some people.

How Is It Different From Dyslexia?

  • Dyslexia is a language-based learning difficulty

  • Meares–Irlen Syndrome is a visual processing disorder

Many symptoms overlap, which is why the two are often confused.
In some dyslexic individuals, visual stress caused by Meares–Irlen Syndrome can worsen reading difficulties.

Meares–Irlen Syndrome is sometimes described as a Perceptual Processing Disorder (PPD) — meaning the eyes may see the text clearly, but the brain struggles to interpret it correctly.

How Does Colour Help?

Studies have shown that adding or removing certain colours can have dramatic effects on visual comfort and reading performance. The right colour can:

  • Reduce visual distortion

  • Improve focus

  • Decrease eye strain and headaches

Common Signs of Visual Processing Difficulties

Reading-Related Symptoms

  • Needing to read the same sentence multiple times

  • Poor comprehension

  • Skipping words or lines

  • Losing place on the page

  • Reading slowly or hesitantly

Visual Distortions

  • Letters appear to swirl, move, or spin

  • Letters lift off the page

  • Words blur or lose definition

  • Text sparkles or flashes

  • Letters blend together

Physical Symptoms

  • Eye strain

  • Headaches from reading, computer use, TV, or supermarket lighting

  • Difficulty working under bright or artificial lighting

  • Sensitivity to glare

Judging Distance and Coordination

  • Clumsiness

  • Being accident-prone

  • Bumping into objects

  • Difficulty catching small balls

When Should You Be Tested?

If you experience these symptoms:

  1. First, have a standard eye test with a local optician

  2. If vision is corrected but symptoms remain, consider Meares–Irlen screening

Is It Curable?

Like dyslexia, Meares–Irlen Syndrome is not curable, but it can be treated.

Many people experience significant improvement, while others may see more modest benefits (5–10%). Even small improvements can make a meaningful difference to daily reading comfort.

Treatment Options

Treatment is personalised and may include:

  • Coloured overlays

  • Coloured lenses or prescription glasses

  • Simple eye exercises to improve coordination and visual comfort

Coloured filters have been shown to reduce visual stress, and eye exercises can help improve visual efficiency for some individuals.

Important Note

It is essential to have a proper assessment with a licensed Orthoptist or trained specialist, who can:

  • Confirm suitability for Meares–Irlen treatment

  • Design an appropriate treatment plan

  • Monitor progress and outcomes