A new protocol for the optometric management of patients with reading difficulties

Lightstone, Anita

doi:10.1016/0275-5408(95)00060-q

Cited by 18 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…Both of the major systems (Evans, 2001) that are used for treating MIS in the UK use coloured overlays in this way (Irlen & Lass, 1989; Wilkins, 1994). The protocol that is typically followed (Lightstone & Evans, 1995) starts with a screening test using coloured overlays, which is usually administered by teachers or optometrists. The coloured overlays in the Wilkins/MRC system were designed to sample comprehensively and systematically CIE 1976 UCS chromaticity (Wilkins, 1994).…”

Section: Detection Of Meares‐irlen Syndromementioning

confidence: 99%

The relationship between dyslexia and Meares‐Irlen Syndrome

Kriss

Evans²

2005

Journal Research in Reading

111

137

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Meares-Irlen Syndrome (MIS) is characterised by symptoms of visual stress and visual perceptual distortions that are alleviated by using individually prescribed coloured filters. Coloured overlays (sheets of transparent plastic that are placed upon the page) are used to screen for the condition. MIS is diagnosed on the basis of either the sustained voluntary use of an overlay or an immediate improvement (typically of more than 5%) on the Wilkins Rate of Reading Test (WRRT). Various studies are reviewed suggesting a prevalence of 20-34% using these criteria. Stricter criteria give a lower prevalence: for example, 5% of the population read more than 25% faster with an overlay. It has been alleged that MIS is more common in dyslexia, but this has not been systematically investigated. We compared a group of 32 dyslexic with 32 control children aged 7-12 years, matched for age, gender and socioeconomic background. Participants were tested with Intuitive Overlays, and those demonstrating a preference had their rate of reading tested using the WRRT with and without their preferred overlay. Both groups read faster with the overlay, and more so in the dyslexic group. ANOVA revealed no significant effect of group, but a significant improvement in WRRT with overlay ( p 5 0.009) and a significant interaction between group and overlay ( p 5 0.031). We found a similar prevalence of MIS in the general population to that in previous studies and a prevalence in the dyslexic group that was a little higher (odds ratio for 45% criterion: 2.6, 95% confidence limit 0.9-7.3). The difference in prevalence in the two groups did not reach statistical significance. We conclude that MIS is prevalent in the general population and possibly a little more common in dyslexia. Children with dyslexia seem to benefit more from coloured overlays than non-dyslexic children. MIS and dyslexia are separate entities and are detected and treated in different ways. If a child has both problems then they are likely to be markedly disadvantaged and they should receive prompt treatments appropriate to the two conditions. It is recommended that education professionals as well as eye-care professionals are alert to the symptoms of MIS and that children are screened for this condition, as well as for other visual anomalies.Meares-Irlen Syndrome (MIS) is a condition characterised by symptoms of visual stress and visual perceptual distortions which are alleviated by individually prescribed coloured filters. The syndrome (previously known as Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome) can occur in

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Section: Detection Of Meares‐irlen Syndromementioning

confidence: 99%

The relationship between dyslexia and Meares‐Irlen Syndrome

Kriss

Evans²

2005

Journal Research in Reading

111

137

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“…This is an important aspect of design. When filters are used close to the eyes (as coloured spectacles) the optimal colour differs (Lightstone et al ., 1999).…”

Section: What Are Coloured Overlays?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Coloured overlays and their effects on reading speed: a review

Wilkins

2002

Ophthalmic Physiologic Optic

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Coloured overlays can reduce symptoms of visual stress and improve reading speed. These benefits are reliable and are not attributable simply to placebo effects. Five percent of children in mainstream education read at least 25% more quickly with an overlay, provided they have chosen the colour. The suboptimal design of childrenÕs text and the high level of classroom lighting may be partly responsible.

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“…There is considerable evidence for a de®cit of the transient visual system in dyslexia. Optometrists should be involved in the multi-disciplinary care of the under-achieving child (Lightstone and Evans, 1995).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The underachieving child

Evans¹

1998

Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics

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Visual factors in specific learning difficulties (SpLD) are reviewed. People with SpLD fail to achieve at a level that is commensurate with their intelligence. The commonest SpLD is dyslexia, which usually results from phonological processing/decoding deficits. Additionally, there are several optometric correlates of SpLD which may, in some cases, contribute to the learning difficulty. These correlates include binocular instability and a low amplitude of accommodation. Some people with reading difficulties and perceptual distortions/eyestrain can be helped by individually prescribed coloured filters. A visual processing anomaly is also often present in the form of a deficit of the transient visual system. The role of the optometrist is discussed.

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A new protocol for the optometric management of patients with reading difficulties

Cited by 18 publications

References 6 publications

The relationship between dyslexia and Meares‐Irlen Syndrome

The relationship between dyslexia and Meares‐Irlen Syndrome

Coloured overlays and their effects on reading speed: a review

The underachieving child

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