Reading Difficulties/ Dyslexia and Coloured Filters and Tinted Lenses.
The relationship between good vision and learning cannot be over estimated. If visual problems are left uncorrected they can contribute to problems at school. People with specific learning difficulties have difficulties in certain academic areas, yet can do well in other subjects.

All children should have their eyes examined by the age of five and have regular checkups, usually every two years. If parents are worried about their child’s progress in school or feel that their child is under achieving, they should certainly have a specific learning difficulties assessment.

Research shows that up to 20% of people could improve their reading fluency through the use of colour. 1 in 10 people have dyslexia. Approximately 1 in 3 people with dyslexia experience visual stress and although the filters can help some, it does not help all and it is not a cure.

At Ruth Bigger Opticians we offer a dedicated vision assessment programme to determine if spectacles are required, and if so, whether to include a specific tint or coloured overlay. Vision training exercises can be very helpful, with or without the need for spectacles. Several appointments may be necessary to complete the investigation.

The most common visual problems associated with reading difficulties and dyslexia are:

– A reduced ability to focus on text
– Poor or unstable co-ordination of the two eyes
– Visual stress – visual discomfort when reading text. This condition is also known as Meares-Irlen syndrome.