What it is & its symptoms

IRLEN syndrome is a perceptual problem that can affect a person's abilities. It affects the correct recording of visual information in the brain, i.e. what we see. Learning, performance for people with reading difficulties, calmness under bright lights or fluorescent lights. For good readers, it can reduce the amount of time they spend reading comfortably and comprehensively. It is caused by the inability of the brain to process certain rays of natural light resulting in the brain of the affected person loading more brain centres than a normal person. Irlen syndrome cannot be detected by weighted tests, visual or medical examinations.

Result : Visual information is recorded and processed incorrectly in the brain and light is responsible for this.

CONSEQUENCES

The symptoms of Irlen syndrome are related to the brain overload it causes. In people who suffer from it, the hormonal balance of their body is disturbed as these people experience stress.

They are divided into the following categories:

1. At the time of reading :

• They tire easily and quickly.
• They half close their eyes.
• They move closer or further away from the page.
• They often lose their point while reading.
• They definitely need a pen or notebook to read.
• They make careless mistakes.
• They have trouble understanding or remembering what they read.
• They misread the words.
• Their eyes sting, hurt, burn or redden.
• They often rub their eyes, they feel dry.
• They constantly blink or roll their eyes.
• They're either deflating or frowning.
• They take frequent breaks while reading.
• They prefer to read with dimmed lights or can never find the right lighting to read.

2. Sensitivity to light

Discomfort from fluorescent lights, bright lights, shiny objects, sunlight, or night driving.

3. Poor performance - skills

Poor progress in reading, grades that do not represent their effort and knowledge, grades on tests are lower than they expect, they avoid reading, or they don't read for pleasure.

4. Diagnostic Difficulties

Problems with the sharpness or stability of the printed page (letters) or the white background affects the reading of words, numbers or musical notes. Poor speed, accuracy, comprehension, and enjoyment.

5. Poor attention and concentration.

They are easily distracted and have problems starting an exercise, staying in an exercise, show that they get tired easily and quickly, feel anxious or nervous.

6. Headaches and Physical Symptoms

Headaches, stomachaches, or migraines, which have no medical cause, from reading, homework, or other perceptual activities.

7. Fatigue or lack of comfort

They feel exhausted (wasting more energy), tired, or sleepy when reading - studying or doing perceptual activities.

8. Poor Depth Perception

Inability to accurately calculate distances, proportions of space. Difficulty with escalators, stairs, ball sports, or driving.