Visual stress, also known as Meres Irlen Syndrome, is a condition referring to reading difficulties, light sensitivity, strain, and headaches from exposure to visual patterns such as text on a page. Visual stress is thought to be caused by an over-sensitivity of the brain when viewing high contrast patterns, hence it has also been termed ‘pattern-related visual stress’. It can be responsible for rapid fatigue when reading and can affect both adults and children.

The Symptoms of Visual Stress

• Movement of print on a page or screen
• Blurring of print
• Fading of letters or words
• Words appearing as double
• Glare and the page appearing to be 'too bright'
• Skipping words or lines
• Eye Strain
• Using a finger to follow text

Colour relief

The symptoms of Visual Stress can, for some people, be alleviated using precision colour-tinted spectacle lenses and coloured overlays. The colour needed to alleviate the symptoms is individual-specific and is determined by our coloured overlay assessment.

Screening for Visual Stress

Special computer software is designed to detect the signs and symptoms of Visual Stress and determine the optimum colour for overlays and coloured lenses to minimise symptoms.

The system is in use in more than 400 optometric practices, hospitals and schools.

How Does it Work

Reading speed and accuracy is measured using the Wilkin’s Rate of Reading test both with and without the chosen overlay (or combination of overlays). If there is a significant improvement in reading speed and accuracy a coloured overlay is recommended.

Booking a Visual Stress appointment

Before you have a Visual Stress appointment, it is imperative to have had a full and thorough eye examination to rule out other causes of Visual Stress.

How long does it take?

A Visual Stress assessment typically takes thirty minutes.

What is the cost?

The cost of the assessment is £99.00 and this includes a detailed report following the assessment.