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Understanding Meares-Irlen Syndrome: The Hidden Impact of Visual Stress

by | Aug 1, 2024 | Manuscripts | 0 comments

Reshma S Suresh, B. Optom

M.Optom Student, The Sankara Nethralaya Academy, Chennai, India

 

Introduction

Meares-Irlen Syndrome/Visual Stress (MISViS) comes under many names like Irlen Syndrome, scotopic sensitivity syndrome or visual stress. It is important to recognise that MISViS is not an optical condition, but a neural disorder that affects perceptual processing of the brain and occurs due to an issue with the brain’s ability to process visual information. It is described as a visual processing disorder characterised by difficulty with reading, writing and overall visual performance. This condition can be particularly debilitating for students and professionals who rely heavily on visual tasks. (1)

1. Symptoms of MISViS

The symptoms of MISViS can vary widely among individuals but typically include (2,3):

  • Reading problems including poor comprehension, skipping words or lines, constantly losing place
  • Writing problems such as unequal letter size or spacing, writing uphill/downhill.
  • Strain and fatigue with extended reading.
  • Print distortions, especially with black print on white paper.
  • Dislikes of bright light or glare/ prefer dim light.
  • Difficulty working on a computer
  • Lack of depth perception of difficulty in judging distances.
  • A feeling of clumsiness when negotiating uneven terrain.

2. Causes and risk factors

Studies have shown that MISViS affects between 5-20% of the general population. The prevalence is even higher, ranging from 30-45%, among individuals with other learning-related conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, photosensitive epilepsy, binocular instability, and chronic fatigue syndrome. In some cases, MISViS is a genetic condition that can be inherited from a parent of similar visual issues or even from significant head trauma. (3)

3. Diagnosing MISViS

A proper visual stress screening with a preliminary assessment by an eye care professional or specialist trained in visual stress must be done to ensure that the symptoms are not being caused by an optical visual impairment. A more detailed evaluation using colored overlays or lenses should be done to determine if specific colors alleviate symptoms. Also rule out other visual impairments that could contribute to the symptoms. (4)

4.. Management and treatment

There is no cure for MISViS, but several strategies can help manage the symptoms effectively. Colored overlays and lenses were found to be effective by using tinted overlays on reading material or specially prescribed tinted lenses which can reduce visual distortions and discomfort. Adjusting lighting conditions, such as using softer, natural lighting and reducing glare. Reading aids also can be used like line guides or digital tools that will modify text presentation to ease reading. Encourage frequent breaks during reading or visually intensive tasks to reduce eye strain. (5,6)

Conclusion

MISViS is a challenging condition that can significantly impact daily life, especially for those who rely heavily on reading and other visual tasks. While it remains under-recognised, understanding and awareness are growing, leading to better diagnosis and management options. The earlier it is detected and treated the greater the potential for increased efficiency and quality of life for the individual.

 

References

  1. Miyasaka, J. D. S., Vieira, R. V. G., Novalo-Goto, E. S., Montagna, E., & Wajnsztejn, R. (2019). Irlen syndrome: systematic review and level of evidence analysis. Arquivos de neuro-psiquiatria, 77, 194-207.
  2. Raj, R. (2020). Prevalence of symptoms of scotopic sensitivity syndrome/Irlen syndrome. IJAR, 6(11), 357-360.
  3. Heine, M., Martin, B., & Shields, M. (2016). Irlen Syndrome: Why the cool-coloured shades. TEACH Journal of Christian Education, 10(1), 3.
  4. Wilkins, A., Allen, P. M., Monger, L. J., & Gilchrist, J. M. (2016). Visual stress and dyslexia for the practicing optometrist. Optometry in Practice, 17(2).
  5. Guimarães, M. R., Vilhena, D. D. A., Loew, S. J., & Guimarães, R. Q. (2020). Spectral overlays for reading difficulties: oculomotor function and reading efficiency among children and adolescents with visual stress. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 127(2), 490-509.
  6. Loew, S. J. (2017). Reading conditions in schools: a review of fluorescent lighting, ultra-white paper, unexplained learning difficulties, and visual stress in the classroom. Revista de psicología y educación.

 

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