In Stock. Arrives in 3 days (UK)
Research has shown that approximately 20% of the population suffers from discomfort when looking at certain regular patterns (including rows of text). In severe cases, this can lead to photo-sensitive epilepsy, in other cases migraine, and in others just varying degrees of discomfort. This phenomenon was first recognised by a teacher in New Zealand (Olive Meares) and a psychologist in the US (Helen Irlen) so the condition became known as Irlen syndrome or Meares-Irlen syndrome. However, the more general term “Visual Stress” is now preferred.
Symptoms typically include “words appearing to move, wobble or flicker”, “shadows or colours in the text” or just general “eye strain”. This can result in a reduction in reading speed, reduced fluency or just an aversion to reading.
For reasons that are not well-understood, changing the background colour of the text has been found to reduce or, in some cases, eliminate the symptoms. While some colours seem to be chosen more than others, the colour which minimises the symptoms seems to differ between patients.
The condition can be managed by using coloured overlays (sheets of coloured overlays which are placed over the reading material) or coloured lenses.
If you already use an overlay, simply order the nearest colour from our range.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of Visual Stress, you are advised to have a full eye examination by an Optometrist before using overlays in order to rule out other possible causes. Many optometrists can test you for Visual Stress and recommend an optimum overlay colour.
If you have had a recent eye examination, you can use our images to see if reading is more comfortable with any specific colour. Overlays are not expensive and many people find that reading is more comfortable using an Overlay even if they have not been diagnosed with Meares-Irlen Syndrome.
We offer 5 overlays in a pack in a range of 12 colours, names A-L
PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO DIFFERENCE IN THE COLOUR REPRODUCTION OF DIFFERENT MONITORS, THE COLOUR OF THE OVERLAYS MAY DIFFER SLIGHTLY FROM THE COLOURS SHOWN BELOW.
| Cord Type | No cord attached |
<iframe width=”1060″ height=”596″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/6sYzDal4LXw” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen></iframe>
All our packaging is made from recycled materials to do our bit to help the planet and in 2022 we plan to take this further by moving to paperless ordering.
We care – we offer anyone the opportunity to book a 1:1 personal sensory support chat with one of our neurodivergent team
Things are better when you’re not alone. Join the friendliest most supportive SPD community group on the planet – share your experience, and get support from others
Sensory Matters Podcast
Free Sensory Support Community
Can Chewigems Help Keep Your Teeth Clean?
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.