Visual Stress
Give your eyes a break
What is visual stress?
Visual stress, also known as Meares-Irlen Syndrome is a condition that affects some people when they read or look at printed materials for an extended period of time. People with visual stress may experience a range of symptoms such as headaches, eyestrain, blurred vision, or distortions of text, which can make reading difficult and uncomfortable.
Visual stress is thought to be related to the way the brain processes visual information, particularly in relation to the contrast between black letters on a white background. Some researchers believe that certain individuals are more susceptible to visual stress due to differences in the way their brains process light and color.
Visual stress can be diagnosed through specialised tests and assessments. Treatment may involve the use of coloured overlays or tinted lenses to improve reading comfort and performance.
Treating visual stress can have a significant benefit to our patients’. It allows reading to be more comfortable, increases reading speed and makes reading and learning more enjoyable. It can be ‘life-changing’ for patients who have previously struggled with concentrated work.
Coloured overlays
Coloured overlays are a common treatment option for visual stress. These overlays are sheets of transparent colored plastic that can be placed over printed materials such as books, papers, or computer screens. The color of the overlay can be selected based on the individual's specific needs, and it is believed to reduce visual stress by altering the contrast between the black letters and the white background.
The use of coloured overlays is thought to work by reducing the amount of high-frequency light that enters the eye, which can be particularly problematic for individuals with visual stress. This reduction in high-frequency light is thought to reduce the amount of visual information that the brain has to process, which can make reading more comfortable and less taxing on the visual system.
Precision tinted lenses
Precision tinted lenses are specialised spectacle lenses that are designed to help individuals with visual stress. The lenses are typically made with a range of specific tint colours that have been shown to reduce the symptoms of visual stress in some individuals.
The use of precision tinted lenses is based on the theory that certain colours of light can be more problematic for individuals with visual stress. The tinted lenses are designed to selectively filter out certain wavelengths of light that may cause discomfort, distortion, or other visual symptoms.
The selection of the optimal tint colour for an individual can be determined through a process called colourimetry, which involves the use of specialised equipment to measure the spectral properties of light that are most problematic for that individual. Once the optimal tint color is determined, the lenses can be custom-made to fit the individual's prescription.
Precision tinted lenses have been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of visual stress in some individuals, particularly those with symptoms such as headaches, eye strain, and visual distortions while reading or using a computer.
It's important to note that both overlays and precision tinted lenses are not a cure for visual stress or related conditions, but rather a tool that can be used to manage symptoms. If you experience symptoms of visual stress, we would recommend you book in for a visual stress assessment along with your eye examination to explore all possible treatment options.
At Blink we can provide an extensive visual stress assessment. This is not covered by the NHS. We will be happy to discuss this with you and answer any questions you may have.