What is Perceptual Dyslexia?
Perceptual Dyslexia or Irlen Syndrome describes a condition that prevents the nervous system from correctly interpreting and decoding visual images and sending them to the brain’s visual cortex. It is thought that Perceptual Dyslexia affects almost 50% of people with a learning disability and as much as 14% of the general population. Symptoms
While this condition affects sight, it is not a visual impairment, perceptual Dyslexics may have perfect 20/20 vision. The brain’s inability to properly decode visual information can lead to symptoms such as:
- Sensitivity to light
- Eyestrain
- Words move about the page
- Words jiggle and swirl
- The white of the page is uncomfortably bright
The condition can be aggravated by such factors as:
- Bright light
- Artificial lights
- Glossy paper
- Contrast between black and white
Due to these visual problems reading can become quite uncomfortable for the person, resulting in an unwillingness to continue or even physical pain.
Is it treatable?
Treatment for Irlen syndrome has been highly effective. The symptoms can be reduced or removed altogether using a variety of techniques known as the Irlen Method. These include changing the colour of the paper using acetate overlays and specially prescribed lenses which work in much the same way.
