Vision Problems & Dyslexia – Page 2

Vision Problems & Dyslexia

• Harris Filters & Dyslexia

  In 1996, David Harris invented the lenses that are now marketed by a contact lens manufacturer, as ChromaGen lenses. This product proved highly successful.

  Harris continued to work in this area and went on to develop the lenses that are now used (‘Harris Filters’) which mean that he no longer needs to use ChromaGen lenses for people with dyslexia.

  What are Harris Filters?

  Harris believed, the majority of people with dyslexia have nerve fibres that transmit important information inefficiently between the eyes and the brain. This can result in poor control of eye movements and therefore increased difficulty with reading and understanding, loss of place on the line of text (sometimes with a line being repeatedly read because of inaccurate tracking) and poorer comprehension. Harris Filters are an advanced version of David Harris’ award-winning range of special lenses that reduce or eliminate visual perceptual distortions, a condition that affects reading ability in almost 74% of dyslexia sufferers.

  Harris Dyslexia Website Sept ‘05.

  Harris Filters can’t make dyslexia completely disappear from an individual, but it is claimed, they can help to improve performance and make reading easier.

  Harris Filters can be found at The Harris Foundation.

• ChromaGen & Dyslexia

  Some students with dyslexia say that when they wear special contact lenses that have a tiny speck of colour in the contact lenses they have been able to read easier. These contact lenses are made with the help of the Intuitive Colorimeter and help people with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties.

  ChromaGen Lenses were developed at the Corneal Laser Centre for colour blindness at Clattersbridge Hospital, Wirral. The Lens is similar to ordinary soft contact lenses but has a tiny speck of colour that is almost invisible.

  *Research published a few years ago, confirm that the ChromaGen system produces a highly significant effect, with an average increase in overall reading speed of 24%.

  The ChromaGen system of lenses was awarded ‘Millennium Product’ status to recognise forward-thinking, challenging, creative and innovative products.

  The screening test using the GhromaGen system is available through participating opticians.

  For further information on ChromaGen lenses contact Ultralase.

  *ChromaGen-Ultralase – 4/4/00.

• Irlen Syndrome & Dyslexia

  Irlen Syndrome is thought to affect about 50% of students with specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia.

  It was in 1983 that an American psychologist Helen Irlen discovered a perceptual problem caused by light sensitivity.

  Irlen found that some students benefited from the use of coloured overlays. The overlays seemed to work by filtering out light that caused distortions to print. The problems appeared to be worse with black print on white paper.

  You may benefit from glasses or lenses if when reading you find:

  * letters merge together
  * letters appearing in the wrong order
  * twirling letters
  * words are fuzzy
  * words jump about
  * difficulties in reading and keeping your place
  * excessive rubbing and blinking of eyes
  * words appear as a jumbled puzzle
  * words appear faded

  Have a look at this excellent video by Irlen Syndrome on YouTube.

• Intuitive Colorimeter & Dyslexia

  Some people find when they use colour in their glasses they have been able to read easier. These glasses are made with the help of the Intuitive Colorimeter and help people with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties.

  The Intuitive Colorimeter uses up to 7,000 tints to measure exactly which colour helps individual students.

  Scientists do not know exactly how this technique works but they believe that the area in the brain that controls vision is very sensitive and some text may over-excite the colour neurones resulting in text being distorted. It appears that the coloured lenses, filter out light, helping to correct the problem.

  Students who appear to benefit most from these lenses are students who find that words and letters tend to; be jumbled up, move around, wobbles and appear in the wrong order. Some students with dyslexia and/or specific learning difficulties have most of the following symptoms others may only have one. Mostly, students do not realise it is a problem as they have always seen writing in the same way.

  Research has shown that if a child uses coloured overlays his reading speed increases and he has fewer headaches.

  The full screening test using the Intuitive Colorimeter is available through participating opticians.

  You can find out further information on this test by going to Cerium Vistech.

  You can find someone in your area (Country), by going to Cerium Visual Technologies and clicking on the area / Country you require.

• The Dunlop Test

  The ‘Dunlop Test was designed in 1971 by Mrs P Dunlop, an orthoptist to ascertain whether a child has a fixed reference eye. Dunlop believed if the reference eye is not established, this could lead to Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD’s), such as dyslexia.

  The ‘Dunlop Test has been found to be helpful when it has been used on children with dyslexia or other Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD’s).

  If your child has an eye problem, s/he may be referred to an eye clinic. An orthoptist will assess their binocular vision to see how their eyes work together and to make sure one eye is dominant.

  Children usually have a fixed reference eye by the time they are seven. If treatment is necessary, glasses with one side frosted, or eye exercises may be prescribed.

  In the UK, this test is available on the NHS; your doctor will be able to refer you to your nearest orthoptic department. Please note this test is not available throughout the UK.