Journal article
Colored lenses to improve reading comfort and performance: Are underlying vision problems being missed?
Journal of optometric vision development, v 35, pp 37-41
2004
Abstract
Optometrists have raised concerns about the use of Irlen filters/ lenses because of the striking similarity between the symptoms associated with accommodative, binocular and ocular motility disorders and the symptoms associated with the scotopic sensitivity syndrome described by Irlen. This article provides evidence demonstrating that Irlen filter candidates often have unidentified vision disorders, that optometric treatment alone can often eliminate these symptoms, that the Irlen evaluation does not adequately account for the presence of underlying vision problems, and that few research studies have adequately controlled for the presence of underlying vision problems. It is evident that many patients are receiving substandard eyecare resulting in undetected accommodative, binocular vision, and ocular motor disorders. Because these patients are still symptomatic they seek other remedies. This appears to be the population of people who are seeking help from colored filters. Although there is some evidence to indicate a potential role for the use of colored filters in the treatment of individuals with reading problems, it is incumbent on both researchers and clinicians to ensure that vision problems are adequately addressed before colored filters/lenses are used.
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Details
- Title
- Colored lenses to improve reading comfort and performance: Are underlying vision problems being missed?
- Creators
- Mitchell M Scheiman - Drexel University, Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University (2008-2025)
- Publication Details
- Journal of optometric vision development, v 35, pp 37-41
- Number of pages
- 5
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO)
- Other Identifier
- 991021900815304721