Visual Stress
Dyslexia is a specific learning difference that primarily affects how people process written and spoken language. It is not linked to intelligence but can make reading, writing, and spelling more challenging because the brain handles language in a different way.
Visual stress, on the other hand, refers to the discomfort some people experience when looking at text. Words or letters may appear to move, blur, or distort, making reading tiring and difficult.
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While visual stress is not the same as dyslexia, the two can overlap, and reducing visual stress (for example, with coloured overlays or tinted lenses) can sometimes make reading easier for those with dyslexia or related difficulties.
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We are NOT experts in dyslexia or visual stress, and there are many professional associations to help in this field, however we are able to provide Cerium coloured lenses that can help alleviate the symptoms of visual stress and dyslexia.
If you think you or your child may be suffering with dyslexia or visual stress, please get in touch with our friendly team.
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A sight test may be necessary to first eliminate other problems, and eye exercises and/or prescription spectacles may be advised. It is often considered a little too young for an overlay assessment for a child under 8 years of age, however this is totally dependant on the individual child.
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If you can't find a suitably convenient appointment online, please call your local practice and we will do everything we can to help you.
What is an Overlay Assessment and what is involved?
An overlay assessment involves a patient reading small random words such as “the” “as” “this” “was” ”come” whilst timed for approximately one minute. The different coloured overlay sheets are then introduced, one at a time, in a very specific order and the patient is asked to read two identical sections of similar words, each section covered by a different coloured overlay.
The patient is asked to compare the two colours and select the colour which makes the print easier to read, until it is established which colour works best for the patient.The patient is then asked to read a passage with the words again to see if the coloured overlay improves reading ability in terms of time and accuracy.
If the overlay sheet makes a difference we normally suggest that you keep the overlay sheet and use it at home, school or work for up to six weeks to see if it is beneficial to you. If you feel you will benefit from coloured lenses, then you can be booked in for the Colourimetry Assessment, which is a state of the art machine that “purifies” the colours.We can dispense a pair of lenses made with the chosen colour and add a prescription if required.
It is important to note that overlay sheets and Cerium coloured lenses are NOT a treatment for dyslexia or visual stress, but it is possible that they can alleviate symptoms of dyslexia and visual stress.
Please call the practice for the prices and further information.