How We Diagnose and Treat Irlen Syndrome at Eye Spy

At Eye Spy, we’re committed to offering comprehensive care for a variety of visual conditions, including those that are less commonly recognised, such as Irlen Syndrome. This visual processing disorder affects how the brain processes visual information, leading to challenges such as reading and learning difficulties and light sensitivity that can significantly impact daily life.

We take pride in providing specialised diagnosis and treatment for Irlen Syndrome to help individuals manage their symptoms and enhance their quality of life.

How Eye Spy Diagnoses Irlen Syndrome

The first step is to have an up-to-date comprehensive eye examination to assess your eye health, optical prescription needs and how your eyes work together - something we excel in.

The second step to effective treatment is proper diagnosis. At Eye Spy, our process begins with a detailed screening to assess for symptoms of Irlen Syndrome. This evaluation is carried out by our certified Irlen screener, Adrian Reedy, and involves a comprehensive review of your visual experiences, including sensitivity to light and depth perception issues. Common symptoms we assess include discomfort under bright lights, visual distortions when reading, and difficulty concentrating.

During the screening, you’ll undergo a colour overlay test. This involves placing various coloured overlays on text to determine whether specific colours reduce the discomfort or distortions you experience. This test helps us understand if you’re likely to benefit from the next step: a formal diagnostic assessment with Maile, our qualified Irlen diagnostician.

The Irlen Diagnostic Assessment

If your initial screening suggests that you may have Irlen Syndrome, Maile will conduct a more in-depth Irlen Diagnostic Colour Assessment. This is where the precise colour tint required to alleviate your symptoms is determined. The assessment involves testing various spectral filtered lenses in a controlled environment to identify the specific tint that best suits your visual needs.

This Irlen Syndrome diagnosis process is key in creating a customised treatment plan tailored to your unique visual sensitivities, ensuring you receive the most effective solution for your condition, addressing both the visual stress and the physical symptoms that often accompany perceptual processing disorders like Irlen Syndrome.

Treatment: Irlen Spectral Filters

Once the diagnostic process is complete, the primary treatment for Irlen Syndrome is the prescription of Irlen Spectral Filters. These are specially tinted lenses designed to filter certain wavelengths of light that cause visual distortions and discomfort. Based on your assessment results, we create custom lenses that match the specific tint you require.

The lenses can be integrated into everyday glasses or fitted as a magnetic clip-on addition, or even contact lenses depending on your needs and lifestyle. The aim is to reduce visual strain, ease reading difficulties, and improve overall focus and comfort in your daily life.

Follow-Up and Continuous Care

At Eye Spy, we believe in ongoing care. After you receive your Irlen Spectral Filters, we encourage regular follow-up appointments to ensure that the lenses continue to effectively meet your needs. We will continue to monitor your needs regularly and make any necessary adjustments to optimise the treatment.

How Eye Spy Can Help

Irlen Syndrome is a condition that often goes undiagnosed, but with the right care and treatment, it can be managed effectively. Our team at Eye Spy is dedicated to helping you every step of the way—from the initial screening to the fitting of your custom Irlen lenses.

If you or a loved one suspects they may have Irlen Syndrome, we invite you to schedule a screening with Adrian. If your screening results indicate a need for further assessment, Adrian can refer you to Maile for a full diagnostic test. Together, we’ll develop a tailored Irlen Syndrome treatment plan solution that helps you live more comfortably with clearer vision and reduced symptoms.

For more information or to book an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support your vision every step of the way.