See clearly through colour
This week is Dyslexia Awareness Week and it runs from Monday 2nd October to Sunday 8th October 2017. Bearing that in mind we thought what better opportunity for us to mention our Visual stress assessment service.
The symptoms of visual stress can be varied and include headaches, eye strain, a feeling that the print is moving, or that there appear to be rivers running through the print. Both children and adults can suffer from Visual stress and it can be very frustrating.
Visual stress can be caused by a number of conditions including Dyslexia, but it is not the same thing. Dyslexia is a term used to describe specific learning difficulties that affect the ability to learn to read and spell correctly.
Visual stress assessments
At Allegro Optical we provide Visual stress screening for children and adults.
If you think you or your child is affected by Visual stress signs to look for include;
Moving closer to or away from the page or frequent changing of position.
Excessive blinking
Looking away from the page.
Rubbing eyes.
Tiring quickly.
Poor concentration
Short attention span
Poor comprehension of reading text.
Losing place easily.
Re-reading the same line.
Skipping lines or words
Reading slowly or hesitantly
Avoiding reading.
Misreading words.
Poor spelling.
Eyestrain especially when working under bright lighting.
Reading on white paper can be uncomfortable.
Reading speed is slower than expected.
Glare from bright objects.
Preference for reading in dim light.
Eyestrain when working on a computer.
Unequal spacing when writing.
Difficulty writing on a line.
Difficulty when reading music or making out numbers.
Headaches from computers, reading, and lighting.
Frustration and low self-esteem
What to do
If you have noticed that you or a child is doing any of the above, it is a good idea to arrange an eye test to rule out various other causes – it could simply be that glasses or eye exercises are needed. However, if this behaviour persists, you or the child may be suffering from Visual stress.
A coloured overlay assessment is carried out only after a full eye examination and after the appropriate spectacles or exercises have been prescribed.
If Visual stress is identified colour is sometimes used to alleviate the symptoms. Other learning difficulties such as Dyslexia can sometimes be helped with colour.
Visual stress is found to exist in many conditions including:
Dyslexia
Dyspraxia
Photosensitive Migraine
Photosensitive Epilepsy
Autism
ADHD
Head Injuries
Multiple Sclerosis
What are coloured overlays
Sheets of transparent coloured plastic are placed over the text and can alleviate some of the Visual stress, making reading more comfortable.
At Allegro Optical we can assess our clients to see if they will benefit from coloured overlays. A colour assessment will be carried out in practice, usually by one of our qualified dispensing opticians.
If you or your child would like to be assessed, a full eye examination, including extra tests to check the binocular vision status of the eyes, will be required. Please call Allegro Optical Opticians in Meltham, near Huddersfield and Holmfirth on 01484 907090 for more information
