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BB Behavioural Optometry Services

A Girl in a Classroom

Visual Stress & Colorimetry

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​Some individuals may also experience visual discomfort or perceptual distortions when reading. This is known as Visual Stress and may be alleviated by the use of coloured overlays or precision tinted lenses, through a process known as Colorimetry. The symptoms can occur despite normal vision. Visual Stress is not an ocular defect; however the symptoms can also be the product of certain ocular anomalies such as refraction problems (glasses) or the inability of the eyes to work as a team. These anomalies can often be rectified by prescribing refraction spectacles or exercises. It is very important that these ocular problems are ruled out or treated before proceeding with a Colorimetry examination.

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While some people experience benefit, these tools do not treat dyslexia itself or improve core reading skills, and not all individuals respond to colour interventions.

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Visual stress is sometimes associated with terms like Irlen Syndrome or Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome. It is associated with visual perceptual distortions and discomfort when viewing text or patterns. 

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Common symptoms of visual stress may include:

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  • Movement, blurring, or distortion of print

  • Letters appearing to change shape, size, or fade

  • Illusions of colour or patterns (e.g., "rivers" of white space, coloured tints, or flickering)

  • Difficulty maintaining attention when reading

  • Headaches or fatigue associated with reading

  • Skipping words or lines

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Colorimetry testing gives a choice of different hues and saturations of colour. This test uses the Intuitive Colorimeter. This instrument was developed by Professor Arnold Wilkins and the Medical Research Council and manufactured exclusively by CVT and is fully supported by research studies and peer reviewed controlled trials.

 

This test provides us with a specific colour (hue and saturation) which may be beneficial to the individual being tested.

From this test, a pair of bespoke precision tinted lenses can be created at the central lab.

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