Irlen Syndrome screening is available through our certified Irlen Syndrome Diagnostician, Allison Vandersand. This specialized service helps identify a frequently overlooked visual processing difficulty that can impact reading, learning, and everyday functioning.
What is Irlen Syndrome?
Irlen Syndrome is a light-based visual processing difficulty. It occurs when the brain has trouble processing light and visual information efficiently.
It’s important to understand what Irlen Syndrome is not:
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Not a vision problem
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Not dyslexia
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Not a medical condition
Instead, it is a perceptual processing issue, meaning the brain struggles to interpret visual input correctly—even when the eyes themselves are healthy.
Individuals with Irlen Syndrome often experience light sensitivity and visual distortions that can make everyday tasks more challenging—especially reading or working under bright lights.
Symptoms and severity vary from person to person. Some may notice mild difficulties after extended reading, while others experience symptoms quickly and more intensely.
Irlen Syndrome can affect both children and adults and often runs in families.
While many individuals are born with it, symptoms can also develop after:
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Concussions or traumatic brain injuries
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Illness or medical procedures
Irlen exists on a spectrum, ranging from mild to severe.
With Irlen Syndrome, light sensitivity is the underlying issue, which can lead to challenges with:
Visual
Memory
Tracking and Sequencing
Visual Discrimination
Visual-motor Coordination
Irlen Syndrome can be screened through a specialized evaluation that looks at how an individual processes light and visual information.
Because symptoms can overlap with other conditions like attention difficulties or learning challenges, proper screening is key to identifying the root cause.
Common Signs & Symptoms
Irlen Syndrome can impact multiple areas of daily life.
Reading & Learning
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Slow or inefficient reading
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Poor comprehension
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Skipping words or lines
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Losing place while reading
Physical Discomfort
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Eye strain or fatigue
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Headaches or nausea
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Feeling tired or restless
Attention & Focus
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Difficulty concentrating
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Trouble staying on task
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Easily overwhelmed by bright environments
Visual & Perceptual Changes
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Words appearing blurry/moving
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Sensitivity to bright lighting
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Difficulty with depth perception or coordination
School, Work & Daily Life
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Difficulty writing neatly
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Math errors/misaligned numbers
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Low motivation or frustration despite effort