Facts about the Irlen Method

The Irlen Method and the use of Irlen colored filters and overlays address a type of processing disorder that interferes with the ease and efficient use of academic skills, such as reading, math, copying, and attention; thus interfering overall with learning, behavior, and performance. 

When incidence data has been collected on this type of processing disorder, it consistently appears as one piece of the puzzle for 46% of those identified with reading problems, dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, or learning difficulties.  It may be the only cause, or a significant piece of the puzzle, or a contributing factor; but reducing or eliminating this layer can be extremely beneficial.  This method does not replace the need for instruction, remediation, or medical intervention.

There are presently over 7,000 educators trained in using Irlen colored overlays with students in the United States, United Kingdom, and other countries.  Over 100,000 adults and children wear Irlen Colored Filters, and millions of individuals are using Irlen Colored Overlays. 

Massachusetts and Oregon have bills pending regarding screening by schools for this problem.

Alabama has recognised Irlen Syndrome/Scotopic Sensitivity as a learning disability and all recommendations, including the use of Colored Filters, must be allowed. 

The Medical Research Council at Cambridge University, Visual Perception Unit of Essex University in England, University Laboratory of Physiology at Oxford University, and Newcastle University in Australia have extensively researched and published studies on colored overlays and colored filters. 

Research, whether using the Irlen Method or Colorimeter, supports the use of colored lenses and overlays. 

It is discriminatory to recognize the research of one method without recognizing the research of other methods.  Both methods show significant improvements with the use of colour.

Independent research projects specifically regarding the Irlen Method are ongoing and being conducted at universities in the USA, Australia, Switzerland, Italy, and New Zealand. 

In a recent survey, it was possible to identify over 62 studies involving colored overlays, colored computer monitors or colored lenses, many specifically related to Irlen Colored Filters and Overlays. 

Many of these would be considered to have adequate experimental controls; and many were published in peer-reviewed journals, with editors who are conscious of guarding the reputation of their journal by not accepting papers with serious methodological flaws. 

Of the studies reviewed, 56 have positive findings, 45 finding positive results for particular reading skills, and 11 finding improvements in accommodation facility, eye movements while reading, and reduced headaches/migraines.

Brain research at the cellular level has provided new information regarding the operation of the visual pathways in dyslexics as opposed to normal readers and provides a plausible explanation for the demonstrated effectiveness of Irlen Colored Filters, whether in the form of lenses or acetate sheets.

Brain studies of individuals wearing Irlen Colored Filters have been conducted at the Amen Clinic, Newport Beach, California, USA, showing how the Irlen Colored Filters help to balance brain functioning.  A single-subject study carried out in the U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division purports to demonstrate, among other things, that the Irlen effect is real and that varying the energy spectrum presented to the eyes of this dyslexic individual was capable of altering his visual and cognitive performance for better or worse and to a significant extent.

The following are a sampling of agencies in the United States which have officially recognised the Irlen Method and use of Irlen Colored Filters: 

Recording for the Blind, SAT, ACT, LSAT, Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services, Indiana Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Michigan Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Texas Commission for the Blind, Nevada Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and Wisconsin Vocational Rehabilitation.

In Australia, the following are a sampling of agencies which have officially recognised the Irlen Method and the use of Irlen Colored Filters: 

Department of Employment, Education and Training, Departments of Army, Navy and Air Force, Board of Studies-NSW, Board of Secondary Education-WA, Department of Children’s Services-WA, Commonwealth Employment Service (CES), Department of Rehabilitation, and Technical and Further Education (TAFE).

Contact James

Contact James with any questions you may have or for an informal chat about Irlen. You can contact him on:

t: 01536 761597
e: billettjames@hotmail.com
Online enquiry form

Further Information

Further information about Irlen Syndrome can be found at www.irlen.com

Please note that opticians and organisations other than Irlen Clinics have no connection with Helen Irlen, or the Irlen Institute and do not use the Irlen method.