Intuitive Colorimeter & Visual Stress
The Intuitive Colorimiter is an instrument designed to help find the specific colour that most helps an individual have more fluent, efficient, comfortable reading. The range of colours is huge and precision tinted lenses can be made to match exactly the hue and saturation of the optimum colour found with the Colorimeter.
What is Visual Stress?
In recent years vision scientists have identified the condition of “visual stress” as contributing to reading difficulties in many children and adults.
The condition, which is related to light sensitivity in disorders such as migraine and epilepsy, can be responsible for distortions on the printed page, especially when black print contrasts sharply with the bright white background of the page.
Visual stress can be a major part of the problem in poor readers including those who are labelled ‘dyslexic’. If visual stress can be identified and treated, any remaining difficulties become easier to deal with.
Visual stress can also cause headaches and eye-strain. It can do so not only in poor readers but also in those whose reading is otherwise normal.
Classic symptoms are:
- “Words are moving around the page”
- “When I read I get a headache”
- “The words are blurred”
- “The page is very bright and I cannot see the words properly”
- “Reading hurts my eyes”
Frustration and low self-esteem can occur in children who are under-achieving due to visual stress. Early diagnosis of the problem is essential. The longer it takes to identify and remedy visual stress the greater the loss of confidence that can result.
How many are affected?
Approximately 5% of the population is adversely affected by visual stress, and 20% to a lesser degree. Since visual stress is common and easy to treat, it makes sense to look for visual stress in people who have difficulty reading.
A solution?
Scientific research has shown that visual stress from reading can be reduced by colouring the page using spectral filters. The filters are either placed directly over the page ( these are known as colour overlays ) or they are worn in spectacles ( Precision Tints ).
The colour is specific to each individual and has to be selected with precision. The best colour for use as overlays is unlikely to be the same as that for the spectacles. Colour overlays can be used for screening and initial assessment, but individuals who find overlays helpful usually derive greater benefit from Precision Tints. A full eye examination is followed by testing with an instrument called the ‘Intuitive Colorimeter’. The instrument specifies the tint appropriate for glasses or contact lenses. Individuals using the appropriate tint can suddenly see more clearly and comfortably, in fact to them it can seem quite “magical”. The tint permits a more fluent, efficient and comfortable reading, and is often useful not only for reading but more generally for reducing glare.
Where can I have my eyes checked?
All our practices perform full in depth examinations, but you will need to visit our Barton practice to have the Colorimerty performed. Click here for our Barton Practice Contact details...
What are the costs?
For a full assesment on the Colorimeter with one of our Optometrists is £45.
The Special tints required to prescription are £98 with a 20% discount for Children under 16.