Research

Sometimes our Irlen Treatment is the only solution needed, but more often, it is just one layer of the individual’s problems, and can be only one piece of the solution puzzle. Through a range of Behavioural Optometry techniques, we also offer additional instruction and remediation, or can refer the individual for additional medical intervention.

The following research relates to Irlen Treatment. Independent research is also currently being conducted in New Zealand to provide further data.

National and International Research Studies
The Irlen Method and the efficacy of coloured overlays and colored lenses has been the subject of over 100 research studies encompassing the disciplines of education, psychology, and medicine. To date, more than 60 of these studies supporting the use of coloured overlays and lenses to treat the perceptual processing difficulties associated with Irlen Syndrome are published in peer-reviewed academic and scientific journals, including the Journal of Learning Disabilities, Australian Journal of Special Education, Perceptual and Motor Skills, Australian Journal of Learning Disabilities, Journal of Clinical & Experimental Neuropsychology, Journal of Research in Reading, and Behavioral Optometry among others.

A recent review of 62 studies published in peer-reviewed journals found 56 studies with positive findings, 45 with positive results for particular reading skills, and 11 showing improvements in accommodation facility, eye movements while reading, and reduced headaches/migrains. Independent research projects are ongoing at various universities in the United States, England, Australia, Switzerland, Italy, and New Zealand.

Incidence of Irlen Syndrome in the Population
Incidence studies suggest that 46% of those with identified with reading problems, dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, or learning difficulties suffer from Irlen Syndrome and can be helped by the Irlen Method.

The Irlen Method in the Education System and Government Support
There are presently over 7,000 educators trained as Irlen screeners, many of whom work within school districts in the United States and over seas. Over 100,000 adults and children wear Irlen Spectral Filters and millions of individuals are using Irlen Coloured Overlays. Massachusetts and Oregon have bills pending to require screening for Irlen Syndrome in all schools in these states. Alabama has recognized Irlen Syndrome/Scotopic Sensitivity as a learning disability and all recommendations including the use of Coloured 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 Coloured Filters.

Brain Research
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 Spectral Filters and coloured overlays. Brain studies conducted at the Amen Clinic and the U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, show that color helps to balance brain functioning and that the Irlen effect is real.

Agencies Officially Recognizing the Irlen Method
The following are a sampling of US agencies which have officially recognized the Irlen Method: 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 recognized the Irlen Method: Department of Employment, Education & 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).

Headaches and Migraine Research and the Irlen Method
Research has just begun to show the connection between headaches and migraines and the Irlen Method. For individuals whose headaches or migraines are caused by light sensitivity, the Irlen Method can make a big difference.

Traumatic Head Injuries
This research highlights two things. First, the use of colour to treat light-based sensitivities, physical discomfort, and perceptual difficulties in the environment and on the printed page is not restricted to those who have inherited difficulties. This technique is also effective for those whose difficulties are acquired through TBI.

(Copyright © 1998-2006 by Percpetual Development Corp/Helen Irlen. All rights reserved.)