In their recently released position statement, The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmology (RANZCO), expressed the opinion, “There is no scientific evidence that Irlen syndrome exists or that treatment of reading difficulties with Irlen lenses work.” The available body of current neuroscience, biochemical, educational and psychological research appears to have been overlooked by these authors, and as such, we’d like to respond providing the most current information.
Lack of scientific evidence that Irlen Syndrome exists
Neuroscience and biochemical research have both established the existence of Irlen Syndrome, but this research was not reviewed by RANZCO. This research uses advanced brain imaging technology (fMRI, MEG) to show abnormal brain function in the visual cortex and surrounding brain areas that corresponds to reported physical and perceptual symptoms for those identified with Irlen Syndrome. This brain imaging research, which shows normalised brain function with colored filters, has also confirmed improvements in reading performance, physical symptoms, such as migraines, and visual distortions1-6. Biochemical studies have also substantiated the existence of Irlen Syndrome7-10.
As a result of ongoing research being conducted at the Human Neuroscience Institute at Cornell University in the United States, Associate Professor Adam Anderson explained, “Our preliminary fMRI examinations of individuals with Irlen Syndrome, with and without prescribed Irlen color filters, revealed quite dramatic effects on the visual system as well as higher brain structures involved in learning. Consistent with a reduction in visual stress, the filters reduced the over activity of the visual system during visual stimulation and word reading.”
Lack of evidence that treatment for Irlen Syndrome is effective
