Visual stress, also known as Meares-Irlen Syndrome, is a perceptual disorder that affects the way the brain processes visual information. It is not a medical condition, but it can cause a number of symptoms, including:

• Difficulty reading, especially in bright light or on white paper
• Words or letters appearing to move or jump on the page
• Headaches, eye strain, and fatigue
• Sensitivity to glare and fluorescent lighting
• Problems with depth perception

There is no cure for visual stress, but there are a number of remedies that can help to reduce the symptoms. These include:

• Using coloured overlays or filters over reading material
• Wearing tinted glasses
• Taking breaks from reading or computer work
• Using a larger font size
• Adjusting the lighting in your environment

If you think you may have visual stress, it is important to see an optometrist. We provide the tests needed to let you know if you suffer from Visual Stress. Please either phone on the number at the top of the page or using the form below.

Here are some additional tips for reducing visual stress:

• Make sure your computer screen is at the right height and distance from your eyes.
• Take breaks from looking at a screen every 20-30 minutes.
• Blink regularly to keep your eyes moist.
• Use a glare filter on your computer screen.
• If you are sensitive to light, wear sunglasses or a hat when you are outdoors.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of visual stress, feel free to contact us. We can provide both Overlay Tests and Colourimeter tests in our Doncaster practice.