Visual stress (sometimes called 'Meares-Irlen Syndrome' or 'Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome') generally reveals itself in the form of unpleasant visual symptoms when reading or close work, especially when done so for prolonged time.

While Visual Stress can co-exist with more complex learning difficulties (Dyslexia) but if visual stress is remedied, the remaining learning problems may be more easily dealt with. Visual Stress is estimated to affect 30% of poor readers and 10% of the general population & The problem may be linked to migraine and photophobia (light-sensitivity).

Symptoms of Visual Stress can include:

• Movement/'jumping' or blurring of print
• Letters changing shape or size or fading or becoming dark
• Patterns appearing, sometimes describes as "worms" or "rivers" running through print
• Illusions of colour - blobs of colour on the page or colours surrounding letters or words
• Rapid tiring
• Headache or eyestrain

Signs of Visual Stress can include:

• Moving closer to or away from page
• Becoming restless
• Using finger as a marker
• Skipping words and lines
• Rubbing eyes and blinking excessively
• Low self esteem or struggling with or avoiding reading.

Symptoms of visual stress are not always immediately obvious. Many individuals who suffer with this condition believe the discomfort they feel when reading or the distortions they experience on the page are "normal" and experienced by everyone. That is until someone presents them with an appropriate colour and they realise that reading can become more comfortable and even enjoyable.

The simple application of a coloured overlay at an early stage could save years of anxiety and prevent the downward slide in confidence which occurs in most cases where children struggle to read.