Presentation to Dyslexia Clinic
Patients suffering from dyslexia often present with symptoms of eye strain or headache produced by visual distortions such as movement, fading or blurring of print.
At the Kings Cross eye clinic in London (Islington, N1) we peform a full optometric examination and eye sight test, to ensure that the symptoms are not attributable to other problems within the visual system such as uncorrected refractive error or undiagnosed pathology. Additional tests to assess visual problems associated with dyslexia and other learning difficulties are included in the examination along with careful questioning of the patient.
Download: Questionnaire for Patients Attending Dyslexia Clinic (PDF) 
Refraction and Dyslexia
Test chart
Several children with dyslexia or reading difficulties benefit greatly from spectacles or contact lenses to correct refractive errors. Significant refractive errors left uncorrected during critical periods of development (up to age 8-10) will result in amblyopia (permanently impaired vision).
Ocular Health and Dyslexia
No correlation has been found between pathology and dyslexia but cases have been reported where symptoms associated with systemic or ocular pathology have been mistakenly assumed by the patients to relate to dyslexia.
Binocular Vision, Accommodation and Dyslexia
Research has shown correlations between binocular vision disorders and specific learning difficulties (particularly dyslexia). Most common problems involve focussing close up (accommodation), changing the position of focus or moving the eyes in and out so that they are both pointing in the required direction. Exercises and spectacles can be used to treat most of these conditions.
Colour and Dyslexia
Coloured overlays
Placebo controlled studies have shown that some patients suffering from Meares-Irlen Syndrome (scotopic sensitivity syndrome) benefit from a colour tint. The tint is specific for each individual. The symptoms of M-I syndrome are easily confused with those arising from the conditions outlined above so refractive errors and binocular or accommodative abnormalities are treated first. Colourimetry is required to ascertain the precision tint for spectacles or contact lenses.
Consultations and Aftercare in the Dyslexia Clinic
The initial consultation usually takes at least one hour. The patient is given a copy of their spectacle prescription, advice on useful exercises and if necessary a coloured overlay. A second consultation is recommended 6-8 weeks later to review progress. Precision tinted lenses are then prescribed if a significant improvement in reading is found using a coloured overlay.
Download:
Questionnaire for Patients Attending Dyslexia Clinic (PDF)
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