Irlen Syndrome Trivia Quiz

Answer: A visual processing problem

Irlen Syndrome is a problem with the way the brain interprets light signals. Untreated it can lead to multiple problems including headaches, nausea, and difficulty reading.

Answer: photic sneezing

Photic sneezing is the uncontrollable sneezing reflex when suddenly exposed to bright light. This happens to some Irlen sufferers. It can be dangerous when driving or operating heavy machinery.

Answer: False

The severity of Irlen Syndrome is on a continuum from mild to severe. Some people with the disorder have minor symptoms while others have very severe ones. These include the perception of distorted text, slow reading, fatigue, poor comprehension, and eye strain. Many Irlen sufferers do whatever they can to avoid reading.

Answer: Specially coated glasses

The main treatment for Irlen Syndrome is specially coated glasses. The coating filters problematic colour wavelengths to correct the visual processing problem. The coatings are specific to each individual much the same as regular glasses are specific to each person.

Answer: Joint pain

There are many other symptoms associated with Irlen Syndrome. They include behaviour problems, spelling problems, eye strain, dizziness, trouble concentrating, fatigue, trouble with depth perception, distortions of print, frustration, nausea, and delayed learning.

Answer: True

Yes, some people with Irlen Syndrome are noise sensitive, perceiving sound to be louder than the general population does. Exposure to loud and persistent noise can cause headaches and stress.

Answer: Yes, it can.

Irlen syndrome can indeed be seen on an MRI. If a person is given a reading task during the MRI with the glasses off, the brain shows as lit up all over. When the person puts the glasses on, much less of the brain is lit up. Scientific proof! You can see a copy of the MRI online.

Answer: True

It is possible to have AD(H)D with or without Irlen Syndrome. While some people do have AD(H)D, others actually have Irlen Syndrome. The symptoms of the latter are often the same as those of AD(H)D, Additionally, Irlen Syndrome is still not known to many educators, doctors, and parents.

Answer: Tinted overlays during reading

Other things that can be done to help Irlen sufferers are allowing them to work in a low light area, letting the person use tinted overlays, and educating the general population.

Answer: It is genetic

Irlen Syndrome is present at birth however, many people are not diagnosed until later in life due to the plasticity of the brain. There are some people who develop it after a head serious head injury.