At Zacks London Eye Clinics (Warren Street, Fitzrovia, London W1) and (Kings Cross, Islington, London N1) 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. The 'Zacks London' dyslexia eye sight test  includes a full optometric examination 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

Ocular Health & 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.

Refraction & Dyslexia

Some 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).

Binocular Vision, Accommodation & 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 & Dyslexia

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 & 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.

Web links:

• CERIUM
• DYSLEXIA INFORMATION FROM DYSLEXIA ACTION