Dyslexia is a learning disorder that causes trouble in language skills, vision, and intelligence. It is technically due to the difficulty in relating the letters or the words to the sound they produce. There are different types of dyslexia like phonological dyslexia, surface dyslexia, visual dyslexia, etc. Of these, visual type is often confused with a condition called Irlen syndrome.

Irlen syndrome:
It is the perceptual processing disorder that results in difficulty for the brain to process the visual information syndrome. Unlike dyslexia, Irlen syndrome is more related to light sensitivity resulting in discomfort when in fluorescent lights, color sensitivity, contrast or brightness problems, and trouble judging distances.
Dyslexia vs Irlen syndrome:
Irlen syndrome causes physical and visual troubles that are not due to the inability of the brain to correlate the connection between the words and their sounds as in dyslexia. They have issues because their vision is distorted in seeing printed words or the background color hurts their eyes. They sometimes feel dizziness and headache because of this issue.
Assessment and Treatment:
Earlier the diagnosis is done, it is easier handling the affected and treating them. Most pre-schools in Manchester usually conduct dyslexia screening tests to identify children more prone to these issues. Some centers like Manchester dyslexia screening center also include diagnosing Irlen syndrome which is categorized as a specific learning difficulty. Usage of a tinted lens is claimed effective for coping up with Irlen syndrome while dyslexia requires continuous therapy to make the person lead a normal life.


