An Eye-Movement Analysis of the Effects of Scotopic Sensitivity Correction on Parsing and Comprehension

Fletcher, James M.; Martinez, George

doi:10.1177/002221949402700110

Cited by 18 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 8 publications

(8 reference statements)

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Nine studies were identified that had features of RCTs; two publications which report on the same trial are counted as a single study . A consistent definition of IS was applied across these studies and the diagnostic procedures involved the use of the Irlen proprietary testing materials delivered by Irlen trained staff.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effect of coloured overlays and lenses on reading: a systematic review of the literature

Griffiths

Taylor

Henderson

et al. 2016

Ophthalmic Physiologic Optic

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Purpose: There are many anecdotal claims and research reports that coloured lenses and overlays improve reading performance. Here we present the results of a systematic review of this literature and examine the quality of the evidence. Methods: We systematically reviewed the literature concerning the effect of coloured lenses or overlays on reading performance by searching the PsychInfo, Medline and Embase databases. This revealed 51 published items (containing 54 data sets). Given that different systems are in use for issuing coloured overlays or lenses, we reviewed the evidence under four separate system headings (Intuitive, Irlen, Harris/Chromagen and Other), classifying each published item using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results: Although the different colour systems have been subjected to different amounts of scientific scrutiny, the results do not differ according to the system type, or whether the sample under investigation was classified as having visual stress (or a similarly defined condition), reading difficulty, or both. The majority of studies are subject to 'high' or 'uncertain' risk of bias in one or more key aspects of study design or outcome, with studies at lower risk from bias providing less support for the benefit of coloured lenses/overlays on reading ability. While many studies report improvements with coloured lenses, the effect size is generally small and/or similar to the improvement found with a placebo condition. We discuss the strengths and shortcomings of the published literature and, whilst acknowledging the difficulties associated with conducting trials of this type, offer some suggestions about how future trials might be conducted. Conclusions: Consistent with previous reviews and advice from several professional bodies, we conclude that the use of coloured lenses or overlays to ameliorate reading difficulties cannot be endorsed and that any benefits reported by individuals in clinical settings are likely to be the result of placebo, practice or Hawthorne effects.

show abstract

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effect of coloured overlays and lenses on reading: a systematic review of the literature

Griffiths

Taylor

Henderson

et al. 2016

Ophthalmic Physiologic Optic

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…There may also be a cyclic effect, with increases in meaning providing greater access to semantic patterns in text as an aid to word identification (Denckla, 1996;Schwantes, 1991;Stanovich, 1986). When this greater access to semantic patterns is combined with reported improvements in span of recognition, it may further enhance the flexibhty of eye movements required for comprehension, as has been found with the use of coloured filters (Fletcher & Martinez, 1994;Holland, et al, 1991;Tyrrell, et al, 1995).…”

Section: Reading Achievementmentioning

confidence: 97%

Scotopic Sensitivity/Irlen Syndrome and the Use of Coloured Filters: A Long-Term Placebo Controlled and Masked Study of Reading Achievement and Perception of Ability

Robinson

Foreman

1999

Percept Mot Skills

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

This study investigated the effects of using coloured filters on reading speed, accuracy, and comprehension as well as on perception of academic ability. A double-masked, placebo-controlled crossover design was used, with subjects being assessed over a period of 20 mo. There were three treatment groups (Placebo filters, Blue filters, and Optimal filters) involving 113 subjects with "reading difficulties", ranging in age from 9.2 yr. to 13.1 yr. and with an average discrepancy between chronological age and reading age of 1.8 yr. The 35 controls (who did not use coloured filters) ranged in age from 9.4 yr. to 12.9 yr., with an average discrepancy between chronological age and reading age of 2.1 yr. The treatment groups increased at a significantly greater rate than the control group in reading accuracy and reading comprehension but not for speed of reading. For self-reported perception of academic ability, two of the three treatment groups showed significantly greater increases than the control group. The larger improvements for treatment groups in reading comprehension may be related to a reduction in print and background distortions allowing attention to be directed to the processing of continuous text rather than to the identification of individual words. A reduction in print distortion, however, may not be sufficient to generate improved word-identification skills without additional remedial support, and this may be indicated by the nonsignificant increase in rate of reading.

show abstract

“…(1987Rosenhall etal. ( , 1996 found abnormal saccades and disturbed smooth pursuit eye movements in large numbers of subjects with CFS, and similar symptoms have been identified in subjects with IS (Fletcher & Martinez, 1994;Tyrrell et al, 1995). Potaznik and Korol (1992) compared subjects with CFS and Immune System Dysfunction to healthy controls, with significant differences in ocular symptoms being identified (p=0.0001 to 0.007).…”

Section: A Preliminary Investigation Of Biochemical Anomaliesmentioning

confidence: 81%

Understanding the causal mechanisms of visual processing problems: A possible biochemical basis for Irlen syndrome?

Robinson¹,

Roberts²,

McGregor³

et al. 1999

Australian Journal of Learning Disabilities

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

An Eye-Movement Analysis of the Effects of Scotopic Sensitivity Correction on Parsing and Comprehension

Cited by 18 publications

References 8 publications

The effect of coloured overlays and lenses on reading: a systematic review of the literature

The effect of coloured overlays and lenses on reading: a systematic review of the literature

Scotopic Sensitivity/Irlen Syndrome and the Use of Coloured Filters: A Long-Term Placebo Controlled and Masked Study of Reading Achievement and Perception of Ability

Understanding the causal mechanisms of visual processing problems: A possible biochemical basis for Irlen syndrome?

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About