23/02/2026
I would like to share a journey with you on how Irlen lenses made a difference in the life of a young boy and his mom. Thank you Géne Smith for allowing us to share your journey.
Vriende, soos van julle dalk weet, het ek hierdie jaar begin om Michael graad 3 te tuisskool. My hoop was om hom te help om bietjie in te haal met werk waarmee hy in graad 2 gesukkel het, veral voordat hy met graad 4 se klomp ekstra vakke begin.
Min het ek geweet watter groot uitdaging Michael elke dag ervaar.
Twee en 'n half weke gelede het ek besef dat daar fout is. Intussen het ek en Warren navorsing gedoen, professionele raad gekry, en uiteindelik begin besef waarom Michael so stadig lees en waarom hy in 'n totale hopie moedeloosheid verval wanneer hy enige iets moet skryf.
Het julle al ooit gehoor van Irlen Sindroom? Ek het nie, totdat 'n liewe opvoedkundige sielkundige vriendin my daarvan vertel het en ek meer daaroor gaan Google het. (Baie dankie Dr. Lenette Kruger!)
Ons het die afgelope tyd baie in gebed deurgebring om 'n oplossing te vind. Indien Michael wel Irlen Sindroom het, sou dit sy angstigheid verklaar, die groot uitdaging wat hy ervaar om te skryf (wat dalk as luiheid mag voorkom), sy onvermoë om stil te sit, fiets te ry, veters vas te maak. Michael kon uiteindelik vir ons verduidelik dat alles waarna hy kyk - letters, syfers, lyntjies op die papier waarop hy moet skryf, prentjies, patrone, my oë in my gesig, meubels, die vloer, die sterre in die lug, letterlik ALLES waarna hy kyk - aanhoudend rondspring. Dit veroorsaak verskriklike inspanning om op enige iets te fokus en hy word baie gou moeg. Omdat hy net op een woord op 'n keer kan fokus om te lees, sukkel hy om te verstaan wat hy gelees het.
Let wel, daar is niks fout met sy sig nie - ek het hom vir 'n oogtoets geneem en daar kon niks fout gevind word nie.
Ons het DV oor 2 weke 'n afspraak by die beste (enigste?) Irlen spesialis in die land. Bid asseblief saam met ons dat die regte lense sal help dat Michael se wêreld rondom hom sal ophou rondspring, sodat hy sal kan kalm wees en fokus.
Nou, hier is die opsomming van wat Irlen Sindroom is, asook 'n moontlike oplossing:
"What is Irlen Syndrome?
Irlen Syndrome, also known as Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome or Visual Stress, is a condition where the brain struggles to process light and visual stimuli efficiently. It is not a vision problem but rather a neurological one, affecting how visual information is interpreted. Individuals with this syndrome may experience discomfort when reading, writing, or viewing certain patterns, often due to sensitivity to specific wavelengths of light.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Irlen Syndrome can vary widely among individuals and may include:
Light Sensitivity: Discomfort or pain in bright lights or fluorescent lighting.
Reading Difficulties: Challenges with reading, including slow reading speed, low comprehension, and visual fatigue.
Visual Distortions: Words may appear to move, blur, or crowd together on the page.
Headaches and Migraines: Increased frequency of headaches, particularly after visual tasks.
Concentration Issues: Difficulty maintaining focus during reading or other visually intensive activities.
Causes and Risk Factors
Irlen Syndrome is believed to have a genetic component, often running in families. It can also be acquired due to medical conditions, traumatic brain injuries, or other neurological issues. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it involves a dysfunction in how the brain processes visual information.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of Irlen Syndrome typically involves a thorough assessment by a trained Irlen Diagnostician, who evaluates the individual's symptoms and visual processing abilities. Treatment often includes the use of Irlen Spectral Filters, which are colored overlays or lenses designed to reduce light sensitivity and improve visual processing. These filters can be worn as glasses or contact lenses.
Conclusion
Irlen Syndrome can significantly impact an individual's academic performance and daily functioning. While it is not a widely recognized condition in standard medical practice, many individuals report improvements in their symptoms with appropriate interventions. If you suspect you or someone you know may have Irlen Syndrome, seeking a professional evaluation can be beneficial for managing the condition effectively."
Kyk ook na Irlen South Africa.