Colorimetry in Coventry – Visual Stress & Meares-Irlen Syndrome
What is Colorimetry?
Colorimetry is a specialist clinical test offered at Eyesite Eyecare Centres in Coventry to determine whether a patient could benefit from precision-tinted lenses. These lenses may reduce the symptoms of visual stress (also known as Meares-Irlen Syndrome) and improve reading comfort, clarity, and fluency.
During a Colorimetry assessment, we use advanced technology to identify the exact colour and depth of tint that works best for each individual. No two prescriptions are the same — every patient requires a personalised solution.
We usually recommend a full eye examination first, so our optometrists can check your eye health and determine whether Colorimetry testing is likely to help. After the assessment, your optometrist will review the results with you and explain the next steps.
Symptoms of Visual Stress / Meares-Irlen Syndrome
If you or your child experiences any of the following while reading, Colorimetry may be beneficial:
✨Words or letters appearing to move, blur, or change size
✨Halos or colours surrounding text
✨Tiredness, sore eyes, or headaches when reading
✨Difficulty concentrating on written text
✨Skipping lines or losing place on the page
✨Text appearing distorted or with “patterns”
Who Could Benefit from Colorimetry?
Colorimetry can help a wide range of patients, including:
Dyslexia
Many patients with dyslexia notice a dramatic improvement in their reading comfort, clarity, and fluency with precision-tinted lenses. For others, the benefits may be less dramatic but still significant, such as improved stamina for reading and reduced eye strain.
We work closely with local schools and colleges in Coventry to support students. Children who already use coloured overlays often find Colorimetry testing provides a more precise, long-term solution through tinted spectacles.
Visual Stress (Pattern Glare)
Visual stress — sometimes called pattern glare — can affect anyone, even without a diagnosis of dyslexia. Patients describe symptoms such as:
✨Words appearing to move or blur on the page
✨Discomfort when using computers, iPads, or mobile devices
✨Headaches and eye strain when reading or writing
With the correct tint, tasks become easier, more comfortable, and less tiring. Many patients report they can read or work for longer without fatigue.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Studies and clinical experience suggest that up to 80% of patients with autism spectrum disorder benefit from a precision tint. For these patients, Colorimetry can reduce visual stress, making reading and daily visual tasks more manageable.
Migraine
Migraines can often be triggered by visual stress. During a Colorimetry assessment, patients who benefit usually notice an immediate reduction in discomfort with the correct tint. This can reduce visual triggers for migraines and improve quality of life.
Students & Schoolchildren
We work closely with local schools and colleges in Coventry, where many students already use coloured overlays. For those students, Colorimetry testing allows us to refine the overlay colour into a precision tint in spectacles for lasting benefit.
Adults with Visual Stress
Adults who struggle with reading at work, or experience eye strain when using screens, may also benefit from Colorimetry.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A COLORIMTRY ASSESSMENT?
At Eyesite Eyecare Centres in Coventry, we provide two stages of assessment to determine whether Colorimetry and precision tinted lenses could help with visual stress, dyslexia, or Irlen Syndrome.
Step 1: Overlay Assessment (30 minutes) Lasts about 30 minutes
✨A range of coloured overlays are placed over text to identify which colour best reduces the symptoms of visual stress
✨The Wilkins Rate of Reading Test is then carried out to measure whether the chosen overlay improves reading speed, accuracy, and comfort
✨If there is an improvement, the overlay colour is prescribed for use over a trial period of 4–6 weeks
Step 2: Intuitive Colorimetry Assessment
If overlays significantly improve reading, we recommend a more detailed Intuitive Colorimetry Assessment. This advanced test:
✨Determines the exact hue (colour) and saturation (depth of tint) that provides the most relief
✨Uses specialist equipment to test over 100,000 colour combinations
✨Allows us to prescribe precision tinted lenses in spectacles, which can be worn for reading, computer use, and even classroom whiteboards
Ongoing Care
The optimal tint colour can change over time, especially in children. That’s why we recommend regular re-evaluations to ensure the prescribed tint remains effective and comfortable.
FAQs – Colorimetry in Coventry
❓ What is Meares-Irlen Syndrome?
Also known as visual stress, it’s a condition where the brain has difficulty processing visual information, often making reading tiring and uncomfortable.
❓ How does Colorimetry testing work?
Using a specialist device called an Intuitive Colorimeter, we test different colours and shades to find the precision tint that reduces visual stress.
❓ Is Colorimetry only for dyslexia?
No. While many dyslexic patients benefit, Colorimetry can also help people with other reading difficulties, visual stress, migraines, and light sensitivity.
WHAT NEXT?
If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of visual stress, dyslexia-related reading difficulties, or Irlen Syndrome, the first step is to book a comprehensive sight test at Eyesite Eyecare Centres in Coventry. During this appointment, please mention your interest in Colorimetry.
Our optometrists will first ensure you have an accurate, up-to-date spectacle prescription, as many difficulties can be improved with the right glasses. If we feel that Colorimetry testing may also be beneficial, this will be discussed with you during the examination.
✨The fee for a Colorimetry assessment is £50.00
✨After the test, your optometrist will carefully review the results with you
✨If beneficial, we can then prescribe precision tinted lenses before any spectacles are dispensed