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 may be helpful for individuals experiencing visual stress symptoms, particularly when reading or using digital screens.
Visual Stress (Pattern Glare)
Visual stress — sometimes referred to as pattern glare — can affect both children and adults.
Common symptoms include:
✨ Words appearing to move, blur, or distort
✨ Discomfort when reading or using screens
✨ Headaches or eye strain during visual tasks
For some patients, a precision tinted lens may improve visual comfort, making reading and screen use easier and less tiring.
Individuals with Dyslexia Experiencing Visual Symptoms
Some people with dyslexia also report visual symptoms consistent with visual stress.
In these cases, colorimetry may be considered to assess visual comfort only.
It is important to note:
✨Precision tinted lenses are not a treatment for dyslexia
✨We do not diagnose or treat learning difficulties
Our role is to assess whether visual stress may be contributing to reading discomfort.
Children & Students
We work with children and students who experience visual discomfort when reading.
Some may already use coloured overlays. Colorimetry can assess whether a more precise, individualised tint provides improved comfort for longer-term use.
We aim to support visual performance while ensuring all advice is evidence-based and appropriate.
Autism Spectrum Conditions
Some individuals with autism may experience heightened visual sensitivity or discomfort.
Colorimetry can be used to assess whether a precision tint improves visual comfort in these cases.
Outcomes vary between individuals, and any benefit relates specifically to visual symptoms rather than underlying conditions.
Migraine & Light Sensitivity
For some patients, light sensitivity can act as a trigger for discomfort or headaches.
Colorimetry may help identify whether a specific tint reduces visual discomfort in certain lighting conditions.
This may help reduce visual triggers in some individuals.
Adults with Visual Stress
Visual stress is not limited to children.
Adults who experience:
✨Eye strain at work
✨Discomfort using screens
✨Difficulty sustaining reading
may also benefit from assessment.
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.
WHAT NEXT?
If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of visual stress or Meyer’s 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