Some visual, optometric and perceptual effects of coloured glasses

We examined 20 individuals who had worn coloured glasses (Irlen filters) for a period of at least 3 months and who claimed to find them beneficial. Sixteen had a history of reading difficulties. The performance of a variety of visual tasks was compared (1) using the coloured lenses; (2) using neutral density filters of similar photopic transmittance; and (3) using trial lenses to correct any residual refractive error. The coloured lenses appeared to reduce discomfort and susceptibility to a anomalous perceptual effects upon viewing grating patters. They also improved the speed of visual search by a small amount. The lenses had idiosyneratic effects on ocular muscle balance and acuity. They did not affect contrast sensitivity at a spatial frequency of 4 c/deg. Copyright © 1991, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserve