Contrary to the coloured lenses research that was conducted in 1999, coloured overlays can be looked upon as controversial. This is because, in an experiment conducted where some participants were asked to read text without an overlay and then with an overlay, there was no significant difference between the reading speeds for either method. For example, Emily, aged 7 when the experiment took place, had a reading speed of 49 correct words per minute (CWPM) without an overlay and 48 CWPM with the overlay. The overlays being referred to as dyslexia overlays can also be considered controversial because they do not only help people with dyslexia, but they can also be beneficial for people with dyspraxia and AD(H)D. What Colour Overlay is Best for Dyslexia?

The NHS pays optometrists a small fee for carrying out a basic eye examination. As the tests listed above are of a specialist nature most optometrists have to charge a private fee for the detailed investigation of people with reading difficulties. Coloured overlays reduce the perceptual distortions of text that children sometimes describe. They enable some children to read text more fluently and with less discomfort and fewer headaches. It is important to assess the effects of a wide range of colours because individuals do not all benefit from the same colour.The rate of reading words on this test is usually more than 10% higher with the chosen overlay than without in children who will subsequently make frequent use of their overlay.

Some people experience visual discomfort or disturbance when they read. Common symptoms that may significantly impair reading ability, or make reading very tiring, include: There is now scientific research to show that both coloured filters (worn as spectacles) and coloured plastic sheets laid over text (known as overlays) can help some children to read. The DRT has carried out a randomised control trial that showed that in suitable dyslexic children, wearing blue filters for 3 months improved their reading age by an amazing 9 months. The children who benefit may be good readers, but more often they have difficulty reading. They usually suffer visual discomfort when reading and, when questioned, will often report perceptual distortions of the text. These distortions usually include apparent movement or blurring of the letters and words. Often there is a family history of migraine.Tyrrell, R., HoUand, K., Dennis, D. and Wilkins, A.J. (1995). Coloured overlays, visual discomfort, visual search and classroom reading. Journal of Research in Reading, 18(1), 10-23.

Many people who experience these issues find that placing coloured overlays onto the printed reading material helps alleviate discomfort and can improve reading efficiency and comprehension. Some people who experience headaches and other forms of visual discomfort have also found improvements from using these overlays. Cerium coloured overlays (shown with testing set). credit:ceriumvistechproducts.com Software solutions It was the most important moment of my life. For the first time in my life I could see text clear as glass. I was astounded…. All I could think to say was 'How did they do that?'"

Colored Overlays for Dyslexia

Visual dyslexia is a reality for about 30% of the population. It can cause headaches, migraines, reading discomfort and distortion of text that can vary from mild to so severe that reading is seriously impaired or even prevented.