a visual aid for the management of
reading difficulties and dyslexia is still
under quite an amount of scrutiny
in optometric research, there is no
doubt that it is tremendously helpful
to many children. I do want to state
that this is not a standalone remedy
and should be considered along
with other optometric management
solutions such as prescription lenses
(ChromaGen™ lenses are normally
ordered with a spectacle prescription)
and complement visual therapy.
With reading difficulties and
dyslexia3 it is imperative for a full
eye examination to be performed to
identify any and all underlying visual
shortcomings such as the inability
of the eye to focus properly and eye
muscle weakness. The visual system
should first of all be aided with
spectacles and/or visual exercises
before an additional aid like coloured
lenses is considered.
All in all, colour dominates our
visual world, from seeing the blue
in your baby’s eyes to appreciating
the lush, green meadows after good
summer rain and making the words in
your child’s textbook seem to be still
14 •
• June/July 2014
instead of dancing the tango. You’ll go
far to remove the impact that colour
has on your life.
REFERENCES:
1. Optometric Management of
Learning Related Problems –
Scheimann and Rouse
2. www.dyslexia-help.co.uk
3. www.colour-blindness.com
Foot Note
1. Please note that for ease of
understanding during this article,
the word “colour-blindness” will
be used to describe colour vision
deficiencies. People with colour
vision deficiencies are NOT blind!
2. Please note that this article was
written by an optometrist who uses
ChromaGen™ lenses. These lenses
are not part of a standardised
optometric practice and the
author does not guarantee that
all optometrists have these lenses
available. Please consult with your
optometrist’s office beforehand.
3. Dyslexia can only be diagnosed by
a trained professional during the
proper testing procedures.