While I still try to remove See Right Dyslexia Glasses from being associated with tinted lenses ( read compare to tinted lenses ), when the AOA talks about more research being needed on the visual associations with dyslexia and uses the term tinted lenses, the See Right Dyslexia Glasses should be included.

When fMRI studies conclude that there is a visual component to dyslexia and the AOA  changes its position from dyslexia and vision are not related to needing more research, dyslexia web sites that state that dyslexia and vision are not related are using old research that has been refuted by the same source they used.

ST. LOUIS, Mo., March 2005 — An ongoing controversy over whether tinted lenses or filters might help people who have learning disabilities associated with dyslexia has again surfaced in early 2005.

An article in the Wall Street Journal in March points out a recent marketing push by some eye doctors who charge up to $2,000 for diagnostic tests using colored filters for patients with dyslexia, a method that some eye experts say is based on dubious science.

But an official position paper from the American Optometric Association (AOA) based in St. Louis says that some "undetected vision problems may be a factor in individuals who exhibit the symptoms" of a syndrome defined by psychologist Helen Irlen as a connection between dyslexia and vision.

Vision problems are a frequent factor in reading difficulties," the AOA's position paper says. "Ignoring the role of vision or inadequately evaluating the vision of individuals with reading problems is a disservice which may prevent the person from receiving appropriate care."

The AOA says further research is needed, based on reviews of scientific literature showing mixed results regarding the effectiveness of tinted lenses as an aid for people who have reading difficulties associated with dyslexia.

return to literature review