Transcript 908 Irlen
The Brain Color & Light Sensitivity The Irlen Method By Helen L. Irlen, MA, LMFT www.irlen.com Helen Irlen, MA, LMFT Irlen Institute International HQ Long Beach, CA www.irlen.com [email protected] The Irlen Method Irlen Colored Overlays Irlen Spectral Filters Color to correct problems of Light Sensitivity Glare Stress & Strain Visual Distortions Visual Acuity Adaptation Time Visual Performance Field of Vision Headaches & Discomfort Contrast Sensitivity Fritz Steiner, Director for the Institute for the Visually Impaired “Nearly 60% of the visually impaired I have tested have benefited from the use of Irlen Spectral Filters. Nearly all reported greater eye comfort, less muscle tension, greater ability to do visual work, and decreased disturbance from reduced contrast.” Carol Baroudi, author of the best selling book, The Internet For Dummies “Irlen Spectral Filters have profoundly changed my life. My visual acuity is a full line better on eye charts. My eyes now move smoothly across a page. I can read for hours without eye fatigue and with greater ease.” “I tried all the recommendations from the Braille Institute for glasses that block out light with little success.” “Now that I am wearing Irlen Spectral Filters, I no longer experience the flashing of light, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea.” Nick Research Corning photochromic filters Comfort and visual performance for ocular disorders Filter 95-98% of blue light UV Shield and NoIR filters Glare and photophobia Nonscientific manner of prescribing Enhance Your Ability to Function Contrary to popular belief Children and adults with low vision vary in their need for color This needs to be determined on an individual basis Visually Impaired 67-71% light sensitivity Glare, contrast sensitivity, depth perception, visual distortions, strain & discomfort Association between color and light Function of the eye to transmit information Function of the brain to read and interpret visual information What is Stress? Environmental Stimuli Reaction Stress Environmental stimuli can place demands which exceed the brain’s ability to cope. The Irlen Syndrome Environmental Stressors Lighting Glare Bright Color High Contrast Patterns and Stripes Details Sustained Attention Continuous Performance Activities as Stressors Looking, Listening Reading, Math Writing, Copying Scantron Answer Sheets Computer, TV, Movies Other visually-intensive activities Brain & Visual Cortex Brain is the most complex organ 100 billion neurons Trillion supporting cells Brain involved in everything you do Thinking Feeling Acting Brain works right-you work right Brain doesn’t work right-you cannot Brain Systems Prefrontal Cortex: attention, organization, impulse, and mood control Anerior Cingulate Gyrus: gear shifter Basal Ganglia: movement and anxiety Thalamus: integrator Temporal Lobes: mood, memory, learning Parietal Lobes: sensory and direction Occipital Lobes: vision Cerebellum: processing speed Mind-Body-Learning Connection Environment & Visual Activities can cause over-stimulation Imbalance and changes Brain Autonomic NS Endocrine System Immune System Neuropeptide System “The real voyage of discovery is not in seeing new directions but in having new eyes.” Marcel Proust Before After Irlen Symptoms Physical Symptoms Headaches and migraines Dizziness Stomachaches Anxiety, nervousness and/or irritability Strain and discomfort Fatigue Irlen Symptoms Poor Attending/Listening Skills Sensory Integration Difficulties Poor Depth Perception Distractibility Night Blindness Problems Light sensitivity & visual fragmentation Reading and learning Behavior, attitude, or emotional problems ADD/HD Physical symptoms Small motor and gross motor integration Depth perception & sensory integration Neurological fragmentation Populations Learning & Reading Problems Dyslexia, ADHD, LD Blind & Visually Impaired Emotional Problems Depression Anxiety Disorder OCD Conduct Disorders and Behavior Problems Populations Medical Diseases Headaches/ Migraines Dizziness, Stomachaches ADD/HD Anxiety Autism/Aspergers Light-Induced Epilepsy Depression, OCD TBI, Concussion, Whip Lash Stroke Victims Visual Diseases/ Impairments Low Vision Auto Immune Fibromyalgia CFS Diabetes Multiple Sclerosis Cerebral Palsy Spina Bifida Parkinson’s Disease Viral Illnesses Hydrocephalus Myasthenia Gravis The Mind-Body-Learning Connection ENVIRONMENT VISUAL ACTIVITIES Lighting Patterns Reading Copying Contrast Colors Writing Computer Use PERCEPTUAL STRESS Changes in Brain Chemistry PROBLEMS 1. Physical symptoms (headache, migraine, fatigue, dizziness, stomachaches, eye strain, sinus congestion) 2. Attention & concentration 3. Learning (hypo/hyper sensitivity) Cortisol Serotonin Dopamine Hormone Learning, reading, emotional, behavioral, or attitude problems ADD/HD Dyslexia Conduct Disorders Psychologically Disturbed Changes in Automatic System Endocrine System Immune System Neuropeptide System PROBLEMS 4. Sensory integration 5. Depth perception 6. Suppressive immune system 7. Distractions & misconceptions Color Intervention Improve Perception Decrease Physical Symptoms Increase Calmness and General Well-Being Increase ability to handle paper work, complete reading and work assignments, and participate in daily activities Increase Social Skills Increase likelihood of appropriate reactions to difficult situations Improves Social Network Increase sense of competency Increase feelings of self-worth Resources & Related Links Reading by the Colors by Helen Irlen The Irlen Revolution by Helen Irlen RBC audio tape Irlen CD Rom The Light Barrier by Rhonda Stone Resources Irlen International Newsletter Irlen National and Int”l Conferences www.irlen.com and other Irlen websites Irlen CD Facebook YouTube: Irlen Reading By The Colors by Helen Irlen The Light Barrier by Rhonda Stone The Irlen Revolution: A Guide to Changing Your Perception and Your Life by Helen Irlen Online Resources Youtube Videos: Irlen ABC World News Teenager http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB8zRaLzr1M Irlen Syndrome: A Teen's Summary Optical Illusions