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Coloured Overlays for Visual Stress – Assessment & Advice
What is Visual Stress?
Visual stress refers to a range of symptoms some people experience when reading, such as:
- Words appearing to move, blur, or change shape
- Letters seeming to “swap places”
- Eye strain or headaches after reading
- Needing to focus on each word individually
Visual stress is not the same as dyslexia, though some people with dyslexia may also experience it.
How Coloured Overlays May Help
Coloured overlays are thin, transparent sheets placed over text. Some people find reading more comfortable with a specific colour overlay. Possible benefits include:
- Reduced visual distortion
- Increased comfort when reading
- Reduced eye strain
The Evidence
- Coloured overlays do not treat dyslexia.
- Research evidence on their effectiveness is limited and mixed.
- Any benefit is likely to be in terms of visual comfort, not reading ability.
- Some people notice a difference; others do not.
We follow the College of Optometrists’ guidance in ensuring all patients are fully informed of these limitations before making any purchase.
Our Assessment Process
- Discussion of Symptoms – We’ll explore your reading experience and any discomfort.
- Overlay Trial – You’ll try different coloured overlays to see if reading feels more comfortable.
- Informed Advice – We’ll explain the potential benefits and limitations before you decide.
If you would like to explore whether coloured overlays might make reading more comfortable, please contact us.
Important Disclaimer: Coloured overlays are not a treatment for dyslexia. While some people with symptoms of visual stress (which is different from dyslexia) may find coloured overlays make reading more comfortable, there is no strong scientific evidence that they improve reading ability in people with dyslexia. Any benefit is individual and may not be long-lasting. We will explain the potential benefits and limitations before you decide whether to try them.