Some visual, optometric and perceptual effects of coloured glasses

Wilkins, Arnold; Neary, Catherine

Abstract

We examined 20 individuals who had worn coloured glasses (Irlen filters) for a period of at least 3 months and who claimed to find them beneficial. Sixteen had a history of reading difficulties. The performance of a variety of visual tasks was compared (1) using the coloured lenses; (2) using neutral density filters of similar photopic transmittance; and (3) using trial lenses to correct any residual refractive error. The coloured lenses appeared to reduce discomfort and susceptibility to a anomalous perceptual effects upon viewing grating patters. They also improved the speed of visual search by a small amount. The lenses had idiosyneratic effects on ocular muscle balance and acuity. They did not affect contrast sensitivity at a spatial frequency of 4 c/deg. Copyright © 1991, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 2, 1990
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 1991
• Journal: Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics
• Print ISSN: 0275-5408
• Electronic ISSN: 1475-1313
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 11
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 163-171
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-1313.1991.tb00216.x
• Keywords: coloured glasses
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1110424
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-1313.1991.tb00216.x