Both coloured plastic overlays and/or precision tinted lenses can help to remedy Visual Stress.
Significant improvements in reading speed and accuracy are often reported when an optimum coloured plastic overlay is selected from a range of colours and placed over the printed page. Overlays present no danger to eyesight. Any improvement in reading speed of above 5% justifies a trial with an overlay, and improvements of over 10% may indicate testing with the Intuitive Colorimeter.
Precision tinted lenses are prescribed from the Intuitive Colorimeter and are dyed to a degree of accuracy not normally found in ophthalmic tinting. An examination with the colorimeter enables the effects of colour, saturation and brightness to be explored systematically and efficiently. The shades available enable the tint to be precisely tailored to the individual’s needs. Any requirement for a refractive prescription (long or short sight, etc.) can be included in the final precision tint prescription. Precision tinted lenses are more convenient when wearing, using computers and copying from the board. Overlays cannot be used for these activities.
The optimum colour (whether for overlays or precision tinted lenses) can change over time, especially in children. It is recommended that children with visual stress undergo a colorimetry test every year. The colour is less likely to change for adults and usually colorimetry is only repeated for adults if they feel that the benefit from their current colour is reducing.
