Journal of Paramedical Sciences & Rehabilitation

Journal of Paramedical Sciences & Rehabilitation

The Effect of Binocular Disorders and Colored Filters on Reading Ability of Dyslexic Children

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
H Ostadimoghaddam 1, 2
Z Mohammadi 2
N Yazdani 1, 2
S Hasanzadeh 1, 2
D Sobhani-Rad 3
J Heravian Shandiz 1, 2
M Khabazkhoob 4
A Ehsaei 1, 2
1 Refractive Errors Research Center Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
2 Department of Optometry, School of Paramedical Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
3 Department of Speech Therapy, School of Paramedical Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
4 Noor Research Center for Ophthalmic Epidemiology, Noor Eye Hospital, Iran. Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
10.22038/jpsr.2019.34131.1837
Abstract
Purpose:
To study the effect of colored filters on the reading ability in dyslexic children.
Methods:
A total oftwelve dyslexic children and twelve age and gender matched non-dyslexic children were administered. Following examinations were performed for participants: visual acuity assessment, refraction, evaluating far and near heterophoria, measuring near point of convergence and accommodation, stereopsis, and near fusional reserves. Reading ability was assessed with colored filters and transparent in dyslexic patients. Colored filters were chosen based on Wilkins method (X1 to X16). Filter which improved the reading ability was recorded.
Results:
Significant reduction in fusional reserves in dyslexic children compared to normal individuals were observed. (Base in Break p=0.02, Base in recovery, Base Out Break and Base Out recovery p<0.001) However, other visual functions did not differ significantly between the dyslexic and control groups. Colored filters significantly improved word reading ability of dyslexic children. (p=0.0036)
Conclusion:
Our findings showed a reduction in fusional reserves in dyslexic children. Reading ability significantly increased in dyslexic children using color filters.
Keywords
Dyslexia
Binocular vision
Magnocellular system
Colored filters
Subjects
  1. Padhy SK, Goel S, Das SS, Sarkar S, et al. Prevalence and Patterns of Learning Disabilities in School Children. Indian journal of pediatrics 2016; 83(4): 300-6.
  2. Hall R, Ray N, Harries P, Stein J. A comparison of two-coloured filter systems for treating visual reading difficulties. Disability and rehabilitation 2013; 35(26): 2221-6.
  3. Billard C, Delteil-Pinton F. Dyslexia: clinical characteristics. Archives de pediatrie : organe officiel de la Societe francaise de pediatrie 2010; 17(12): 1734-43.
  4. Shaywitz BA, Fletcher JM, Shaywitz SE. Defining and classifying learning disabilities and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Journal of child neurology 1995; 10 Suppl 1: S50-7.
  5. Sun Z, Zou L, Zhang J, Mo S, et al. Prevalence and associated risk factors of dyslexic children in a middle-sized city of China: a cross-sectional study. PloS one 2013; 8(2): e56688.
  6. Chase C, Ashourzadeh A, Kelly C, Monfette S, et al. Can the magnocellular pathway read? Evidence from studies of color. Vision research 2003; 43(10): 1211-22.
  7. Stein J. The magnocellular theory of developmental dyslexia. Dyslexia (Chichester, England) 2001; 7(1): 12-36.
  8. Ramus F, Rosen S, Dakin SC, Day BL, et al. Theories of developmental dyslexia: insights from a multiple case study of dyslexic adults. Brain: a journal of neurology 2003; 126(Pt 4): 841-65.
  9. Pavlidis GT. Eye movements in dyslexia: their diagnostic significance. Journal of learning disabilities 1985; 18(1): 42-50.
  10. Alanazi MA, Alanazi SA, Osuagwu UL. Evaluation of visual stress symptoms in age-matched dyslexic, Meares-Irlen syndrome and normal adults.  International journal of ophthalmology  2016;  9(4): 617-24.
  11. Evans BJ, Wilkins AJ, Brown J, Busby A, et al. A preliminary investigation into the aetiology of Meares-Irlen syndrome. Ophthalmic & physiological optics : the journal of the British College of Ophthalmic Opticians (Optometrists) 1996; 16(4): 286-96.
  12. Kriss I, Evans BJW. The relationship between dyslexia and Meares-Irlen Syndrome. Journal of Research in Reading 2005; 28(3): 350-64.
  13. Irlen H. Reading by the Colors: Overcoming Dyslexia and Other Reading Disabilities Through the Irlen Method. Group AP, editor. New York, NY1991.
  14. Bouldoukian J, Wilkins AJ, Evans BJ. Randomised controlled trial of the effect of coloured overlays on the rate of reading of people with specific learning difficulties. Ophthalmic & physiological optics : the journal of the British College of Ophthalmic Opticians (Optometrists) 2002; 22(1): 55-60.
  15. Northway N, Manahilov V, Simpson W. Coloured filters improve exclusion of perceptual noise in visually symptomatic dyslexics. Journal of Research in Reading 2010; 33(3): 223-30.
  16. Wilkins AJ, Sihra N, Myers A. Increasing reading speed by using colours: issues concerning reliability and specificity, and their theoretical and practical implications. Perception 2005; 34(1): 109-20.
  17. Hatcher J, Snowling MJ, Griffiths YM. Cognitive assessment of dyslexic students in higher education. British Journal of Educational Psychology 2002; 72(1): 119-33.
  18. Evans BJ, Drasdo N, Richards IL. Investigation of accommodative and binocular function in dyslexia. Ophthalmic & physiological optics : the journal of the British College of Ophthalmic Opticians (Optometrists) 1994; 14(1): 5-19.
  19. Kapoula Z, Bucci MP, Jurion F, Ayoun J, et al. Evidence for frequent divergence impairment in French dyslexic children: deficit of convergence relaxation or of divergence per se? Graefe's archive for clinical and experimental ophthalmology = Albrecht von Graefes Archiv fur klinische und experimentelle Ophthalmologie 2007; 245(7): 931-6.
  20. AJ W. Reading Through Colour: How Coloured Filters Can Reduce Reading Difficulty, Eye Strain, and Headaches 2003.
  21. Jainta S, Kapoula Z. Dyslexic children are confronted with unstable binocular fixation while reading. PloS one 2011; 6(4): e18694.
  22. Kirkby JA, Blythe HI, Drieghe D, Liversedge SP. Reading text increases binocular disparity in dyslexic children. PloS one 2011; 6(11): e27105.
  23. Jainta S KZ. Dyslexic children are confronted with unstable binocular fixation while reading  PLoS One 2011; 6(4): e18694.
  24. Evan BJ. Visual Factors in Dyslexia. The Study of Dyslexia. Springer, editor 2004.
  25. Lightstone A, Lightstone T, Wilkins A. Both coloured overlays and coloured lenses can improve reading fluency, but their optimal chromaticities differ. Ophthalmic & physiological optics : the journal of the British College of Ophthalmic Opticians (Optometrists) 1999; 19(4): 279-85.
  26. Ray NJ, Fowler S, Stein JF. Yellow filters can improve magnocellular function: motion sensitivity, convergence, accommodation, and reading. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 2005; 1039: 283-93.

Journal of Paramedical Sciences & Rehabilitation
Volume 8, Issue 2
Summer 2019
Pages 29-36