Archives

Can tinted and coloured filters help visual discomfort?

In this article Lesley Cree Opticians discuss whether coloured filters, in the form of lenses or overlays, can be used to treat visual discomfort associated with eye strain while reading and with visual-perceptual distortions.

Visual discomfort is a term used to describe the symptoms of eye strain or visual distortions. It often causes headaches, difficulty focusing, blurred vision or increased sensitivity to light, which can ultimately lead to poor performance when trying to carry out reading tasks.

Do coloured filters help with visual discomfort?  

There are differing views on the evidence and whether coloured filters help with the symptoms of visual discomfort. Coloured filters are not usually available on the NHS, however, the practice of using coloured filters for visual discomfort is fairly common in the UK, and often used in schools.

What we do know about coloured filters 

  • There is no firm evidence, but many people feel that coloured filters help reduce or get rid of the symptoms of visual discomfort
  • There is little risk of harm in using coloured filters, although your colour perception may be affected
  • More research on this topic is needed before we have definite evidence that coloured filters work in these situations
  • An optometrist, or eye-health professional, can investigate whether there are other causes of your symptoms before considering using coloured filters
  • Your optometrist, or eye-health professional, can advise you on the types of coloured filters available

Types of coloured filters or lenses

Overlays

These are the simplest and most cost-effective method to test if coloured filters help. You can get them for via your local opticians and you simply place them over the text you are reading. Some optometrists offer private tests which can help see which colour filter would benefit you the most.

Precision tinted lenses

These are lenses tinted to a precise colour that aims to help reduce visual discomfort. They will often be a different colour to the overlay.

Coloured filters and dyslexia 

Visual discomfort can affect anyone, but coloured filters are most used by people with dyslexia – often of school age – to improve reading. Recent media stories have recently highlighted the use of coloured filters for people with dyslexia, and several national charities for dyslexia in the UK have published information about them, showing their support.

It’s important to make a distinction between visual discomfort and dyslexia. While the symptoms of visual discomfort are often identified in people with dyslexia, there is no clear evidence that visual discomfort affects patients with dyslexia more than others. Using coloured filters is not a cure for specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, and won’t help every patient with visual discomfort, dyslexia or reading problems.

What should I do if I’m experiencing visual discomfort? 

Our first recommendation is to have a sight test, to check your eyes are healthy and find out whether a pair of glasses or contact lenses would help. The next step is to follow our tips for avoiding visual discomfort. These simple steps help a lot of people.

Tips for avoiding visual discomfort 

  • Even lighting – avoid bright light sources in your field of vision. Be aware of glare from windows and consider closing curtains or blinds to reduce this
  • Reduce glare from screens – adjust the screen position to reduce the glare from overhead lights
  • Be sure to regularly take time away from your screen or near tasks, such as reading, during your day
  • Hold digital devices further away – holding phones and tablets close to the eyes involves more effort to maintain focus. Holding these devices, a little farther away can help reduce eye tiredness.

If none of these steps work, it may be worth consulting with your local opticians to investigate if coloured filters and lenses will help.

To book an eye test with us online, please click here, or alternatively, you can ring the practice on 0115 9332999.