A NEW PROTOCOL FOR THE OPTOMETRIC MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH READINGDIFFICULTIES

Research by Evans at al. (Ophthal. Physiol. Opt. 15, 481-487, 1995(6)) has demonstrated a correlation between visual processing and ocular m otor factors in people with specific reading difficulties (dyslexia). In addition, research by Wilkins et al. (Ophthal. Physiol. Opt. 14, 36 5-370, 1994) has shown that some people with dyslexia will benefit fro m a reduction of perceptual symptoms of discomfort and distortion if t hey use individually prescribed coloured filters. Three examples of th e dyslexic patients who attend at the Institute of Optometry clearly d emonstrate the importance of full investigation of ocular function, in cluding the assessment of the effect of colour on visual perception. A ll three patients presented with similar symptoms of asthenopia when r eading. Symptoms were alleviated for the first patient by use of ortho ptic treatment of an exotropia with intermittent suppression. With the second patient, ocular motor functions were found to be within accept able limits and relief of symptoms was obtained by the prescribing of lenses of a specific chromaticity. For the third patient, both orthopt ic intervention and the use of specifically tinted lenses were necessa ry to relieve the visual difficulties that were being experienced. By taking advantage of recent research and developments in optometric ins trumentation, it is possible for some of those with dyslexia to receiv e considerable benefit from optometric intervention.