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Visual Stress – Coloured Overlay Assessment
We offer coloured overlay assessments to aid the symptoms of visual stress.
Visual stress can cause headaches, eye strain and other unpleasant symptoms.
We offer a range of eye health services at our opticians in Folkestone.
Our team is always on hand for guidance and advice, please get in touch with any queries you may have.
What is visual stress?
Patients experiencing visual stress may report unpleasant visual symptoms. The severity of these symptoms can vary from person to person, with approximately 20% of the population suffering to some degree.
Symptoms of visual stress are not immediately obvious. The symptoms can include:
- Headaches
- Eyestrain
- Tiredness after reading
- Blurring or movement of print
- Letters changing size
- Illusions of colour on the page
What causes visual stress?
The causes of visual stress are currently unknown; there is no scientific explanation for the symptoms, however, it is commonly agreed to be a visual-perceptual problem. Its perceptual nature means that it cannot be corrected with glasses, as it is believed to stem from the visual cortex of the brain.
Visual Stress is linked to dyslexia and similar visual learning difficulties
How we can help
At Eye Folk Opticians, we offer coloured overlay assessment to aid the symptoms of visual stress. Coloured Overlays are sheets of coloured, tinted plastic that can be placed over font.
Our coloured overlay assessments are carried out by our Dispensing Opticians who are fully trained and experienced in this area of work.
The right colour of overlay can reduce Visual Stress by:
- calming the bright white of the page;
- reducing the contrast of black text against the white page;
- and altering the striped pattern created by text printed across the page.
With the right overlay colour, reading becomes faster and more accurate, tracking improves as fewer words or lines are skipped, and discomfort is reduced because the material is less stressful to look at.
Assessments are £40, including 1 overlay (additional overlays are £6 each)
If it is felt that you may benefit from tinted spectacles instead of overlays, we can arrange this or refer you onwards.
It is vital that you or your child has had a full eye test prior to the overlay assessment to rule out any visual anomalies.
To book or to ask any questions, please phone 01303 252345
Visual Stress is linked to dyslexia and similar visual learning difficulties
Call Us
01303 252345
Reach Us
20 Guildhall Street, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 1DZ
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri 08.30 - 17.00 Sat 09.00 - 17:00