Visual Stress / Irlen Syndrome

Headaches, eye strain, and fatigue are common, especially after extended reading or screen time.

Definition: Visual stress—sometimes referred to as Irlen Syndrome—is a sensitivity to visual input that makes reading or looking at certain patterns physically or mentally uncomfortable. It can cause letters to blur, move, or “vibrate” on the page. Headaches, eye strain, and fatigue are common, especially after extended reading or screen time.

While not formally recognized in all medical or educational settings, many people with dyslexia report symptoms consistent with visual stress. For them, the struggle isn’t just with decoding words—it’s with how those words appear.

How It Shows Up

  • Letters seem to move, blur, or jump on the page

  • Words “melt” into the background or become hard to track

  • Sensitivity to bright lights, fluorescent bulbs, or high-contrast patterns

  • Frequent headaches, eye strain, or nausea when reading

  • Reading is slow, exhausting, or avoided altogether

  • Difficulty with columns, busy layouts, or black text on white backgrounds

  • Preference for tinted paper, overlays, or specific screen settings

Relationship Impact

Visual stress often goes unseen—but it can affect everything from daily routines to emotional dynamics. A partner might wonder why texts go unread, why shared articles feel like a burden, or why reading aloud causes frustration or panic.

For the person experiencing it, the shame can be layered: Why is this so hard? Why can’t I keep up? Why can’t I explain what’s happening in a way that makes sense?

Without a name for it, both partners may misinterpret the signs—seeing avoidance instead of overwhelm, or lack of follow-through instead of visual fatigue

What Helps

  • Use tinted backgrounds or overlays: Colored filters or paper (often blue, green, or yellow) can reduce symptoms for some people.

  • Adjust screen settings: Lower brightness, increase font size, and avoid high-contrast white/black combos.

  • Break up reading tasks: Instead of one long article, try short sections with rest in between.

  • Normalize accommodations: Reading support isn’t a crutch—it’s a tool. Respecting how the brain processes visually is an act of care.

  • Stay curious: If someone avoids reading, don’t assume disinterest. Ask what it feels like to them.

  • Consider assessment: Some opt for Irlen screening to identify helpful lens tints or overlays—but even without a formal diagnosis, simple adjustments can offer relief.

A Note of Recognition

Visual stress doesn’t show up on a report card or in casual conversation—but it’s real. For those who’ve had to work harder just to see clearly, know this: your struggle is valid, and you deserve tools that meet you where you are.