Irlen lenses in the treatment of specific reading disability: An evaluation of outcomes and processes

Abstract

This study aimed at determining the relationship between Men lenses and reading ability. Using a variety of visual, phonological, workhg memory, and reading tasks, the efficacy of Irlen lenses with a reading-disabled population was investigated. Sixty subjects (20 normal readers, 20 specifically disabled readers with Irlen lenses and 20 specifically disabled readers who were shown to be unsuitable for the prescrip tion of Irlen lenses) were tested prior to intervention, at a posttest, and at a follow-up session 1 year later. Irlen lenses were found to have no effect either on reading performance or on any of the process variables thought to underlie reading ability.