Visual stress, also known as Meares-Irlen Syndrome, is a condition that affects how the brain processes visual information, particularly text. Common symptoms include words appearing to move, blur, or distort on the page, sensitivity to bright light or glare, headaches or eye strain when reading, difficulty maintaining focus on text, and skipping lines or losing place easily. Visual stress can affect anyone, but it is more commonly seen in individuals with dyslexia. The Connection Between Dyslexia and Visual Stress: While dyslexia is a language-based processing difficulty, visual stress is related to how the brain interprets visual stimuli. The two conditions are separate, but they often coexist. Around 30–40% of people with dyslexia may also experience visual stress. Visual stress can make reading even more challenging for dyslexic individuals, and while treating visual stress does not “cure” dyslexia, it can significantly improve reading comfort and performance. Recognising both conditions is key to providing the right support. How Murray Opticians Can Help: At Murray Opticians, we offer specialised assessments to identify signs of visual stress and support individuals with dyslexia. Our services include comprehensive eye examinations including cycloplegic refraction (eyedrops), visual stress screening, coloured overlay assessments, and precision tinted lenses (when appropriate). Coloured overlays or lenses can help reduce visual distortions, making text appear clearer and more stable for those affected. Who Should Get Tested? You or your child may benefit from an assessment if you notice reading difficulties despite normal eyesight, complaints of moving or blurry text, frequent headaches when reading, or avoidance of reading or study tasks. Early identification can make a big difference in confidence, comfort, and academic success.