Visual Stress Eye Test

In recent years, many aids and treatments of visual stress have been presented; most recently, ‘Schoolvision’ has emerged as a significant leader. Whilst using colour as a basis, it also involves a deeper understanding of the anomalies of physical muscles inside the eye (the focussing muscles) and the muscles outside the eye (the muscles that control eye movement) and correcting them accordingly; this overall approach aims to stabilise the dominant eye.

How can we help?

McCrystal Opticians fully understands the challenges that can exist with visual stress. Through his own personal challenges Principal Optometrist, Noel McCrystal, embarked on a journey of detecting and helping individuals. Having worked initially with ‘Chromagen’, a patented system of colour treatment, as well as acquiring an ‘Intuitive Colorimeter ’ machine to open up all the possibilities of further colour permutations, he still observed a gap in treatment methods. Following further research, Noel completed a Diploma in ‘Schoolvision’; in adopting this Programme, the Practice has seen substantial improvements in practically all patients.

Signs of Visual Stress:

You may notice all or some of the following when your child is reading:

• A slowness or difficulty in reading print

• The child moving closer or further away from the page

• Becoming restless quickly

• Using their finger as a marker

• Skipping words or lines

• Rubbing their eyes and blinking excessively

• Low self esteem

Symptoms of Visual Stress:

All or some of the following may be present:

• Movement or ‘shimmering’ of the printed text

• Blurring of print

• ‘Losing position’ on the page

• Headaches or visual discomfort

• Patterns in the print (‘rivers’ or ‘worms’)

• Letters changing size or shape

• Tiring easily whilst reading

• Letter/word reversals