Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome in a Single Individual (A Case Study)

In 1983, Helen Irlen discovered that some dyslexic individuals could be helped by manipulating the optical frequency spectrum presented to their eyes the Irlen Phenomenon. Although it is accepted in several countries, this technique was considered somewhat controversial. The current study investigates this form of visual dyslexia to determine its legitimacy and the possibility of developing an experimental methodology to quantify and study the phenomenon in Fleet personnel, with the ultimate goal of improving Fleet training. U This case study substantiates the existence of the Irlen phenomenon through experimental research with a test subject utilizing the lay on filtering technique developed by Irlen in 1983 and application of the modern Receptor Field Theory of Human Vision. Study findings indicate that the energy spectrum presented to the eye of a dyslexic is capable of altering visual and cognitive performance to a significant extent for both better and worse. The experimental methods developed by this study can be used to quantify the performance of Irlen-type dyslexics and to study the impact of visual spectral energy on their vision system. Based on these findings, potentially 10 to 20 of Naval personnel could experience improvement in performance and efficiency through a simple modification of the work environment lighting system.