02/04/2026
When testing for Irlen Syndrome and finding the right color a number of times I’ve gotten a physical response such as crying because they could now see the words clearly for the first time, and also tapping on the overlay.
“How are Irlen lens colours chosen? Can my child just pick their favourite colour?”
Great question — and one we hear often!
Irlen lens colours aren’t chosen based on personal preference. Your child can’t simply pick their favourite colour, and they also can’t avoid a colour they don’t like.
That’s because Irlen colours are prescribed, not chosen like regular tinted glasses.
During the Irlen assessment, we spend around 2 hours carefully determining the exact colour that calms your child’s visual system and reduces symptoms. This involves:
👁️ Looking at how different colours affect their comfort
🔡 Testing how letters appear on an eye chart
📖 Checking for distortions, glare, and reading ease
🧠 Observing how their brain responds to different wavelengths of light
The right colour is the one that brings clarity, comfort, and stability—even if it isn’t a colour they would pick themselves.
So no, it’s not about favourite colours.
It’s about finding the precise filter their brain needs to function at its best.
www.irlendyslexia.com
