Visual stress is a sensitivity to visual patterns or certain colour contrasts that can make reading or looking at text uncomfortable. It can cause symptoms such as blurred words, movement of print, headaches, or eye strain.
Visual stress can affect people of all ages. It’s often noticed in children or adults who struggle with reading, though it can also affect individuals with dyslexia, migraine, autism, or photosensitive epilepsy. However, anyone can experience visual discomfort when viewing text.
If you find reading tiring, words appear to move or blur on the page, or bright white backgrounds feel uncomfortable, you may benefit from a visual stress assessment. A specialist can help identify whether colour can reduce these symptoms.
Research has shown that some patients require extremely precise coloured tints in order to fully benefit from coloured lenses.
- A full eye examination – make sure your vision, eye coordination, and focusing are all working properly. If you need glasses or eye exercises, that may be sorted first.
Only when your vision is corrected do we move on to look for visual stress. - Screening – this will involve an assessment with visual patterns, reading tests and coloured overlays (plastic coloured sheets). If symptoms are reduced you may be referred for an Intuitive Colorimeter assessment
- Intuitive Colorimeter Assessment – to explore a much wider area of colour space and ensure you are benefiting from your optimal precision tint
- Follow up – colour requirements can change over time, so it is important to re assess in line with your standard eye examination
About the Intuitive Colorimeter
The Intuitive Colorimeter is a scientifically developed instrument used by eye care professionals to assess visual stress. It allows precise testing under controlled lighting to find the exact colour tint that may make reading more comfortable.
During the assessment, the practitioner will adjust the colour and intensity of light using the Intuitive Colorimeter while you read text. You’ll be asked which tints make the print appear clearer, more stable, or more comfortable. The test is quick, non-invasive, and suitable for both children and adults.
Not at all. The process simply involves viewing text under different coloured lighting conditions. Most patients find it interesting and often feel immediate relief when the right colour is found.
About Precision Tinted Lenses
Once your optimal colour has been identified using the Intuitive Colorimeter, that specific tint can be applied to prescription or non-prescription lenses. These are known as Precision Tinted Lenses and are individually made to your exact requirements in our specialist tinting lab.
Precision Tinted Lenses are bespoke. They are created using your exact colour profile measured by the Intuitive Colorimeter, ensuring accuracy, comfort, and consistency – something off-the-shelf products cannot achieve.
While Precision Tinted Lenses don’t cure dyslexia, they can reduce visual stress, a common factor that makes reading more difficult for some individuals with dyslexia. Many patients find reading becomes more fluent and comfortable with their prescribed tint.
Yes. Precision Tinted Lenses can be made to include your optical prescription if needed, so you benefit from both clear vision and reduced visual discomfort.
With proper care, your lenses should last as long as any standard pair of prescription glasses. If your prescription changes, your optician can advise whether you need a new pair with the same tint.
Practical Information
You can book an assessment with an eye care professional who offers Intuitive Colorimetry assessments. Many optometrists and vision specialists across the UK and internationally are equipped with the Intuitive Colorimeter. You can find your local specialist on our website.
Fees vary depending on the clinic and whether additional vision assessments are required. Your practitioner will be able to provide full details before your appointment.
Many patients notice an improvement immediately during the assessment, though it may take a few days to fully adjust to wearing your tinted lenses.
No. The tints are completely safe to use and can be worn just like regular glasses.
Care and Aftercare
You can clean them using a soft, lint-free cloth and lens cleaning solution, just like regular lenses. Avoid abrasive cleaners, hot water, or rough cloths to maintain the tint’s integrity.
If you notice a change in your reading comfort or visual symptoms, you can return to your practitioner for a reassessment. Your optimal tint can change slightly over time, and the Intuitive Colorimeter allows precise re-measurement