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Contrast Sensitivity Differences Between Proficient and Disabled Readers Using Colored Lenses

Carol S. Spafford are associate professors in the School of Psychology and Education at American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts. They study and conduct research on the behavioral correlates and characteristics of individuals with dyslexia.

George S. Grosser, PhD

George S. Grosser are associate professors in the School of Psychology and Education at American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts. They study and conduct research on the behavioral correlates and characteristics of individuals with dyslexia.

Joseph R. Donatelle, OD, FAAO

Joseph R. Donatelle have an optometric practice with various specialities, including research on visual functioning. Address: Carol S. Spafford, American International College, Box 60, 1000 State St., Springfield, MA 01109-3189.

Steven R. Squillace, OD, FCOVD

Steven R. Squillace have an optometric practice with various specialities, including research on visual functioning. Address: Carol S. Spafford, American International College, Box 60, 1000 State St., Springfield, MA 01109-3189.

Jon P. Dana, OD

Jon P. Dana have an optometric practice with various specialities, including research on visual functioning. Address: Carol S. Spafford, American International College, Box 60, 1000 State St., Springfield, MA 01109-3189.

Colored overlays or lenses (e.g., Irlen lenses) have been used in attempts to remediate reading difficulties. The present study included four middle-socioeconomic status (SES) adults and four middle-SES children with reading disabilities as well as an equal number of nondisabled readers of the same age groups and SES. Examined were (a) the relationship of wavelength (lens color) to visual grating performance, (b) the effect of reading disability on performance with each lens-color/luminosity-grating combination, (c) group performances on a visual detection task with the clear and chromatic lenses, and (d) peripheral retinal brightness thresholds. The spatial frequency of the gratings (and not the lens color) permitted subjects with reading disabilities to be differentiated from the proficient readers. Subjects with reading disabilities displayed significantly lower contrast sensitivity when tested with sine-wave gratings, as well as displaying higher brightness thresholds in the peripheral retina.

Journal of Learning Disabilities, Vol. 28, No. 4, 240-252 (1995)
DOI: 10.1177/002221949502800406


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