Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, frequently known as Meares-Irlen Syndrome, is a visual perceptual disorder which can affect a person’s ability to read. It is often linked with dyslexia.
In the 1980s the American Psychologist Helen Irlen discovered that, for many individuals, coloured overlays and lenses could be used to lessen the problem.
Can a computer help?
Colour Schemes
Computers give individuals an appropriate system in which they can experiment with different colour schemes. Microsoft Word supports the ability to change the foreground and background colour and this can be implemented without affecting printed copies. Once a suitable colour combination has been found it can also be applied to Internet Explorer and elsewhere in the Windows environment. Although this can be accomplished using the Control Panel it is most easily achieved with the free Screen Tinter Lite.
Text-to-speech technologies provided in programs such as TextHelp Read & Write or ReadPlease can help comprehension of text through the auditory modality… [more]
Reducing Glare
Reducing the glare that is emitted from a computer screen can help everyone avoid headaches and eye fatigue; but is especially important for those more sensitive to light … [more]
Skepticism of the syndrome
There are many critics of the Meares-Irlen Syndrome, many of whom claim that the syndrome is related to known visual disorders that can be treated with standard lenses or visual therapy. Further reading can be found on the website of the American Optometric Association 
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Whatever the reality is, many users I have worked with have clearly benefited from adjusting the colour options and screen glare of their computer. Since the solutions are free there is little reason not try them out.
