Irlen Syndrome Test

1. I lose my place often because reading becomes visually uncomfortable.

2. Reading triggers headaches or eye strain that interfere with the rest of my day.

3. I need frequent breaks when reading due to visual discomfort.

4. When reading, I feel uncomfortable enough that I rub my eyes or squint to cope.

5. I frequently reposition the page or my body to reduce glare or brightness when reading.

6. Lines of text seem to run together or I lose my place while reading.

7. When reading, the page feels uncomfortably bright or glaring.

8. I get headaches during or after reading.

9. Fluorescent lighting or bright overhead lights make reading harder for me.

10. I avoid reading because it becomes uncomfortable for my eyes.

11. I choose audio, video, or someone else reading aloud because reading text is uncomfortable.

12. Glossy pages (magazines, textbooks, laminated sheets) create glare that interferes with reading.

13. I avoid reading under certain lights because it causes discomfort or strain.

14. I struggle to finish longer reading assignments because discomfort builds up over time.

15. After reading, I may see lingering afterimages or feel my eyes have not “settled.”

16. Even short reading (labels, menus, messages) can be uncomfortable enough to bother me.

17. I need frequent breaks when reading because my eyes or head start to hurt.

18. I avoid reading for pleasure because it is not comfortable for me.

19. I feel visually overwhelmed in rooms with bright, harsh lighting.

20. I feel more comfortable reading when lighting is soft or indirect rather than bright and direct.

21. I become irritable or anxious when I have to read for a sustained period due to discomfort.

22. I avoid reading (books, articles, screens) because it becomes uncomfortable.

23. I prefer dimmer lighting than most people when reading or doing close work.

24. Bright sunlight coming through windows makes it difficult for me to read or concentrate on text.

25. I stop reading earlier than planned because the page becomes hard to tolerate.

26. I adjust lighting, screen settings, or seating mainly to reduce reading discomfort.

27. I read more slowly than I want to because reading feels physically uncomfortable.

28. Computer or tablet screens feel too bright for comfortable reading, even when others seem fine.

29. White paper with black print is especially uncomfortable for my eyes.

30. Bright pages or high-contrast text make reading uncomfortable enough that I avoid them.

31. I reread lines because discomfort makes it hard to take in what I just read.

32. Flicker from fluorescent or LED lights (even subtle) bothers my eyes or makes me uncomfortable.

33. Strong contrast in printed materials (very dark ink, very white page) makes my eyes tire quickly.

34. High-contrast black text on white backgrounds causes me eye strain.

35. I rely on tools (e.g., ruler/guide, larger text, colored overlay/night mode) to keep reading comfortable.

36. Reading causes enough discomfort that it affects my school/work performance.

37. Reading white text on a dark background (dark mode) feels easier on my eyes than black on white.

38. Bright white paper feels uncomfortably glaring to look at for long.

39. I need to use my finger, a ruler, or a bookmark to keep my place when reading.

40. Glare from overhead lights reflects off the page and bothers me while reading.

41. I can only read for a short time before my focus drops due to discomfort.

42. Strong overhead lighting makes the print seem “too sharp” or uncomfortable to look at.

43. After reading, I need time to recover because my eyes feel overstimulated or sore.

44. I feel unusually tired or drained after reading (more than expected).

45. Letters or words appear to move, wiggle, or shimmer on the page.

46. I put off reading tasks because I anticipate discomfort.

47. I feel worn out or drained after reading, even when the material is not difficult.

48. I get headaches or pressure in my eyes when reading under bright lights.

49. I am more sensitive than others to glare from glossy pages or laminated sheets.

50. My eyes feel strained or sore when I read for more than a few minutes.

51. I squint, frown, or tense my face when trying to read.

52. I do better reading on colored or off-white paper (e.g., cream) than on bright white paper.

53. Reading in typical environments (classroom, office, public places) is hard because discomfort increases.

54. I notice patterns, waves, or “rivers” of white space running through text.

55. I skim or skip parts of text because sustained reading becomes uncomfortable.

56. I feel nauseous, dizzy, or motion-sick when reading for a while.

57. Fluorescent lighting (e.g., in classrooms or offices) makes it harder for me to focus on reading.

58. My eyes water, burn, or feel dry when reading.

59. I have trouble concentrating on meaning because I am busy managing visual discomfort.

60. The print seems to blur, even though I can see it clearly at first.

61. I often reduce screen brightness or use “night mode” to tolerate reading on devices.

62. I find myself squinting or shielding my eyes when reading in certain lighting.

63. Text on screens (phone/tablet/computer) causes similar discomfort as paper reading.

64. Text appears to have shadows, halos, or a double-image effect.