Prevalence of Meares-Irlen syndrome / Visual Stress that affects reading of third-grade children

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of MISViS, and identify the most common physical and visual perceptual discomfort that affect reading in third grade children of public and private Cuenca urban schools. Two hundred and sixty-seven third graders, as well as directors, parents and classroom teachers participated in this study. Children were assessed through observations, interviews and applying five tests of the Irlen Reading Perceptual Scale (IRPS®). MISViS prevalence in the severe range is 25.84% in the student population of the third grade of elementary schools in Cuenca, hindering the normal development of the reading process. The most common physical discomforts when reading were: i) moving closer to or further from the page (19.17%); ii) discomfort when reading under fluorescent lights (18.05%); iii) blinking very often (14.66%); and iv) pain, burning of the eyes while reading (12.78%). Within, the most common visual perceptual distortions identified are: i) the need of using the finger or marker while reading (37.59%); ii) choppy or slow reading (33.08%); iii) making effort to stay focused on the words, (28.95%); iv) avoiding reading or reading aloud (27.89%); and v) having trouble remembering what was read (19.92%); among others. It was concluded that MISViS prevalence in Cuenca urban schools is 25.84% for severe ranges; the most common visual perceptual distortions and physical discomfort when reading were also identified in this study group.