Assessment of Visual Processing in Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Visual Processing in Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome

Main Article Content

Wajiha Sohail Khan
Iqra Malik
Areej Nazeer
Anamta
Muhammad Ahmad Raza
Mohammad Waleed
Sidra Ghazanfar

Abstract

Background: Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome (SSS) is characterized by difficulties in reading, visual distortions, and discomfort, which can be alleviated with tinted lenses. The condition affects visual processing and brain function, making it essential to explore objective solutions through neuroimaging techniques.
Objective: To evaluate the effect of color-tinted lenses on reading performance and neural activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in individuals with SSS.
Methods: This study involved 40 participants with SSS, aged 18 to 34 years (mean age 23.7 ± 8.4), without neurological or psychiatric disorders. Participants were assessed for reading performance with and without color-tinted lenses. Reading speed in words per minute (WPM) was measured, and fMRI scans were performed before and after using lenses. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and brain activations were assessed with family-wise error correction at p < 0.05.
Results: Median reading speed improved from 134 WPM to 168 WPM after using tinted lenses (p < 0.002). fMRI showed significant activation in the left middle and superior temporal gyri with lenses (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Tinted lenses improved reading performance and modulated brain activity, suggesting a potential therapeutic role in managing SSS.

Article Details

How to Cite
Wajiha Sohail Khan, Iqra Malik, Areej Nazeer, Anamta, Muhammad Ahmad Raza, Mohammad Waleed, & Sidra Ghazanfar. (2024). Assessment of Visual Processing in Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Visual Processing in Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research, 4(3), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i3.1516
Section
Articles

References

Evans BJ, Wilkins AJ, Brown J, Busby A, Wingfield A, Jeanes R, Bald J. A Preliminary Investigation Into the Aetiology of Meares–Irlen Syndrome. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics. 1996;16(4):286-96.

Jang YG. Implementation of Virtual Colored Overlays in Mobile Devices for People With Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome. International Journal of Computer Science and Network Security (IJCSNS). 2013;13(4):13-8.

Evans BJ. The Need for Optometric Investigation in Suspected Meares–Irlen Syndrome or Visual Stress. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics. 2005;25(4):363-70.

Loe SJ, Watson K. A Prospective Genetic Marker of the Visual-Perception Disorder Meares–Irlen Syndrome. Perceptual and Motor Skills. 2012;114(3):870-82.

Stein J. Visual Motion Sensitivity and Reading. Neuropsychologia. 2003;41(13):1785-93.

Kriss I, Evans BJ. The Relationship Between Dyslexia and Meares–Irlen Syndrome. Journal of Research in Reading. 2005;28(3):350-64.

Kruk R, Sumbler K, Willows D. Visual Processing Characteristics of Children With Meares–Irlen Syndrome. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics. 2008;28(1):35-46.

Chang M, Kim SH, Kim JY, Cho YA. Specific Visual Symptoms and Signs of Meares–Irlen Syndrome in Korean. Korean Journal of Ophthalmology. 2014;28(2):159-63.

Kim SH, Cho YA. Clinical Characteristics of Patients With Dyslexia in Korea: Correlation With Meares–Irlen Syndrome. Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society. 2010;51(12):1639-42.

Park SH, Kim SH, Cho YA, Joo CK. The Effect of Colored Filters in Patients With Meares–Irlen Syndrome. Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society. 2012;53(3):452-9.

Logothetis NK. What We Can Do and What We Cannot Do With fMRI. Nature. 2008;453(7197):869-78.

Friston KJ, Holmes AP, Poline JB, Grasby PJ, Williams SC, Frackowiak RS, Turner R. Analysis of fMRI Time-Series Revisited. Neuroimage. 1995;2(1):45-53.

Chase C, Ashourzadeh A, Kelly C, Monfette S, Kinsey K. Can the Magnocellular Pathway Read? Evidence From Studies of Color. Vision Research. 2003;43(10):1211-22.

O'Connor PD, Sofo F, Kendall L, Olsen G. Reading Disabilities and the Effects of Colored Filters. Journal of Learning Disabilities. 1990;23(10):597-603.

Faraci ME. Does the Irlen® Method Bring About an Increase in Reading Scores on a Specific Test of Reading for Students Found to Have Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome? [dissertation]. San Diego: Alliant International University; 2009.

Williams GJ, Kitchener G, Press LJ, Scheiman MM, Steele GT. The Use of Tinted Lenses and Colored Overlays for the Treatment of Dyslexia and Other Related Reading and Learning Disorders. Optometry – Journal of the American Optometric Association. 2004;75(11):720-2.

Friederici AD, Rüschemeyer SA, Hahne A, Fiebach CJ. The Role of Left Inferior Frontal and Superior Temporal Cortex in Sentence Comprehension: Localizing Syntactic and Semantic Processes. Cerebral Cortex. 2003;13(2):170-7.

Vandenberghe R, Nobre AC, Price CJ. The Response of Left Temporal Cortex to Sentences. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience. 2002;14(4):550-60.

Loew SJ, Watson K. The Prevalence of Symptoms of Scotopic Sensitivity/Meares–Irlen Syndrome in Subjects Diagnosed With ADHD: Does Misdiagnosis Play a Significant Role? Hrvatska Revija za Rehabilitacijska Istraživanja. 2013;49(Suppl):64-72.

Al-Zoubi SM. Prevalence of Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome Among Arab Students With and Without Learning Disabilities. International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education. 2021;13(2):463-70.