Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome - Skepticism

Skepticism

Skepticism surrounding scotopic sensitivity syndrome has evolved on several fronts:

1. Whether it exists as a distinct, predictably identifiable disease with a reasonable pathophysiological mechanism;
2. Whether it is causally or incidentally related to dyslexia, autism, or other conditions; and
3. Whether existing methods of scotopic sensitivity syndrome treatment are appropriate and effective.

A 2009 report by The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not believe that there is any scientific evidence or basis for the use of colored lenses (the treatment used for Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome). When discussing its scientific basis, the AAP mentions that "he method used to select the lens or filter color has been highly variable,the color selection has also shown considerable variability,and the test-retest consistency has been poor" (p. 843)

The association of scotopic sensitivity syndrome and dyslexia has been challenged by many authors in both the optometric and ophthalmologic communities. Furthermore, many special education departments within universities also challenge the validity of SSS and Irlen lenses. As outlined by the Macquarie University Special Education Centre:

In a joint statement, The American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and American Association of Certified Orthoptists firmly repudiated the use of lenses, stating that there was no scientific evidence supporting their use. The expense of such treatment is unwarranted and may divert resources from evidence-based reading interventions.

Critics claim that the symptoms of those with Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome are related to already known visual disorders. According to a statement released by the American Optometric Association in 2004:

There is evidence that the underlying symptoms associated with the Irlen Syndrome are related to identifiable vision anomalies, e.g., accommodative, binocular, and ocular motor dysfunctions, in many patients seeking help from colored lenses. Furthermore, such conditions return to normal function when appropriately treated with lenses, prisms, or vision therapy. When patients exhibiting the Irlen Syndrome were treated with vision therapy, their symptoms were relieved. These patients were no longer classified as exhibiting this syndrome, and therefore did not demonstrate a need for the colored overlays or tinted lenses.