By Carole Robinson, Staff Writer
Posted on: 12/28/2011 at williamsonherald.com
It is well documented that most children who act out in school have
some type of learning difficulty or learning difference that has either not been identified or has not been addressed. Many of those children are afflicted with dyslexia.
Dyslexia is a condition that makes it difficult for people to process information through “the meaning of the written word or printed words and sentences.” The problem can manifest itself in several ways with reading, writing, number work, short-term memory, hand control or visual processing.
Brentwood Neuro-Optometric Physician, Dr. Michael Politzer has discovered a way to help resolve the issue of dyslexia for about 50 percent of children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition.
New research shows in patients with dyslexia, the eyes are not in balance with the brain. Usually one eye is sending messages faster than the other causing letters, numbers or characters to appear to float on the page, run together, run off the page or the patient sees double.
“As we read words our eyes work together so one word is exiting before the next word comes along,” said Politzer, who has been providing low-vision and vision rehabilitation care in Middle Tennessee since 1974.
Until recently, dyslexia was presumed to be one of those inherited neurological conditions in which little or nothing could be done using optical correction. Consequently, not much was done except to help the afflicted adapt to their condition.
Those who weren’t identified simply learned to shield their disability.
Dyslexia is inherited, but the ChromaGen lens system – a series of colored lens developed in the 1990s in England by Dr. David Harris – may offer a life-changing aid for many.
Last spring the ChromaGen lenses were FDA-cleared for glasses and contacts to treat the symptoms of dyslexia and colorblindness.
“We live in a visual world – 80 percent of the information process comes through visually.” Politzer said. Due to the property of color, “Color filters can change the processing speed from the eye to the brain.”
Politzer uses Haploscopic testing, a process that tests each eye individually but with both eyes open. Once the appropriate color combination has been deciphered, the lens is coated with a gray-tinted neutral density filter that does not affect the effectiveness of the lens, but for cosmetic purposes, looks like sunglasses.
ChromaGen lenses can also be used with other visual prescriptions, eliminating the one or the other circumstance.
By the time the 30-minute exam is complete, patients know whether the lenses will work for them because there is immediate improvement. Once the lenses are in use, it isn’t long before reading, writing and math skills improve significantly and behavioral problems in children disappear.
“What we find is that some patients respond with significant improvement in reading speed,” said Politzer, one of only four doctors in Tennessee certified to prescribe the lens. “Some not so fast, but their demeanor changes – they gain self confidence and the willingness to do schoolwork and the desire to tackle hard tasks. This is not a cure – it is a life-changing aid.”
Additional treatments such as psychological intervention or academic therapy may be needed to overcome a lifetime of habits or to learn what they have missed due the vision disability.
“Everyone benefits,” Politzer added.
The child or adult can now achieve their full learning potential, there is a change in the family dynamics when behavioral problems disappear and for adults, the earning potential is significantly increased.
Since the ChromaGen lens is so new, it is not generally covered by insurance. The entire process – exam and lenses – can cost between $800 and $900, depending on the need, but as the success story becomes known and
usage increases, the cost is expected to go down. The company is working closely with non-profits so those who can’t afford the lens but need them may have access to them.
“Imagine the affect on society having more people literate and full functioning – that is a huge benefit,” Politzer said.
For information on ChromaGen, or to make an appointment, call (256) 274-4300 or email drchrisod@aol.com.
Innovative Eyecare
823 6th Ave SE Decatur, AL 35601(256) 274-4300
