Authors' objectives:

To use the process of systematic review to assess the effectiveness, and cost effectiveness, of coloured filters for reading disability.

Authors' recommendations: Meta-analysis and qualitative assessment of eight included RCTs did not show that the use of coloured filters led to a clear improvement in reading ability in subjects with reading disability. It was not possible to comment on whether coloured filters can improve symptoms of visual stress that may be associated with reading disability due to a lack of available evidence. Based on the evidence obtained from this systematic review there can be no major implications for current practice in the treatment of reading disability. It remains apossibility that there exists a subgroup of people who may experience an improvement in reading through the use of coloured filters, while others find that there is no beneficial effect. Further well-designed research may generate clearer results.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/Documents/college-mds/haps/projects/WMHTAC/REPreports/2008/Coloured_filters_for_reading_disability_FINAL_VERSION.pdf

Year Published: 2008

URL for published report: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/mds/projects/HaPS/PHEB/WMHTAC/REP/reports-list.aspx

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England

Organisation Name: West Midlands Health Technology Assessment Collaboration

Contact Address: Elaena Donald-Lopez, West Midlands Health Technology Assessment Collaboration, Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT Tel: +44 121 414 7450; Fax: +44 121 414 7878

Contact Name: louise.a.taylor@bham.ac.uk

Contact Email: louise.a.taylor@bham.ac.uk

Copyright: West Midlands Health Technology Assessment Collaboration (WMHTAC)