French inventor helps dyslexic people read with lamp

The light it gives off makes the brain of a dyslexic person react differently.

When reading, dyslexic people often see a mirror image of text, because they have two dominant eyes.

This creates confusion as they see two images at the same time. Jean-Baptiste Fontes (pictured), Lexilife founder and creator of the Lexilight lamp, said the light erases the mirror effect.

“My little brother is dyslexic, so I was interested in this topic,” he said.

“After working with researchers in Brittany, I made the first tests with my brother and it worked. Then we tried it on a panel of 300 dyslexic people, and 90% of them were happy with the results.”

The lamp can be adjusted so the user can best see the text. It can also be used by non-dyslexic people, as the dyslexic mode can be turned off. Around 10% of people are affected by dyslexia.

The lamp is made in Brittany, and distribution has been expanding to the UK, Switzerland, Bel­gium and Italy.

It can be ordered anywhere in Europe for €549 and has a 10-year warranty.

Mr Fontes is now seeking clinical trials to get professional certification so the cost of the lamp can be reimbursed by mutuelles.