Using Video Games In Treating Lazy Eyes

GLASGOW CALEDONIAN UNIVERSITY, GLASGOW, SCOTLAND. Video games have been thought to ruin a person’s vision. Now, a Tetris-like game is being used by British doctors to correct amblyopia or lazy eyes. Special goggles are being utilized so that children with this eye condition can correct their weaker eyes.

For more than a decade, playing video games has been the source of eye strains and frying of brain cells. No further studies were made and this truth had been accepted by people in the field of medicine.

The advancement in technology has provided new opportunities to disprove this old belief about video games. A greater purpose was derived from the use of video games other than its primary purpose of entertainment. Nowadays, video games are synonymous to productive educational games that can actually develop strategic thinking and increase brainpower.

The invention that can treat the lazy eye syndrome utilizes a Tetris-like game. Kids used special goggles that let one eye see the fuzzy visuals that will force their weaker eye to work harder. On the other hand, the other goggle allows the other eye to see the pieces clearly. Tests show that the device serve as a powerful visual stimuli to the weaker eye.

The device works perfectly to children more than 7 years old. More than half of the children tested restored their vision and were able to see in 3D format. The test also showed that the traditional treatment of using an eye patch worked perfectly for children below 7.

The use of video games can be very effective in creating a better atmosphere for both the parents and the children especially when they need to visit their preferred doctors for any serious medical concerns. This is a good indicator that the computerized technology can be used in innovative ways that can target specific medical concerns.