Video Games May Actually Be Good For the Eyes

A new study from the University of Rochester has found that contrary to conventional wisdom, playing video games may actually be good for one's eyes. Specifically, researchers showed that contrast sensitivity was improved. Contrast sensitivity is a very useful in activities where one must be aware of quick changes small changes in the shades of grey. The most obvious example of this is night driving. Old age as well as amblyopia (lazy eye) are two cases in which the contrast sensitivity is detriment. It was believed that neither could be corrected once adulthood was reached without some form of surgery.

But now, there appears to be hope for a therapy. The study used several types of video games, but in the end found that fast intense action ones as opposed to non-action were the most beneficial to contrast sensitivity tests. Daily treatments to play action video games were given over a long period of times. The study showed a definite trend of improvement to contrast sensitivity. It is believed that the fast action and need to noticed and react to small changes on the screen are the culprits for the improvement. The need to focus with using both eyes together train the whole system to work more effectively, reversing the damage previously done. The study shocked the researchers around the world, and should lead to future studies. Researchers are hoping to implement a therapy quickly that calls for the daily use of action video games. The study, though taking only a small sample group, was apparently very well done, and is thus gaining interest in the scientific community.

BBC