Video Games Used Successfully To Treat "Lazy Eye" In Older Kids

A new study has been conducted that investigated the use of video games to treat a condition of the eye called amblyopia, more commonly known as lazy eye. The study looked at the use of video games as a way to treat lazy eye in kids who were between 10 and 18 years old. The study found significant gains can be made when using video games as a treatment.

According to the study that lasted a year, nearly 30% of the 100 participants made significant gains in vision. The study claims that about 60% showed at least some improvements. The study was broken into four groups. Participants in all of the groups wore eyeglasses that blocked the stronger eye for at least two hours per day to make the weaker eye work harder. Group one used the standard treatments only.

Group two used a supplement that is considered good for vision. Group three played at least one hour of video games daily using only the weaker eye. Group four took a supplement called citicoline that is associated with improved brain function. The most gains in the study were reported from participants in group three (video game group) and group four. The results of the study were presented at the 115th meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.