Video-Game Play Induces Plasticity in the Visual System of Adults with Amblyopia: A Crossover Intervention Trial for Adult Amblyopia
2011

Video Games Can Help Improve Vision in Adults with Amblyopia

Sample size: 20 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Li Roger W., Ngo Charlie, Nguyen Jennie, Levi Dennis M.

Primary Institution: University of California, Berkeley

Hypothesis

Can playing video games induce plasticity in the visual system of adults with amblyopia?

Conclusion

Playing video games significantly improves various visual functions in adults with amblyopia.

Supporting Evidence

  • Visual acuity improved by 33% on average after video game play.
  • Positional acuity improved by 16% after video game play.
  • Spatial attention improved by 37% after video game play.
  • Stereopsis improved by 54% after video game play.

Takeaway

Playing video games can help people with 'lazy eye' see better, even if they are adults.

Methodology

Participants played video games for 40 hours using their amblyopic eye while the fellow eye was patched, with assessments of visual functions before and after.

Potential Biases

Potential imbalances in participant characteristics due to non-random allocation.

Limitations

Small sample size, lack of randomization, and differences in numbers between groups.

Participant Demographics

Adults aged 15-61 with amblyopia, including various types such as strabismic and anisometropic.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pbio.1001135

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