An Innovative Way to Cure “Lazy Eye”

Amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye, is an eye disorder that affects between 1 and 5 percent of the population. Lazy eye occurs when the vision in one eye does not develop properly. Another cause is strabismus, where one eye turns inward or outward.

Amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye, is an eye disorder that affects between 1 and 5 percent of the population. Lazy eye occurs when the vision in one eye does not develop properly. Another cause is strabismus, where one eye turns inward or outward. Without treatment it can lead to permanent vision loss in the weak eye.

Usually treatment for amblyopia is to cover the stronger eye with a patch so the “lazy eye” is forced to work harder. Many have to wear that patch for long periods of time which can be frustrating and uncomfortable.

Now, according to a study by McGill University in Canada and research in the UK, the popular mobile game of Tetris may be a good treatment for curing lazy eye. Following the Tetris pieces down the screen can cause both eyes to work together.

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During the study, 18 subjects with amblyopia wore a special pair of goggles and played Tetris for an hour, first with the affected eye covered, then with both eyes uncovered.

The study revealed when both eyes worked together, vision improved. This shows that forcing both eyes to cooperate increases the level of adaptability in the brain, which ultimately allows the weak eye to relearn how to see.