Scientists Use iPad Game to Treat Lazy Eye in Children

Amblyopia, also known as "lazy eye", occurs when an impaired connection with the brain reduces vision in one of the eyes. Scientists say a specially designed iPad game has outperformed the standard treatment for amblyopia, in restoring their visual abilities. In a study appearing in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology, the standard therapeutic approach of patching was tested alongside a binocular iPad game. Visual improvement for the gaming group was double that of the patching group. In addition to boosting visual abilities at a quicker pace, 5 out of 13 children who received binocular treatment reached a 20/32 or better visual acuity score, compared to 1 of 14 children with patching.